Author Archive

NJ GOP Assembly

Assemblywoman Vicky Flynn’s bill increasing the foreign investment limit for New Jersey-based insurance companies to align with accepted best practices cleared the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee on Monday. Flynn argues New Jersey’s insurance companies are currently at a disadvantage and her bill would allow them to diversify their portfolios.  “Limiting foreign investment for insurers only increases the cost of doing business in New Jersey and has no benefit for policyholders,” Flynn (R-Monmouth) said. “This legislation would put New Jersey insurers on a level playing field with insurance companies in 36 other states. It is a sound practice that will ultimately allow insurance companies to meet their obligations to policyholders in a more cost effective way.”  The bill (A4785) allows insurance companies to invest up to 30% of assets in foreign countries that have received a high rating from an independent, nationally recognized American rating agency. Companies could invest no more than 10% in any one country. The largest foreign markets for U.S. insurance companies are the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands and France. The most common investments for insurers include debt securities, such as bonds, and equity securities, such as stocks and mutual funds. “Expanding opportunities for more diversified strategic investments helps insurance companies continue to pay claims to their policyholders and makes New Jersey a better place to run a business,” Flynn said.

NJ.com

By: Brent Johnson | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

In the wake of a string of sometimes violent arguments and altercations at youth sporting events across New Jersey in recent years, lawmakers have begun advancing a proposed state law that would increase penalties for those convicted in those incidents.

The bipartisan bill, which a state Assembly committee approved Thursday, would increase penalties on those who assault or harass an official, player, or participants at school or other youth sports events in New Jersey. It also would upgrade certain types of assault against sports officials in the state to aggravated assault.

In one of the most notable incidents, a coach punched a 72-year-old umpire during a youth baseball game in Branchburg last June after arguing a call and being ejected from the game. The umpire suffered a broken jaw that required extensive dental surgery.

NJ Advance Media reported in March of last year that there has been an explosion of bad behavior on sports fields across the state, including verbal and physical assaults of coaches and officials.

That includes another incident last year in which adult fan stormed the floor and shoved a coach during a high school basketball game in Jersey City.

“We know the psychological long-term effects that parents fighting in a home has on children,” Assemblywoman Vicki Flynn, R-Monmouth, a main sponsor, said during a hearing on the legislation Thursday. “I don’t know why it’s any different when it’s at a soccer field, a basketball court, or a hockey rink.”

“The long-term damage these toxic and sometimes violent incidents cause to children is what this legislation is trying to avoid,” she added. “Parents, spectators, staff, coaches and anyone else behaving badly during sporting events involving children must be stopped and held accountable.”

Under the proposal, someone who commits a simple assault against a sports official, coach, player, or participant at a school of community sponsored youth event in New Jersey would now face up to 18 months in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.

Currently, anyone who commits simple assault in the state faces up to six months in prison, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

The bill also would upgrade those who commit aggravated assault against a sports official to a third-degree crime if the official suffers bodily injury. They would face a prison sentence of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both.

If the assault is against someone under the age of 18, it would be a third-degree crime punishable by up to five to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $15,000, or both.

The measure was previously addressed by two different bills (A4471 and A444) but has been combined into one.

Assemblyman Raj Mukherji, D-Hudson, the committee’s chairman and a co-sponsor of the legislation, said his kids play sports not to become pros but to “learn values and morals and develop character with their peer class.”

“When you are assaulting someone at a youth sports event, we’re going to be putting them in category as public officials and law enforcement official and school personal, where it’s already upgraded to aggravated assault,” Mukherji said. “It’s gonna be indictable now.”

The Assembly Judiciary committee voted 5-0 to approve the bill Thursday at the Statehouse in Trenton. It must be passed by the full state Senate and Assembly before the governor can decide whether to sign it into law.

Randy Nathan, a coach and West Orange resident, told the committee he’s been pushing for such a law for 10 years. He said the problem has been around for decades, but there has been an increase since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Safeguards must be put in place to protect officials from parents who damage the integrity of the sport with a confrontational behavior,” Nathan said.

