Polistina Bill Expanding PFRS and SPRS Beneficiaries Advances
Legislation sponsored by Senator Vince Polistina that expands the eligibility of surviving children to receive pension benefits from deceased members of the State Police Retirement System and the Police and Fireman’s Retirement System was approved by the State Government, Wagering, Tourism, and Historic Preservation Senate Committee.
Sen. Polistina’s bill that expands the eligibility of surviving children to receive pension benefits from deceased members of the SPRS and the PFRS was approved by the State Government, Wagering, Tourism, and Historic Preservation Senate Committee. (Pixabay)
“We have an obligation to support the families of first responders who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe,” said Polistina (R-2). “By expanding the definition of child under the PFRS and SPRS and removing certain barriers, more children under the age of 24 will qualify as beneficiaries to access pension benefits. This legislation is a small but important way to honor the service of first responders in New Jersey.”
VIDEO: Senate Republicans Explore Whale Deaths & Wind Farm Concerns at Independent Hearing
New Jersey Senate Republicans hosted an independent hearing today where the surge of whale and dolphin deaths along the Jersey Shore and potential links to wind farms were discussed.
The panel was chaired by Senator Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) and included Senator Vince Polistina (R-2), Senator Michael Testa (R-1), and Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-13).
“We held a very informative hearing this morning on whales and wind farms,” Bucco said after the hearing. “It’s clear from the testimony we received that the wind farm projects were rushed, there’s data demonstrating real harm to marine life, and shore towns and fisheries will face serious economic impacts that have been completely ignored. We believe it makes a lot of sense to put a pause on these projects to investigate the legitimate concerns that were raised today in greater depth.”
Second Legislative District Announces Pleasantville Mobile Office
Senator Vince Polistina, along with Assembly members Don Guardian and Claire Swift (R- Atlantic), have partnered with Pleasantville City Councilwoman Carla Thomas to bring services directly, once again, to the constituents.
Senator Vince Polistina, along with Assembly members Don Guardian and Claire Swift, have partnered with Pleasantville City Councilwoman Carla Thomas to bring services directly to the constituents. (SenateNJ.com)
The legislative team, along with Councilwoman Thomas, will be at the Pleasantville Recreation Center from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on March 31 to inform residents of the many State programs afforded to them. This includes, but is not limited to, the senior property tax freeze and some of the veterans property tax relief programs. Residents are encouraged to attend to learn about these programs and also to be able to discuss any issues or concerns they may have with the officials.
Senate Clears Polistina Bill Expanding Insurance Coverage for Hearing Aids
Health insurers may soon be required to cover hearing aids and cochlear implants for individuals under 21 years of age thanks to legislation sponsored by Senator Vince Polistina and approved today by the New Jersey Senate.
Sen. Vince Polistina and Maria Maione, the constituent who inspired S-2535, vote “YES” to require health insurers to cover hearing aids and cochlear implants for individuals under 21 years of age during a Senate session on March 20, 2023 (SenateNJ.com)
“Hearing aids and cochlear implants are critical in treating hearing loss and are especially important during the formative years when young people are developing the skills to effectively communicate,” said Polistina (R-2). “My legislation will make sure that insurance companies provide the necessary benefits and coverage for these devices so that everyone under 21 can reach their full development and potential.”
Committee Approves Polistina Bill Expanding Insurance Coverage for Hearing Aids & Cochlear Implants
State-regulated health insurers may soon be required to cover hearing aids and cochlear implants for individuals under 21 years of age thanks to legislation sponsored by Senator Vince Polistina and approved today by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
Health insurers may soon be required to cover hearing aids and cochlear implants for individuals under 21 years of age thanks to legislation sponsored by Sen. Vince Polistina and approved today by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. (Pixabay)
“No child or young adult should be left without access to medically necessary hearing aids, or in certain cases, cochlear implants,” said Polistina (R-2). “These devices are critical in treating hearing loss, and are especially important during the formative years when young people are developing the skills to effectively communicate. My legislation will make sure that insurance companies provide proper benefits and coverage so that everyone under 21 can reach their full development and potential.”
