Bateman Calls on Murphy to Release Funding for Critical Public Safety Project in Hillsborough
Senator Kip Bateman (R-Somerset, Mercer, Middlesex, Hunterdon) today released the following statement condemning Governor Phil Murphy’s decision to freeze $500,000 in funding for a road project in Hillsborough that would improve public safety.
Sen. Kip Bateman condemned Gov. Phil Murphy’s decision to freeze $500,000 in funding for a road project in Hillsborough that would improve public safety. (Pixabay)
“The Brown Avenue extension project represents a critical public safety improvement that will make local roads in the area safer,” said Bateman. “By freezing funding for this project unnecessarily, Governor Murphy is only putting the people of Hillsborough at risk.”
Bateman and Corrado Bills to Improve Funding for Environmental Infrastructure Projects Passes Senate
Legislation sponsored by Senator Kristin Corrado (R-40) and Senator Kip Bateman (R-16) that would approve and provide affordable loans to local governments and public water utilities for environmental infrastructure projects through the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank has passed the State Senate.
Sens. Kristin Corrado and Kip Bateman’s legislation that would approve and provide affordable loans to local governments and public water utilities for environmental infrastructure projects through the NJ Infrastructure Bank has passed the Senate. (Pixabay)
“Superstorm Sandy has had a devastating and lasting impact on the quality of our water pipes, sewer systems, and storm water infrastructure,” Bateman said. “In my area, for example, the funding slated for Somerville Borough and Raritan Township’s Municipal Utilities Authority will keep the water resources in our communities safe, without putting an additional burden on local property taxpayers. Providing an affordable financial strategy to upgrade critical infrastructure statewide will protect the public health of New Jerseyans and the overall environment of the Garden State.”
Senate Passes Bateman Bill to Combat Food Waste
The New Jersey Senate has passed legislation sponsored by Senator Kip Bateman (R-16) to combat food waste by amending the definition of Class I renewable energy, and requiring certain solid waste generators to separate and recycle food waste.
133 billion pounds, or approximately 31 percent of the overall food supply generated in the United States every year is wasted, according to the United States EPA.
Sen. Kip Bateman’s bipartisan bill would revolutionize the way New Jersey combats and recycles food waste. (Flickr)
“A number of towns in New Jersey, such as Princeton and Lawrence Township, have already taken action to encourage their residents to recycle food waste. New Jersey as a whole needs to do more to tackle this environmental crisis,” Senator Bateman said. “By reducing food waste, we can combat climate change, and address food insecurity at the same time.”
Bateman/Smith/Greenstein Bill to Establish Permanent Funding for Open Space & Farmland Preservation Signed into Law
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 been signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy.
Gov. Phil Murphy has signed Sen. Kip Bateman’s bipartisan bill to establish funding for open space, farmland, and historic preservation programs for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 and thereafter. (Garden State Preservation Trust)
“This law will ensure we can continue to call New Jersey the ‘Garden State,’ for years to come,” said Senator Kip Bateman (R-Somerset/Mercer/Middlesex/Hunterdon.) “Open space preservation needs a constant source of funding – a onetime payment isn’t enough. This is a fiscally-responsible way to maintain the green and blue acres we have already preserved, and prevent other areas we have yet to protect from being destroyed. I am glad that once again, we could come together on a bipartisan basis to get this done.” Continue Reading…
Bateman Statement on Princeton Dinky Line Reopening
Senator Kip Bateman (R-Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset) released the following statement on the reopening of NJ Transit’s Dinky Line in Princeton.
Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery at a May 14 ceremony marking the reopening of the line.
Sen. Kip Bateman joins fellow local leaders to mark the May 14th reopening of the Dinky Line in Princeton. (SenateNJ.com)
Hello and thank you for having me. I am so glad to see the Princeton Dinky Line reopen today.
NJ Transit’s three month hiatus should never have turned into an eight month halt. It was incredibly unfair to the people who utilize the Dinky on a daily basis. There is no doubt that this has been a very frustrating time for commuters and travelers in our area.
I commend the “Save the Dinky” group for their advocacy and determination to have the line restored as soon as possible. Please give yourselves a round of applause! My colleagues and I also worked together on a bipartisan basis, alongside your amazing local leaders, to support your efforts to end the shut down and get this train back on track – but we couldn’t have done it without you.
