PRESS RELEASE
October 25, 2023 - The New Jersey School Bus Contractor’s Association (NJSBCA) presented their “ Legislator of the Year” award to State Senator Vin Gopal. The award presentation was held during the Association’s Fall Membership meeting on October 18, 2023 in East Windsor.
Eric Raphael, the Association’s 2nd Vice President and Legislative Committee Chair
presented the award to Senator Gopal and had these words to share:
“State Senator Vin Gopal was elected in 2017 and re-elected in 2021. He has sponsored dozens of pieces of legislation that have become law. Specifically, he has championed legislation to provide aid for education and local businesses.
Senator Gopal currently chairs the Senate Education Committee and serves as Senate Majority Conference Leader. He also is Vice-Chair of the Senate Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee, and a member of the Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee. Senator Gopal is currently the youngest member of the NJ State Senate and the first South-Asian American to be elected to the Senate in New Jersey history.
An entrepreneur, Senator Gopal has started and built several businesses and is currently a business consultant and coach. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Northern Monmouth County Chamber of Commerce, and as President of the Hazlet Township Business Owners Association. Senator Gopal was born and raised in Monmouth County where he volunteers with many nonprofit organizations to assist people in need.
Most recently Senator Gopal and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin have announced legislation that they will move immediately to stop funding cuts at regional school districts. The legislation will also encourage smaller school districts who are facing cuts due to declining enrollment to go towards regionalization and adding shared services."