Assemblyman Robert Auth, R-Bergen, a committee member, said he was once an umpire who endured “some berating from some parents.”

“It was really terrible,” Auth said during the hearing. “It has been escalating over the years.”

NJ Advance Media staff writer Matthew Stanmyre contributed to this report.

NJ GOP Assembly

Republican lawmakers in the Assembly Judiciary Committee Monday pushed back against the Democrat’s latest round of legislation targeting legal gun ownership that might set the stage for major court battles in the coming months and years. 

The bill would require people wanting to carry guns to purchase pricey liability insurance and complete safety training. Handguns would also be barred from 25 broad categories of public spaces. Violations would be a third-degree crime, punishable by 3-5 years in prison and a fine up to $15,000. 

Its sponsors said they looked to a recent New York carry law passed in July, which has already been struck down by a federal judge who said it would be unconstitutional. Another judge subsequently ruled it can remain in effect while the case is appealed. 

Assemblywoman Vicky Flynn raised concerns about whether the bill would stand up to constitutional scrutiny. 

“Anyone with a law degree would look at this and say, this does not conform with the Second Amendment,” said Flynn (R-Monmouth). “It’s going to be challenged, and we’re going to spend a lot of dollars defending it.” 

She recommended the committee focus its attention on the uptick in car thefts and criminal activity rather than infringing upon the conduct of law abiding citizens. 

Flynn took issue with raising the application fee from $2 to $200 and requiring the purchase of liability insurance, which would disadvantage low-income residents. 

“What about the lower income residents of the state who wish to exercise their right,” continued Flynn. “How are they going to afford that? Because they might not have access to the $200, they might not have access to the insurance necessary for this.” 

She said provisions prohibit carrying a firearm on private property without the expressed permission of the owner was not narrowly tailored to meet constitutional muster. “Every single one of those sections are going to have to be tested against the highest constitutional scrutiny,” said Flynn. 

Flynn also took issue with the bills list of places banned, which “taken as a whole” she asked “where can you carry [a handgun]?” to which the bill sponsor, Assemblyman Joe Danielsen could not provide an example.

Assemblyman Robert Auth wanted to clarify that the proposed law targets law-abiding residents rather than going after criminals with illegal guns. 

“Law-abiding gun owners, who follow the rules and do what they are asked to do to be a legal-gun owner, don’t engage in this type of activity,” said Auth (R-Bergen). 

Prior to voting, Auth read sections of a news story published in The Record last week about a 43-year old woman working as a DoorDash driver who was murdered by a gunman in October 2019 while making her last delivery of the night. The shooter remains unidentified and at-large. 

“I am voting no because no one is looking out for this woman,” said Auth.  “This woman could have used a gun to maybe protect herself and you’re telling her ‘no.’ And I’m telling you, ‘no.’” 

The fast-tracked bill was introduced Thursday and is expected to get a vote in the Assembly on Oct. 27.

NJ Education Report

Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger and Assemblywoman Victoria Flynn (Monmouth – R’s) are demanding that Governor Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Department of Education end the recent intimidation tactics forced on parents and school districts over the implementation of sex education curriculums and focus instead on the very real dangers threatening New Jersey communities across the State:

“The unmitigated gall that this administration has to threaten school districts with retaliation because they have reservations about sex curriculums while at the same time ignoring crime waves impacting neighborhoods, even the Governor’s own, is lunacy. The Governor should be focusing on combating real criminals instead of labeling parents as enemies of the state,” said Assemblyman Scharfenberger. “The fact that his administration is more concerned about children being taught over-sexualized, explicit materials than with changing bail reform or protecting residents and families speaks volumes. This void in priorities has very real-world implications on the residents of New Jersey.”

