Bateman Statement on Murphy’s Minimum Wage Hike
Senator Kip Bateman (R-Somerset, Mercer, Middlesex, Hunterdon) released a statement in light of today’s signing of legislation that will raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour:
Sen. Kip Bateman said that good policy decisions aren’t made on the campaign trail, and many of the businesses that make NJ’s main streets unique will be forced to close, now that Gov. Murphy has signed legislation to increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour. (SenateNJ.com)
“Campaign promises are one thing, but good policy is another and this legislation is just not good policy. I think we can all agree that the current minimum wage needs to change, but we had a responsibility to raise it in a measured, responsible way – with carve-outs that are actually carve-outs, not just slower phase-outs.
“Many of the decades-old shops that make our Main Streets unique will go out of business. The landscape of the Jersey Shore and seasonal destinations around the state will change forever. Bigger corporations and chains that can afford to do so, will replace entry-level jobs with kiosks and automated services.
Bateman Announces District Office Food Drive
Senator Joins Somerset County Food Bank in Effort to Aid Federal Workers Impacted by Shutdown
Senator Kip Bateman (R-16) today announced that his district office will be hosting a food drive to help local food banks cope with a rise in demand, and meet the needs of furloughed federal government workers and all local residents currently struggling with hunger.
Senator Bateman announced his district office will be hosting a food drive to help furloughed federal government employees and all local residents struggling with hunger. (The Food Bank Network of Somerset County)
Non-perishable food items and toiletries can be dropped off at Senator Bateman’s district office in Somerville through the end of February.
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Bateman/Smith/Greenstein Bill to Establish Permanent Funding for Open Space & Farmland Preservation Passes Committee
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senators Kip Bateman, Bob Smith, and Linda Greenstein, to establish funding for constitutionally dedicated Corporate Business Tax (CBT) revenues for the State’s open space, farmland, and historic preservation programs for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 and thereafter, has passed the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Sens. Kip Bateman, Bob Smith, and Linda Greenstein to establish funding for open space, farmland, and historic preservation programs has passed the Senate Environment and Energy Committee. (SenateNJ.com)
“Open space preservation needs a constant source of funding. A onetime payment is simply not enough to protect New Jersey’s parks and farmland from pollution or overdevelopment,” said Senator Bateman (R-Hunterdon/Mercer/Middlesex/Somerset). “When it comes to safeguarding environmental resources in the most densely populated state in the nation, we have to think ahead. This legislation is a fiscally-responsible way to keep the Garden State clean and green for years to come.”
Gov. Signs Bateman Bill Expanding Security Funding for Houses of Worship, Nonprofits
Governor Phil Murphy has signed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman to permit eligible nonprofits, including houses of worship, to access grants to increase security and keep New Jersey families safe from violence, and threats of bias and intimidation.
Gov. Murphy has signed Sen. Kip Bateman’s bill to expand security funding for nonprofits, including houses of worship to keep NJ families safe from violence, and threats of bias and intimidation. (Flickr)
“We all need be extremely concerned about the rise of anti-Semitism and bias crimes in our country. New Jersey is one of the most diverse states in the nation, but these crimes are happening here, too,” Senator Bateman (R-16) said. “There was a 32 percent spike in anti-Semitic incidents in 2017 in our state. I am glad to see us take action on a bipartisan basis to stand up to hate and ensure that our houses of worship and nonprofits can continue to be beacons of hope for people in need. No one should be forced to worship in fear.”
Bateman & Greenstein Urge Gov. to Block Proposed Fracking Rules for Delaware River Basin
The New Jersey State Senate has passed a bipartisan resolution sponsored by Sen. Kip Bateman and Sen. Linda Greenstein urging Governor Phil Murphy to block a proposed Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) rule permitting the storage, treatment, disposal and discharge of wastewater generated from fracking in the basin.
Sens. Kip Bateman and Linda Greenstein’s bipartisan resolution urging Gov. Murphy to block fracking in the Delaware River Basin has passed the State Senate. (SenateNJ.com)
“Ignoring the safety and environmental concerns surrounding fracking is completely irresponsible,” said Senator Bateman (R-Somerset/Hunterdon/Mercer/Middlesex). “The Delaware River Basin supplies clean drinking water to millions of people. We cannot allow oil and gas companies to come here and put families at risk. I have been speaking out against fracking and unnecessary pipelines for years and I will continue to work with anyone, regardless of party, who shares that goal. There are very few efforts that are more important than safeguarding the natural resources we rely on now, so our children and grandchildren can have access to them, too.”