Bateman Clarifies Position on EDA & NJ’s Tax Incentive Programs
In light of recent reports, Senator Kip Bateman (R-16) issued the following statement clarifying his position on the EDA and New Jersey’s tax incentive programs:
Sen. Kip Bateman clarifies his position on the EDA, noting that any incentive program should be administered “fairly with appropriate oversight.” (SenateNJ.com)
“I wanted to take this opportunity to clarify my remarks last week regarding New Jersey’s tax incentive program, which I feel were taken out of context. I was on vacation with my family and traveling out of state, and I was not aware that Senate and Assembly Republican leadership issued a joint statement on these programs. To be clear, I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiments expressed by Leaders Kean and Bramnick,” Bateman said.
Bateman, Freiman, Zwicker on Early Opening of Dinky Line
Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman (R-16), Assemblyman Roy Freiman (D-16), and Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker (D-16) issued the following joint statement Wednesday regarding the governor’s announcement that the New Jersey Transit Princeton Branch (Dinky) line will be fully restored on May 12—nearly two weeks ahead of schedule.
Sen. Kip Bateman, Asm. Roy Freiman, and Asm. Andrew Zwicker issued a joint statement regarding the governor’s announcement that the NJ Transit Princeton Branch (Dinky) line will be fully restored on May 12—two weeks ahead of schedule. (SenateNJ.com)
“This is extremely welcoming news for the members of our community who rely on the Dinky Line both personally and professionally. Restoring the line ahead of schedule will help riders better plan the various logistical aspects of their daily commuting—a major win as the warm weather approaches. While this is significant progress, there is more work to be done for New Jersey commuters who depend on the other lines that are still suspended. We look forward to these lines being restored in the future to better meet the transit needs of all New Jerseyans.”
Bateman: Too Many Unresolved Questions for Marijuana Legalization to Move Forward
Senator Kip Bateman (R-16) issued the following statement after votes were cancelled in the Senate and General Assembly on legislation to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in New Jersey:
Sen. Kip Bateman’s statement following the cancellation of votes in the Senate and General Assembly on legislation to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in New Jersey. (SenateNJ.com)
“The decision by legislative leaders to cancel today’s planned votes on marijuana legalization is reflective of the significant concerns that exist among both Republicans and Democrats with current proposals.
Bateman on Marijuana Legalization
Longtime member of the State Senate Judiciary Committee notes that Republican members have yet to see a final copy of the bill they will soon be asked to vote on to legalize marijuana in New Jersey.
Sen. Kip Bateman urges bill sponsors to make the details of a bill to legalize marijuana public before the Judiciary Committee vote, noting that with minutes to go, Republicans still haven’t seen a final copy of the legislation. (Pixabay)
“With minutes to go, Senate Republican members of the Judiciary Committee still haven’t seen a final copy of legislation to legalize marijuana for recreational use.
“Legalizing marijuana would have an enormous impact on all of our communities. Asking us to form an opinion without seeing the full details of the bill is an incredibly irresponsible way to govern,” Senator Kip Bateman (R-16) said.
Bateman Bill Requiring Witnesses to Immediately Notify Child Protection Agency of Child Sexual Abuse Signed Into Law
Senator Kip Bateman’s (R-16) legislation requiring witnesses of child sexual abuse to immediately report it to the Division of Child Protection and Permanency has been signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy.
Sen. Kip Bateman’s legislation requiring witnesses of child sexual abuse to immediately report it to the Division of Child Protection and Permanency has been signed into law on March 18, 2019. (WikiMedia)
Bateman originally introduced the bill in 2011 in the wake of the Penn State football scandal. Recent attention was brought to the legislation when multiple videos were made public of top New Jersey teacher union officials discussing their efforts and willingness to conceal teacher sexual misconduct.
“Anyone who witnesses child sex abuse has to speak up immediately. Silence is not an option,” Bateman said. “Mandating immediate reporting will help survivors get justice as soon as possible, and help ensure the perpetrators quickly face the full wrath of the law. ”
Bateman’s bipartisan bill, S-641, requires that sexual abuse against a child be directly reported to the Division of Child Protection and Permanency. It also makes failing to report an act of sexual abuse a crime of the fourth degree.
“From the Penn State football scandal to the undercover videos exposing officials conspiring to sweep sexual assault claims under the rug, it’s a sad reality that sometimes people don’t do the right thing, even when a child’s life is in jeopardy,” Bateman added. “This law will save children from perpetual abuse, hopefully giving them a chance to heal and have a successful life.”