“I was appalled by the announcement by the Department of Education that it intends to pursue punishment against schools while it actively ignores the critical needs of NJ students following the pandemic,” Assemblywoman Flynn commented. “This is just another example of the State igniting the real issues impacting NJ residents. Even the car theft crime wave ravishing communities all over the State continues to be ignored by the Governor. We have drafted legislation in response to the pleas of law enforcement and our constituents to implement common sense solutions to curb rising crime, yet those requests have been egregiously ignored. While the Governor seeks to raise his national profile, he is ignoring the problems here at home by being soft on crime, even when that crime wave hits close to home (just next door to the Governor’s home).” 

The strong backlash comes as reports show that the New Jersey Department of Education has released harsh warnings to school districts that suggest any attempts to circumvent new sex education curriculums could be faced with serious repercussions and possible loss of funding. Making matters worse, New Jersey parents are also coming under the thumb of the NJDOE as they could also have their children penalized should they fail to adhere to strict excusal protocols:

“The fact that the NJDOE has the time and resources apparently available to make threats, but neglects to effectually create programs and proposals to deal with learning losses stemming from COVID-19 closures illustrates how ineffective and uninventive the department really is at focusing on the real needs of students right now. Every day at the NJDOE should be spent working toward helping students academically recover so that they have every tool needed to be successful; however, it appears that the NJDOE’s lesson plans are geared toward acting as a de facto enforcement agency for administration’s agenda items,” concluded Assemblywoman Flynn.

“We are not going to stand by while our schools and parents are pressured with strong-armed threats from any administration, especially one that would rather target law-abiding citizens instead of criminals. Let’s cut it with the soundbites for the Governor’s future D.C. ambitions and get to work solving the problems here before someone is injured or worse, loses their life,” Assemblyman Scharfenberger continued.

The Two Rivers Times

By Sunayana Prabhu

SANDY HOOK – There were no fireworks, but the euphoria of freedom was enough to brighten the cloudy day as 50 immigrants took their U.S. citizenship oath during a naturalization ceremony held Sept. 7 at the Sandy Hook Lighthouse.

The Monmouth County residents represented 29 countries – from Argentina to Uzbekistan – but became “citizens of the greatest country that civilization has ever seen” when they rose to take the Oath of Allegiance, said John Thompson, district director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), who led the ceremony.

The naturalization ceremony was organized by officials from Gateway National Recreation Area and USCIS at the lighthouse, a National Historic Landmark, to celebrate the conclusion of an immigrant’s journey to citizenship and honor the commitment they’ve shown along the way.

The day also marked another milestone as Gateway National Recreation Area celebrated 50 years since its own creation by an act of Congress Oct. 27, 1972.

Thompson, along with Jennifer Nersesian, superintendent of Gateway National Recreation Area, state Assembly members Victoria Flynn (R-13) and Gerry Scharfenberger (R-13), and Highlands Mayor Carolyn Broullon, presented naturalization certificates to each of the new U.S. citizens, calling out their distinctive names, steeped in diverse cultural identities.

The Ceremony

The gathering blended tears and smiles as the newest Americans held their certificates of citizenship close and their loved ones closer. Families and friends hugged, mothers clutched their babies in joy, while some stood alone, having made the journey to U.S. citizenship by themselves. Proud and free, together they stood up, raised their right hands and repeated two oaths that completed their naturalization and allegiance to the United States of America.

“The Oath of Allegiance to the United States has always been special because you’re not pledging allegiance to any person. You’re pledging allegiance to protect the constitution and laws of the United States,” said Thompson.

With the first oath, candidates renounced allegiance to their homelands, permanently departing from the 29 different countries as they pledged to “absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen.”

During the second oath – one every U.S. citizen learns as a child in school – they pledged allegiance to the United States of America, a country they were not born into but instead chose for life: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

“All the work, the drive, the anxiety, the hope that has led you to this point takes determination and courage,” Nersesian said amidst thunderous applause. “I know how hard it is to leave your homeland behind, maybe members of your family or pieces of your own history.”