Doherty/Bateman Bill to Allow Dogs at Breweries Passes Senate
The New Jersey State Senate has passed legislation sponsored by Senators Mike Doherty and Kip Bateman to allow dogs in New Jersey breweries.
The New Jersey Senate has passed a bill by Sens. Mike Doherty and Kip Bateman’s to allow dogs in consumption areas of microbreweries. (©iStock)
“Any time we see an industry that’s actually growing in New Jersey, we should seize any opportunity we can to help those businesses succeed,” Senator Doherty (R-23) said. “Employers face enough challenges as it is because of all the red tape in this state. Our bill was inspired by all of the brewery owners who have been vocal about the fact that being dog-friendly is good for business. Eliminating the regulation that keeps dogs out of breweries is an easy way to keep craft beer flowing in the Garden State.”
Bateman Editorial: Start Making NJ More Affordable — Now
The following editorial by Senator Kip Bateman (R-16) on the need to advance the reforms proposed by the bipartisan Economic Fiscal Policy Workgroup was published on Dec. 6, 2018 in Gannett publications, including MyCentralJersey.com.
Sen. Kip Bateman’s editorial on the need to advance bipartisan fiscal reforms was published on Dec. 6, 2018 in Gannett publications, including MyCentralJersey.com. (Wikimedia Commons)
The most common concern I hear from my constituents is that our state has simply become too expensive. Young adults can’t afford to raise a family here. Their parents can’t afford to retire here, so they can help raise their grandkids. Far too many of our residents, from recent grads to seniors, are picking up their lives, and heading out of state.
As leaders of this state, we have two options: we can make fiscally responsible decisions to save New Jersey now, or force our kids to deal with a legacy of economic turmoil. Without immediate action, I fear they will face the latter.
Doherty & Bateman Move to Allow Dogs at NJ Breweries
Legislation sponsored by Senators Mike Doherty and Kip Bateman to allow dogs in New Jersey breweries has passed the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.
Legislation sponsored by Sens. Mike Doherty and Kip Bateman to allow dogs in NJ breweries has passed the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee. (Wikimedia)
“One of the biggest challenges any small business owner will face is increasing foot traffic. Our bill will increase foot AND paw traffic for local breweries,” Senator Bateman (R-16) said. “Breweries are more than brick and mortar and steel tanks – they are hopping hang out spots where people can get together, hoist a pint, and make new memories. Allowing man’s best friend to come along will make those memories even better. My daughter just adopted a new puppy. I hope this bill will pass quickly, so we can go support our local brewery together, with Sydney in tow.”
Kean Bill Would Ban Students Convicted of Hazing From Receiving State Tuition Aid
New Jersey college students who are convicted of hazing would no longer be eligible to receive State financial aid, under new legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean.
The bill, S-3039, was today advanced by the Senate Higher Education Committee.
More than 200 students have died from hazing-related accidents in the United States since 1838, and 40 students have died in the past decade alone, according to reports. (Economist.com/Hank Nuwer)
“Our children should never suffer the pain of being humiliated or forced to participate in dangerous activities like binge drinking, just so they can feel accepted by their classmates,” Sen. Tom Kean said. “The numbers do not lie. Half of all students are hazed at some point during their college career. Our legislation sends a clear message: if you engage in hazing, the state will no longer fund your education. Kids are at schools to learn, not to humiliate others for personal gratification.”
Bateman/Codey Bill to Fund State Acquisition of Lands for Recreation and Conservation Purposes Advances
A bill sponsored by Senator Christopher Bateman and Senator Richard Codey that would appropriate $15.696 million to the Department of Environmental Protection for the purpose of funding the acquisition of lands by the state for recreation and conservation purposes advanced from the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.
Senator Kip Bateman has sponsored legislation that would appropriate $16.696 million to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. (Wikimedia Commons)
“We must ensure New Jersey’s open spaces are preserved for generations to come,” said Senator Bateman (R-Hunterdon/Mercer/Middlesex/Somerset). “I have no doubt that, if passed, these funds will go towards worthy projects that will guarantee New Jersey can remain the Garden State.”