Polistina Urges Gov. Murphy to Issue 30-Day Moratorium on Wind Development to Investigate Whale Deaths
Senator Vince Polistina (R-2) sent a letter to Governor Murphy today to express concern about a rising number of East Coast whale deaths and to request a 30-day moratorium on offshore wind development activity to study if there is a link.
A deceased 30-foot humpback whale on an Atlantic City beach in December, one of many deceased whales that have been identified in the area recently. (NJ.com)
The full text of the letter is below (click here for PDF):
Governor Murphy,
I reach out today on behalf of a growing number of concerned residents, both in Atlantic County and throughout the State of New Jersey, upon hearing the tragic news that two additional whales have washed ashore along the East Coast; one in Manasquan, and one in Virginia Beach. The number of whale deaths along the coast of New Jersey and the entire East Coast is completely unprecedented from anything we have ever seen in our lifetimes.
Polistina, Guardian & Swift Oppose NJDEP Permit Plan that Would Unfairly Restrict Access to Wharton State Forest
Senator Vince Polistina, Assemblyman Don Guardian, and Assemblywoman Claire Swift (all R-Atlantic) expressed their opposition to a plan proposed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) that would impose costly permits for access to roads and pathways in Wharton State Forest.
Sen. Vince Polistina, Asm. Don Guardian, and Asw. Claire Swift oppose a plan proposed by the NJDEP that would impose costly permits for access to roads and pathways in Wharton State Forest. (NJDEP)
“Wharton State Forest is an incredible natural resource for Atlantic County fishermen, hunters, and families looking to enjoy a day away from home,” said Polistina. “Most importantly, Wharton State Forest is public land that should be free to access for everyone. When Atlantic County taxpayers are already heavily taxed to support maintenance and upkeep of our parks, there’s no need for the state to impose another fee that could block access to many.”
Polistina Statement on Temporary Workers Bill
Announces bipartisan legislation with Sen. Gopal to further address Temp Worker challenges
Today, Senator Vince Polistina voted in support of the “Temp Workers Bill of Rights,” affirming his support for the principle of equal pay for equal work and ensuring that all workers are treated fairly no matter where they work or who they work for.
Sen. Vince Polistina voted in support of the “Temp Workers Bill of Rights” today, affirming his support for the principle of equal pay for equal work and ensuring that all workers are treated fairly no matter where they work or who they work for. (©iStock)
“All people, regardless of their background, the color of their skin, or where they are from, should be treated equally under the law, and that certainly includes temporary workers,” said Polistina (R-2). “These men and women are chasing the same American Dream as the rest of us—the opportunity to work hard, provide for their families, and better themselves. Everyone, even those who opposed it, agree that this bill does that.”
Senator Polistina Calls for Suspension of All Offshore Wind Development Activity Following Multiple Whale Deaths
After six dead whales washed up on area beaches, Senator Vince Polistina (R-Atlantic) urged Governor Phil Murphy to order a suspension of all offshore wind development activities so that a full and proper investigation can be conducted to determine any connection between the deaths and ongoing work.
A deceased 30-foot humpback whale on an Atlantic City beach in December, one of six dead whales that washed up on area beaches in the last five weeks. (NJ.com)
“We should suspend all work related to offshore wind development until we can determine the cause of death of these whales, some of which are endangered,” Polistina stated. “The work related to offshore wind projects is the primary difference in our waters, and it’s hard to believe that the death of six whales on our beaches is just a coincidence.”
Polistina Bill Increasing Funding to Promote Regional Tourism Advances
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Vince Polistina to help boost regional tourism advertising and promotion across the state cleared the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Vince Polistina to help boost regional tourism advertising and promotion across the state cleared the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee. (Pixabay)
“Everyone knows the competition for tourism dollars is intense, which is why we need to continue to fight to ensure Atlantic County gets its fair share of marketing dollars to protect the 70,000 families whose jobs depend on tourism,” said Polistina (R-2). “If we are serious about growing our tourism economy, we need to reinvest in what works. Tourism promotion pays for itself when we can encourage families to visit more often, stay longer, and spend more money at our local businesses and events.”