The Newest Citizens

Two children sported T-shirts with the words “My Dad Is a US Citizen,” announcing to the world that their father, Daniel DaSilva, originally from Brazil, is now an American. DaSilva had been in the immigration process since his children were born in 2015. “I feel like I’m part of their future now,” he said.

Many of the new citizens came to America to escape war, including Anastasia Gousha from Ukraine. Gousha said she applied for her citizenship this year in February because in her country, “people are dying. War is not worth it.” She said she went through the immigration process that took almost a year, but she is very grateful that she is alive.

“You know, I have freedom,” she said proudly.

Priya Yarm was born in South Africa, lived in Canada and moved to the United States to “be part of America. We wanted to be part of the foundation and live out the rest of our lives here in this great country,” Yarm said.

Some people chose to come to America just to be part of moving society forward. “I think at this stage, you’re a little bit more knowledgeable about what’s going on, and you want to have a little bit more impact in the community, be able to contribute in different ways,” said new citizen Andrew Paulson, who migrated to America as a teenager 25 years ago from the United Kingdom.

Griselda Merino, from Mexico, has been working in a nail salon and said she was “very happy” to take her oath. She giggled in excitement when asked what her next dream was: “I want to open my own place,” Merino said.

Drawing inspiration from the historic lighthouse, which will be etched in the personal history of 50 families forever, Nersesian reminded the gathering that “we are a nation of immigrants, whether recent or generations back. Our forefathers fought for the freedoms we enjoy today. How appropriate that today the Sandy Hook Lighthouse should serve as the site for welcoming people seeking refuge and opportunity in our country as new citizens.”

Each speaker at the ceremony acknowledged the immigrants’ struggle. Their journey reminds “people who were born here, like us, how unique this country is,” Scharfenberger said, “that people would leave their homelands and come here just to become Americans.”

“May each of you be a beacon of light to others around you, the prime example of what it means to be free,” said Broullon, who is a first-generation American. “I know my father had to go through this back in the ’50s,” she said. “And it’s just very heartwarming to see the look of hope on everyone’s face.”

The Path To Citizenship

Sept. 17 is Citizenship Day to recognize all who, by coming of age or by naturalization, have become U.S. citizens. The USCIS has been hosting naturalization ceremonies this month at landmark sites around the country, not only to make these events meaningful for those who have voluntarily chosen to participate in American democracy, but also to reflect the strength and spirit of the United States.

The average waiting period for the citizenship process is 11 months, according to USCIS, but depending on every individual’s journey and financial stability, it could be decades until they hold a legal citizenship certificate. In addition to the application process – which may run into thousands of dollars if one opts for assistance from a private attorney – the citizenship candidates have to pay and prepare for an English as a second language test and a civics test at a cost of roughly $800. The fees are nonrefundable, regardless of whether the U.S. government approves or rejects an application.

While the expense can be a deterrent for some, Thompson defended the agency’s fee structure, explaining that the funds pay for USCIS to process each application.

The USCIS has a Citizenship Resource Center that provides helpful resources and free study materials to prepare immigrants for the application process and citizenship tests and also with assimilating once they become citizens. For some that starts with learning English; for many others it is a lifelong pursuit to find a home in strangers.

Freedom and Risks

Concerns over undocumented immigrants are not ignored by the Justice Department and only serve to amplify the struggles of those who did commit to being legal citizens. “The oath that they take is extraordinary,” said Flynn, reflecting upon the founding fathers and the U.S. Constitution while noting the endurance of immigrants. “I think they should not diminish that fact that they took a step forward that is probably really difficult,” she said. “We appreciate it.” During his speech, Scharfenberger hinted at the recent spike in hate crimes throughout the country as bias incidents in New Jersey continue to rise at an alarming rate. “The country goes through rough patches here and there,” he said.

Earlier this year in April New Jersey acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced that 2021 was a record-high year for reported bias incidents in the state, with Monmouth County alone reporting 3.2 incidents per 10,000 residents, the third highest rate in the state.

