Your Republican Conference Leader,
serving the communities of:
Bloomingdale, Closter, Demarest, Dumont, Emerson, Harrington Park, Haworth,
Hillsdale, Mahwah, Montvale, Norwood, Oakland, Old Tappan, Park Ridge, Ramsey, Ringwood, River Vale, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, Wanaque,
Washington Township, Westwood, Woodcliff Lake
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The Senators introduced S-3906, which would appropriate $4.32 billion from the New Jersey Debt Defeasance and Prevention Fund to towns and counties to retire and defease local debt or fund capital projects on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Under the bill, $3 billion would be allocated to each municipality on an equal per capita basis wherein each municipality receives the same dollar amount per resident. Similarly, the remaining $1.32 billion would be allocated to each county on an equal per capita basis.
The allocations to towns and counties would average more than $100 million per legislative district and is the equivalent of approximately $1,250 per New Jersey family.
The entire Senate Republican caucus has signed on as sponsors of the “Give It Back” property tax relief legislation.
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Senator Holly Schepisi introduced a joint resolution, SJR-128, to designate July 14th of each year as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Day.
“Most people are unaware of the fact that a loved one can die, not just by taking heroin, but rather what they believe to be a prescription pill given to them by a friend. Counterfeit pills made to look like Xanax, Valium and Ativan containing Fentanyl are poisoning our children, our friends, our neighbors and has become an epidemic in New Jersey,” said Schepisi (R-39). “This is an issue that hits close to home for thousands of other New Jersey families as Fentanyl recently accounted for more than seventy-five percent of drug related deaths in the state. Far too many young Americans, like Max Lenowitz, a son, an athlete, and a friend to so many, have had their lives cut short because of Fentanyl poisoning. This resolution would honor individuals like Max and raise awareness for the thousands of other victims who have tragically lost their lives to this lethal drug so we can work to prevent further deaths from occurring.”
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On May 25th, the New Jersey Assembly unanimously approved legislation sponsored by Senator Holly Schepisi, S3444, that would help municipally-owned water companies comply with new DEP regulations while still being able to provide water to customers, after unanimously passing the Senate on February 2, 2023.
“Due to New Jersey’s strict regulations concerning forever chemicals, water companies in the state are required by the DEP to engage in mitigation measures when any water well exceeds, or is expected to exceed, the maximum contaminant level for PFAS,” said Schepisi (R-39). “These measures can be extremely costly for small, municipally-owned water companies and can impair the ability of those companies to provide an adequate supply of water to the communities they serve. Many pre-existing wells exist on municipally-owned properties that are encumbered by Green Acres and are prohibited from constructing the very treatment vessels that are required. This legislation would address the issue by allowing certain exemptions from Green Acres regulations.”
On May 8th, the New Jersey Department of Health (DOH) sent proposed rule changes and a solicitation for comments to "stakeholders" to potentially add COVID-19 vaccines, flu shots, and Gardasil to the schedule of vaccines parents must get their children in order to attend school. When questioned what this proposed rule change means, the Murphy administration refused to admit it's considering these new requirements and indicated that it just wasn't planning to do so "at this time", generally code for "we do not plan on making such changes until after the November election" (when all 120 seats in the Legislature are up for election). Senator Holly Schepisi said "the DOH never hinted to members of the Legislature or parents that this might be in the works. It’s another shocking example of this administration trying to sneak through a major policy change that would further erode parental rights.”
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Legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony M. Bucco and Senator Holly Schepisi that provides employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals was approved by the Senate Labor Committee.
“The Second Chance Program will serve as a vehicle to deliver purpose and honest work to individuals who may otherwise struggle to find work opportunities after leaving prison,” said Schepisi (R-39). “By connecting those who are re-entering society with long-lasting and meaningful opportunities for employment, this program will provide a second chance to individuals who have served their time to succeed.”
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Stay up to date with the latest news from Sen. Schepisi and her colleagues by visiting www.senatenj.com.
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Bills Sponsored/Co-Sponsored
by Senator Schepisi:
S3742: Establishes annual cost of living adjustment, based on Consumer Price Index, to base Medicaid per diem rates for assisted living programs; makes appropriation.
