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.”
Bateman Bill Creating ‘Jersey Native Plants Program’ Passes Committee
Senator Kip Bateman’s (R-16) legislation to establish the “Jersey Native Plants Program,” to promote the sale of native vegetation at local garden centers has unanimously passed the Senate Environment Committee.
Sen. Kip Bateman’s legislation to establish the “Jersey Native Plants Program” has passed the Senate Environment Committee. (WikiMedia)
“Shopping local is a great way to support the farms that make New Jersey the Garden State, but we can do much more. We also need to encourage people to plant local,” Senator Bateman said. “Planting ‘Jersey native’ vegetation goes hand-in-hand with our successful ‘Jersey Fresh’ program. This legislation will strengthen local farm families, promote healthy eating, and help the environment.” Continue Reading…
Corrado & Bateman Kick Off Socks for Soldiers Drive
Legislative District Offices in Totowa and Somerville Host Sock Collections for Troops Serving Overseas
Through the month of March, Senators Kristin Corrado and Kip Bateman will be hosting a “Sock for Soldiers” drive to collect one of the most requested items by heroes serving around the world.
Donations of clean, unworn socks can be dropped off their district offices at 999 Riverview Dr. in Totowa and 36 E. Main St., in Somerville.
Through March, Sens. Corrado and Bateman will be hosting Socks for Soldiers collections at their district offices in Totowa and Somerville. (SenateNJ.com)
“Last year we collected more than 3,000 pairs of new socks for our troops. This year, I know we can gather up even more,” Senator Corrado said. “I am so grateful to all of the local schools and volunteers who have already stepped up to lend their support. Giving soldiers clean, unworn socks is the least we can do to help these heroes stay warm and comfortable. This is a great way to support those who risk their lives every day to keep our country safe.”
Corrado and Bateman urged schools, businesses, and local governments to post collection boxes with a “Socks for Soldiers” sign (print one here).
Bipartisan Anti-Hazing Bill Passes Senate
Singleton/Kean/Bateman Bill Bars Students Convicted of Hazing from Receiving State Tuition Aid
The New Jersey Senate has passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean, and Senators Troy Singleton and Kip Bateman that would ensure in-state college students who are convicted of hazing are not eligible for State tuition aid.
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 legislation sends a clear message: if you haze a classmate, the state will not fund your education. Students can choose to value their time on campus and treat others with respect, or find another way to pay for it,” Senator Kean (R-21) said. “We won’t allow this culture of humiliation and violence to continue in New Jersey. Too many young lives have been lost already.”
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.