But Scharfenberger told the new citizens that “this country protects free will, and that’s the most important thing to me.” He said true freedom is “the freedom to run for office, the freedom to vote for who I want to represent us. The freedom to speak out when I see something wrong or something I don’t like and the freedom to speak out and say, ‘This is the way I think it should be.’ And by ‘I,’ I mean Americans.”

Law enforcement agencies have bolstered their efforts to engage, educate and provide citizens with resources to report bias crimes. Both, state and federal justice departments encourage victims to report bias to their local police departments, or via the NJBIAS online portal at bias. njcivilrights.gov or by calling 800-277-BIAS.

Regardless of prevalent racial injustices, none of that fear stopped these 50 immigrants from celebrating their new American citizenship.

The article originally appeared in the September 15 – 21, 2022 print edition of The Two River Times.

InsiderNJ

Holmdel, N.J. – Assemblywoman Victoria Flynn and Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger (Monmouth R’s) are introducing legislation to end the disgraceful, unpatriotic practices by some New Jersey School Districts in which members of the United States Military and Army Reserve Officer’s Corps (ROTC) are being barred by school personnel from speaking with students.

The pushback comes after it was revealed that a Monmouth County high school administrator denied a request by a dad, who is also a Marine who serves out of U.S. Naval Base Earle (Monmouth County), to come and provide an inspirational talk with students about his experience with the Military. This Major was told that military personnel are not allowed to come and speak to students because such communications could be “dangerous” and “would only wrongfully encourage enlistment” – a stance which Assemblywoman Flynn and Assemblyman Scharfenberger vehemently disagree with:

“We are proud to have Naval Base Earle right here in Monmouth County, and we actually encourage our younger constituents to learn more from our military about what they do to keep our country safe. I was shocked to hear that school districts throughout this State would treat the members of armed forces in such an inhospitable manner, especially since schools should be creating partnerships with military personnel in our area to expose students to those in the military who are extremely qualified to discuss concepts of leadership, bravery, grit, and perseverance with these students from a position of authority,” Assemblywoman Flynn stated. “This does not mean every time a student engages with a member of our armed forces, they are going to choose to enter the armed forces; however, the military creates opportunities for rewarding careers while serving the country. We call upon the Commissioner of the Department of Education to issue a notice to the schools that attempts to block members of our military from providing presentations to students will not be permitted and have schools affirm that this prior practice will discontinue immediately in those schools where military personnel have been banned.”

“The barring of military personnel from any school in Monmouth County is outrageous and an affront to the honorable act of serving one’s country in the armed services. This is reminiscent of the repulsive practice on some colleges to bar military recruiters from interacting with students on campus,” said Assemblyman Scharfenberger. “Our military should have the same access and respect as any other person or group to exercise their First Amendment Rights as well as educate students on the virtues and traditions of serving in the greatest military on Earth!”

Under the package of bills drafted by the Assemblymembers, school administrations would no longer be allowed to continue these practices nor insinuate that something is wrong with military service; if school districts do adhere to such unpatriotic practices, they would be subject to penalties by the State DOE. Further, the legislation would mandate that schools highlight the benefits of joining programs like the Army Reserve Officer’s Corps (ROTC) or enlisting in the U.S. Military including receiving unmatched leadership training as well as student loan forgiveness and financial aid assistance – highly needed information given the costs associated with higher education:

“The leadership, courage, and values associated with the members of the United States Armed Forces is nothing short of extraordinary. These men and women put their lives on the line in defense of our nation, such acts of valor should be celebrated and recognized – not shunned and dismissed by anyone, let alone a school,” commented Scharfenberger. “We will not stand by and let these atrocious and irreprehensible actions continue, it is the least we can do. Young adults should have every opportunity to learn from these heroes as well as what the future could have instore for them should they choose to serve our nation.”

