Quorum Call Newsletter

Quorum Call

News from the District

From the office of Assemblyman Kevin J. Rooney

May 2021 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

We are saying goodbye to April and hello to May! On Monday, Governor Murphy announced new crowd limits for N.J. proms, weddings, other indoor events to increase. Dance floors will be open, too.

The capacity limit on indoor catered events in New Jersey, such weddings and proms, put in place to battle the coronavirus pandemic will increase to 50% and up to 250 people starting May 10, and dance floors at these events can be open. The size of outdoor gatherings in the state will also increase on May 10. Currently, indoor catered events are limited to 35% capacity, with up to 150 people. Still, dance floors at bars and restaurants remain off-limits, Murphy said. The exemption is just for private indoor catered events. While other states have either lifted most COVID-19 restrictions or, like neighboring Connecticut, announced plans to do so, Murphy has said he will continue to reopen New Jersey incrementally and not in one fell swoop.

Effective May 10th, outdoor carnivals and fairs are permitted to operate at 50% capacity, aligned with other amusement businesses. Effective May 10th, outdoor capacity for large venues (1,000 or more fixed seats) will increase to 50% – with six feet of distance between seated groups. Effective May 10th, the general outdoor gathering limit will increase to 500 individuals.

My fellow colleagues and I are very disappointed in Monday’s news. The state is moving too slowly regarding restrictions nearly 14 months into the pandemic. We are constantly fighting in Trenton for you so we could get an actual full reopening. These tiny crumbs are crushing our small businesses up and down this great state.

Thank you for all of your support!

Sincerely,

Kevin J. Rooney

Assemblyman

Message from the Assemblyman:

GOVERNOR MURPHYS NEW LIMITS

OBSERVATIONS

Armed Forces Day

Armed Forces Day is the third Saturday in May. This is simply a day to salute sharply all of the men and women in all branches of military, who protect you and our country. They can be called upon at a moment's notice to perform a risky and perilous mission for freedom and country. They train diligently both physically and mentally, so they will be prepared to prevail in any mission they face.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.

HEROES BEHIND THE BADGE

N.J. Police Officers Save Baby's Life After He Was Born in Home Bathroom: 'It's a Good Day'

Read here:

The New Jersey State Police Fugitive Unit arrested 30-year-old Kyree Johnson of Camden late last week. Cops say he was wanted for allegedly shooting and killing a man on April 6th.

Read here:

CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION

Please be aware that the COVID-19 Vaccine page and FAQs are now live on the COVID-19 Info Hub! The State of New Jersey’s goal is to ensure an equitable and efficient COVID-19 Vaccination Program. Please see the materials below and attached for the most up to date information on the State’s Vaccine Distribution Efforts.

Finally, my staff and I have received several queries about unemployment during the pandemic. Below are some helpful resources:

Cracker Jack and Pretzel Treats

Ingredients:

·3/4 cup. (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, plus more to coat pan

·1 (16-oz.) bag marshmallows

·7 cup. Cracker Jacks

·4 cup. coarsely chopped salted mini pretzels

·1 cup. cocktail peanuts

·3/4 tsp. Kosher salt

Instructions:

Butter a 13-by-9-inch baking pan.
Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until browned and fragrant, 4 to 6 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in marshmallows until melted. Fold in Cracker Jacks, pretzels, peanuts, and salt until coated. Transfer mixture to the prepared pan and press into an even layer; cool completely. Cut into