Bateman: Open Our State and County Parks
Senator Kip Bateman is calling for New Jersey to reopen State and county parks during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Sen. Kip Bateman is calling for New Jersey to reopen State and county parks during the COVID-19 outbreak. (CDC)
“As the weather gets nicer, people will want to get outdoors, especially after being cooped up at home for so long,” said Bateman (R-16). “In this time of uncertainty, we should encourage folks to go outside and explore their local park while practicing safe social distancing. With fresh air and exercise being so important to our physical health, mental health, and overall well-being, I am calling for our parks to be reopened as soon as possible.”
Bateman Applauds Pharmaceutical Co. Eli Lilly for Donating PPE
Senator Kip Bateman commended global pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Company, particularly their local campus in Branchburg, for donating Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to healthcare workers and first responders.
Sen. Kip Bateman commended pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly for donating PPE to healthcare workers and first responders. (CDC)
“During this pandemic, businesses both small and large are stepping up and pitching in to protect those who need it most,” said Bateman (R-16). “These vital supplies will help our nurses, doctors, and healthcare workers on the front lines continue to care for the critically ill. With PPE in high demand, Eli Lilly’s generosity is setting an example for other businesses to follow. “
Bateman: To Beat the Virus, Governments Must Work Together
Somerset County Lost Out on 35,000 Protective Masks When the Feds Grabbed Them
Senator Kip Bateman said the critical shortage of personal protective equipment for healthcare workers has created a free-for-all environment that has local governments competing with federal agencies and other states for supplies.
After Somerset County lost a shipment of 35,000 masks to the federal government, Sen. Bateman called for the State to coordinate access to emergency supplies. (SenateNJ.com)
“The pandemic is taking lives and overworked healthcare professionals are exposed to the contagion every hour of the day,” said Bateman (R-16). “To help the sick, we first must protect the doctors, nurses and EMTs. As stocks of masks and protective gear dwindle, the urgency increases to find new sources. Unfortunately, the market has become ‘every man for himself.’”
Now Law: Bateman Measure Requires Health Insurance to Cover COVID-19 Testing
Also Expands Telemeidince Treatment for Coronavirus
To help abate the coronavirus pandemic, Senator Kip Bateman’s legislation directing health insurance and Medicaid to cover COVID-19 testing and expand telehealth services throughout this State of Emergency was signed into law.
Sen. Kip Bateman’s legislation directing health insurance and Medicaid to cover COVID-19 testing and expand telehealth services was signed into law. (CDC)
This measure is part of a large bipartisan bill package designed to help New Jersey families stay safe amid this public health threat.
“We are dealing with a global public health crisis, so the last thing that should be on anyone’s mind is, ‘How am I going to pay for testing and treatment?'” said Bateman (R-16). “No New Jerseyan should delay getting tested if they are experiencing coronavirus symptoms. With many displaced from work, and the elderly population particularly susceptible to transmission, ensuring insurance coverage will give more New Jersey residents peace of mind as we try to contain the spread.”
Corrado & Bateman Running “Socks for Soldiers” Collection Drive in February
Senators Encourage Schools, Businesses, and Local Governments to Participate
Senator Kristin Corrado and Senator Kip Bateman are launching a “Socks for Soldiers” drive to collect one of the most requested items by our troops serving around the world.
Sen. Kristin Corrado and Sen. Kip Bateman are launching a “Socks for Soldiers” drive to collect one of the most requested items by our troops. (SenateNJ.com)
“Our ‘Socks for Soldiers’ program was a great success the past two years, but I know we can do even better if expand our partnership and enlist more help to collect sock donations,” said Corrado (R-40). “We’re going to reach out to area schools and local governments to see if they can serve as collection points and actively promote this important effort. I encourage everyone who’s interested to participate.”
Bateman Bill Supporting Equine Therapy with Special License Plates Advances
Senator Kip Bateman’s legislation that would establish special license plates commemorating the horse as the state animal passed the Senate Transportation Committee. The plates will help fund therapeutic riding programs for people with special needs and to support the health and well-being of horses in the state.
Sen. Kip Bateman’s legislation will help fund beneficial therapeutic riding programs for people with special needs and veterans coping with PTSD and depression by creating a special license plate recognizing the horse as New Jersey’s State Animal. (SenateNJ.com)
“New Jerseyans love horses, and the special plates will recognize that affinity,” said Bateman (R-16). “Assisted riding therapy programs are deeply rewarding and beneficial for participants, both physically and emotionally. The license plates will do more than commemorate horses, they will help change lives.”
Bateman Bill Helping Clear the Air of Greenhouse Gases is Now Law
Senator Kip Bateman’s legislation banning the sale or installation of equipment containing greenhouse gases was signed by the governor.
Sen. Kip Bateman’s bill prohibiting hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and other gases that threaten the ozone and transitioning the State to less harmful alternatives was signed into law. (©iStock)
The new law (A5583/S3919) transitions the State to less harmful alternatives by prohibiting hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and other gases that threaten the ozone.
Bateman/Corrado Bills Funding Public-Supported Preservation Projects Signed
Voter-approved and constitutionally dedicated money will help preserve open space
Senator Kip Bateman and Senator Kristin Corrado sponsor a series of bills, signed into law by the governor this week, appropriating almost $215 million in constitutionally dedicated funds for farm and land preservation, and clean water and Blue Acres projects.
The governor signed a package of bills sponsored by Senator Kip Bateman and Senator Kristin Corrado appropriating constitutionally dedicated funds for farm and land preservation, and clean water and Blue Acres projects. (Garden State Preservation Trust)
“New Jerseyans have long supported open space and farmland preservation,” said Bateman (R-16). “In the most densely populated state in the nation, the public understands the need to protect undeveloped parcels and expanses of green fields. They have made their voices known at the polls where they have overwhelmingly favored the responsible acquisition of lands to sustain our State identity as the Garden State.”
Bateman Bill to Revitalize Recycling Market Is Now Law
Senator Kip Bateman’s legislation to establish a council to make recommendations for the future of recycling in the state has been signed into law.
Sen. Kip Bateman’s legislation to establish a council to make recommendations for the future of recycling in the state has been signed into law. (©iStock)
“There have been significant changes in the global recycling market, and the impact is being felt throughout our counties and towns,” said Bateman (R-16). “Local governments are struggling to maintain recycling without the outside revenue. The public has embraced recycling so effectively that supply now exceeds demand. The imbalance results in warehouses overflowing with paper, cans, bottles and plastic, and the excess ends up going to the landfill.”
NOW LAW: Bateman Legislation Supporting Shared Services to Ease Property Tax Burden
Legislation sponsored by Senator Kip Bateman encouraging cost-saving shared service arrangements to save property taxpayers money has been signed into law.
The new law sponsored by Sen. Bateman encourages shared services to save property taxpayers money. (Pixabay)
“It’s no secret that New Jersey property taxes are the highest in the nation,” said Bateman (R-16). “It’s time for Trenton to start finding ways to save taxpayer money. In many cases, sharing services between municipalities or government entities will deliver the same level of service at significant cost savings and provide desperately needed relief to tax-weary families.”