“The cost of a college education is astronomical and frankly, unaffordable – the average college tuition in the United States is $35,331 and New Jersey shares the ‘honor’ of having the third most expensive in-state public school tuition rate in the nation at $28,734 per year,” Flynn remarked. “It is unconscionable for schools to preclude students from learning of the scholarships and other monetary support available when you join the ROTC. These programs place graduates on a secure career path, without the debt that they would otherwise assume by attending college.” 

InsiderNJ

Middletown, N.J. – Assemblymembers Vicky Flynn and Gerry Scharfenberger call on the New Jersey State Legislature to convene for a Special Tax Relief Session as soon as possible to consider legislation in response to today’s announcement that the inflation rate has increased to 9.1%.

Assemblywoman Flynn remarked that, “This time last year, President Biden declared that inflation, which was then only at 5.4%, was ‘temporary.’ Not only was the President’s economic forecast dead wrong, but the President’s reaction to today’s historical inflation rate of 9.1% — that it is not as bad as it looks — underscores he is out of touch of the needs of working Americans. Since the federal government cannot figure out a way to stabilize our nation’s economy, it is incumbent upon the leaders here in New Jersey to take action to help New Jersey residents who are struggling with the skyrocketing costs of basic necessities. In light of today’s inflation announcement, Gerry and I call upon our colleagues in the Legislature to return to Trenton to find ways we can provide immediate financial relief now because the crushing inflation rates are simply another hidden tax imposed upon all residents here in New Jersey.”

Assemblyman Scharfenberger also commented about the Biden Administration’s lack of awareness of the crushing impact rising costs and inflation rates are having on NJ residents. “Despite the fact that the country is experiencing the fastest pace of inflation since December 1981, there appears to be no action by the federal government to address this economic emergency. Just a month ago, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen conceded that she failed to anticipate the inflation rate increases we are experiencing and admitted she was wrong to say in 2021 that inflation only posed a ‘small risk’ to Americans. Today’s announcement makes clear that the Biden Administration lacks the foresight needed to address our nation’s economy. I call upon the President and Congress to take immediate action now to end the undeniable pain New Jersey residents are facing daily due to their failed policies.”

Both Assemblymembers expressed their concern that the 9.1% inflation rate fails to even account for other price increases, such as energy, food, gas and housing costs. Many constituents have expressed their concern to the Assemblymembers that they are in the position of making the untenable choice of choosing between filling their gas tank or putting a nutritious meal on the table for their family. The Special Tax Relief Session would provide the Legislature the opportunity to openly discuss ways in which the State can provide immediate tax relief to New Jersey residents, starting with those ideas presented by Assembly Republicans during the current legislative session, such as:

• Reducing the state sales tax (rolling back to 6%);
• Temporary Gas Tax Holiday;
• Tax credit to offset soaring gas prices and inflation;
• Moratorium on any future toll increases;
• Senior property tax freeze for anyone over 65;
• Temporary tax holiday on school supplies

NJ GOP Assembly

Republicans argued a bill to increase auto insurance coverage limits considered in the Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee on Thursday would result in a less affordable New Jersey and higher costs for consumers at a time of record-high inflation. 

The bill (A4291) increases the minimum amount for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage and liability coverage starting Jan. 1, 2023 and again on Jan. 1, 2026. Minimum coverage for an accident injuring or killing one person would increase from $15,000 to $25,000 in 2023 and $35,000 in 2026, and coverage for accidents killing or injuring more than one person would increase from $30,000 to $50,000 in 2023 and $70,000 in 2026. The minimum limit for property damage would increase once from $5,000 to $25,000 for policies issued after Jan. 1, 2023. 

“Democrats reluctantly released the bill but could not reconcile their vote with their own public statements and expressed public consternation over being strong-armed to vote yes,” Assemblyman Robert Auth (R-Bergen) said. “There was overwhelming testimony speaking to how this bill will drive up premiums and make life more difficult for our most needy residents. Advancing this legislation is completely tone deaf to the calls for a more affordable New Jersey and hurts consumers facing record-high inflation.” 

In May, inflation hit a 40-year national high of 8.6% and increased to 7.5% in New Jersey – the largest year-over-year increase since December 1981.

“If we all agree that the McGreevy-era insurance reforms made auto insurance more available, more affordable, and if the industry is functioning fairly well right now, then why are we looking to take a step backwards, increase costs on consumers and possibly chase out insurance carriers?” asked Assemblywoman Vicky Flynn (R-Monmouth). “We are just entering a recession and everyone is experiencing incredible inflation increases – why now? Why increase the burden on New Jersey residents now? Why at this particularly vulnerable financial situation? There is absolutely no logical answer that can be given to struggling residents across the state.” 

The Insurance Council of New Jersey estimates drivers could see an increase of $300 a year under the measure. 

“Increasing costs for drivers will simply lead to more uninsured motorists. People select the lowest coverage amounts, because they cannot afford to pay higher premiums,” Assemblywoman Kim Eulner (R-Monmouth) said. “New Jerseyans are already suffering from nation-high taxes and prices. I’m a hard no and I’m concerned how my colleagues on the other side of the aisle could move the bill in spite of the cost consequences.” 

Consumer Reports noted auto insurance is currently unaffordable for 2.3 million motorists in the state. More than 40 percent of Americans living in areas with unaffordable insurance reside in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, according to a study by the U.S. Treasury Department.

“The second increase is a deal breaker for me. That is going to price people out and do damage. No,” Assemblyman Rob Clifton (R-Monmouth) said.

NJ GOP Assembly

During a legislative debate on Gov. Phil Murphy’s latest gun control package, Republicans in the Assembly Judiciary Committee disputed the Democrats’ claim that the bills would lessen crime in the Garden State. Assemblyman Robert Auth and Assemblywoman Vicky Flynn said the package targets law-abiding gun owners exercising their Second Amendment constitutional rights and not the violent criminals. “During the Covid-19 pandemic, Governor Murphy’s administration told us it wasn’t safe to go to work, school or the parks while thousands of prisoners were released early and seniors in nursing homes were literally locked in. Now they want us to believe that passing this legislation will somehow make us safer. This latest push is just big government oppressing law-abiding citizens, once again,” Auth (R-Bergen) said. The nine bills considered in the Assembly committee raise the age a person is eligible to purchase a long gun to 21, requires registration of firearms acquired out-of-state, regulates handgun ammunition sales, makes it easier for New Jersey to sue the gun industry, mandates certain retailers sell microstamping-enabled firearms, prohibits body armor possession in certain cases, and more.

“The citizens in this state are concerned about the dangers from gun violence in our schools and today, none of the bills address those concerns. The legislation unfortunately won’t have the slightest impact on school safety or combating rising crime in our inner cities. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Assembly to develop a real plan to protect our kids which will require funding to allow schools to enhance security and mental health capabilities,” said Flynn (R-Monmouth). “Until we have a serious conversation about removing illegal guns from our streets, bolstering school security and addressing the mental health epidemic – the Murphy administration and Democrats are disregarding their obligations to keep New Jersey families and kids safe.” Flynn moved to amend a bill (A4369) that prohibits the possession of body armor by certain persons to exempt the use of bulletproof backpacks on school property, including school buses. Democrats tabled the motion and shifted the responsibility to include the amendment to the next committee that considers the bill. Auth proposed an amendment to the bill (A1302) regulating handgun ammunition to increase penalties for individuals who possess ammunition for an unlawful purpose. It would be a crime of the second degree, which comes with five to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. The amendment was tabled along party lines and the Democrats, again, said another committee could take up Auth’s change. According to the Giffords Law Center, only California has tougher gun laws than New Jersey. The Golden State also has had the most mass shootings, defined as four or more people killed, since 1982. The Garden State has the third lowest firearm death rate in the nation per the CDC, despite the number of annual firearm deaths increasing in 2020. In 2019, there were 368 gun deaths and in 2022, there were 443. “If Democrats were truly concerned about safety, they would have passed the bill to standardize school emergency response training for police that was proposed by Republicans two days after Uvalde. Their narrative that the government restricting our freedom somehow makes everyone safer is a lie. Criminals ignore gun laws. New Jersey needs to look at going after the bad guys, not the responsible gun owners,” said Auth and Flynn.

NewJersey101.5

TRENTON – Legislation that seeks to improve transparency about schools’ health and sex education curriculum advanced through an Assembly committee Thursday, despite criticism that it wouldn’t actually change much.

Sex education classes have become controversial in recent months, as schools prepare to meet new standards that take effect next school year. Activists are demanding their repeal and don’t support the proposed bill, A3968, because they see it as a half-measure at best.

“Parents don’t need a bill for transparency. We need a bill that protects children and parental rights,” said Lorraine Regan of Montclair. “We want a bill that removes the radical new sex-ed standards. We have a constitutional right to direct our children’s education. There is nothing more sacred than a child’s innocence, and it should be protected.”

The Assembly Education Committee meeting was a bit less heated than one last week in the Senate but still had moments of crosstalk and raised voices.

Assemblywoman Pam Lampitt, D-Camden, repeatedly asked people who were testifying to address the bill, not the standards adopted by the State Board of Education they find objectionable. Lampitt cut off Regan’s microphone because she kept discussing the standards; Regan called that un-American.

The bill makes reference to materials that must be published online if they’re used to meet the state’s health and sex education standards. It would apply to any such standards – whether adopted in 2020 or 2012 – but the bill’s critics say the bill is essentially writing what they oppose into law.

“This is the point. The learning standards codify this type of material,” said Victoria Jakelsky, state director of a group called Team PYC, short for Protect Your Children. “This is absolute pornographic. It’s absolutely inappropriate.”

Education groups that regularly lobby in Trenton support the bill.

Jennie Lamon, assistant director of government relations for the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association, said it calls for things that have been practiced in the schools for a long time, such as being available to discuss issues and allowing parents to opt kids out of lessons.

“It’s been our experience that most districts from what we’ve heard are already posting this curriculum on their websites,” Lamon said.

Assemblywoman Vicky Flynn, R-Monmouth, said that’s true and required by the state’s school district monitoring system. She called the bill “window dressing” and said the solution is to scrap the standards, not push off the controversy to school boards.

“You have all been told that this bill will help address an issue that I know we’re all getting a lot of calls on,” Flynn said. “I’m here to tell you it’s not going to address it.”

Shawn Hyland, executive director of the Family Policy Alliance of New Jersey, said some parents experience unfair obstacles when trying to review curriculum and lessons, as guaranteed by federal law.

“Parents often have to make a request in writing, meet with school administrators or fill out public records requests to access these rights, or exercise these rights,” Hyland said. “This puts an undue burden on parents, making access to these records extremely difficult.”

Democrats say that’s what the bill seeks to address by having materials posted online. Asked if an ombudsman might be able to help when parents hit a roadblock, critics of the bill insisted the solution should be to eliminate the new standards.

George Corwell, director of the education office at the New Jersey Catholic Conference, said his group has run into issues helping parents monitor their districts’ sex education textbooks and materials.

“Many of the courses are taught by nurses, and they are not using textbooks but their own notes. And they refuse to deal (with) the categories of what’s being taught in the nurses’ notes,” Corwell said.

Among the other suggestions from the hearing: Make health classes an elective. Establish a set period in which districts must hold hearings on their curriculum, so there’s enough time to make changes. Create a common form for filing complaints about the curriculum and make sure it’s bilingual. And teach sex education in the last week of the school year, so parents who object can pull their kids out of school and start their summer break early.

Michael Symons is the Statehouse bureau chief for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at [email protected]