S3755: Extends membership in TPAF to four years after discontinuance of service to 20 years for those who were laid off or had 10 or more years of continuous service upon voluntary termination.
S3787: Provides supplemental Transportation Growth Aid for school districts in 2023-2024 school year; appropriates $31.6 million.
S3680: Establishes Second Chance Program in charge of providing opportunities through labor organizations for formerly incarcerated individuals.
S3739: Delays fourth round of affordable housing obligations, including present and prospective need and related litigation, until July 1, 2028.
SCR140: Proposes constitutional amendment to increase amount of veterans' property tax deduction from $250 to $2,500 over four years.
SJR128: Designates July 14 of each year "Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Day."
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Senator Schepisi Introduces Fiscal Year 24 Budget Resolutions for the Following District 39 Municipal Projects:
ID 1333: Harrington Park - Pondside Park Pond Resiliency Footbridge Improvements - $603,000
The Borough would like to address this location to address flooding conditions at the park and to address the bridge’s resiliency to storm events. Pondside Park pond is instrumental in draining flood waters away from the Dorotockey area as well as our senior community and all the residents that reside in the area, not just Harrington Park. It impacts Norwood and Old Tappan. With all the redevelopment in the area, heavy rains have washed out the bridge and has exacerbated the deterioration of the sides of the waterways and drainage pipes. The tax increase to fund such a project would be catastrophic.
ID 1334: Mahwah - Filtration Systems for Wells - $7,000,000
Mahwah needs to install filtration systems for the municipal water wells in order to comply with DEP regulations with respect to certain contaminants (PFAS, PFOA) and the Clean Water Act. Compliance is mandatory for drinking water sources in the State with relatively short deadlines. While the municipality is applying to the Infrastructure Bank and researching other funding sources, the permanent treatment units are estimated to cost approximately $7 million. The municipality and local ratepayers were not responsible for the contamination and need assistance with the high cost of improvements.
ID 1335: Park Ridge - Mill Pond (Electric Lake) Dredging project: $12,000,000
Mill Pond, also known as Electric Lake, has a rich history within the Borough of Park Ridge. It originally served as the home to a hydro-electric plant constructed in 1906, allowing Park Ridge to be the first community in Bergen County to generate its own electricity, and later to expand more rapidly to nearby towns. In 1926, the water turbine at Mill Pond was serviced to turn a water pump located in a well drilled on-site. In 1928, however, the water turbine was retired and an electric motor was installed to perform pumping operations. Since 1928, the lake has been used only for recreational purposes such as fishing and non-power boating. The NJDEP Division of Wildlife included the 9 acres of Mill Pond as part of a list of New Jersey waters where “a good population of desirable species are present,” for fishing, but in recent years, the pond is no longer usable for such recreational activity or for production of electric due to the heavy sediment existing within the water.
This resolution if to pay for the construction costs, permit fee costs and anticipated design/ construction management costs to dredge the lake, mitigate flooding, and provide clean energy to the municipally-owned public utilities. These are complete project costs. The project would begin in the Spring of 2024.
ID 1336: Haworth - Lakeshore Drive Shared Bike Path - $509,000
This project consists of the construction of a new bikeway segment in the Borough of Haworth to connect its downtown with adjacent municipalities. The new bikeway will connect two existing municipal bikeways currently in use.
The Borough of Oradell, the municipality immediately to the south of Haworth, maintains an extensive network of on-street bike routes. One terminus of these bike routes is at the Haworth border at Grant Avenue/Sunset Avenue.
Immediately to the north of the municipal border is Lake Shore Drive. Lake Shore Drive is a road which follows the banks of the Oradell Reservoir for approximately 0.5 miles. At this point, vehicular traffic terminates and a dirt unimproved shared bike/pedestrian path continues along the Reservoir to Maple Street. Lake Shore Drive is also used by Suez Water Treatment Plant and the Haworth Country Club for access.
ID 1337: Oakland - Patriot's Way Bridge Replacement – $8,060,000
The Borough of Oakland needs to replace the superstructure of the failing Borough bridge, which has affected all aspects of quality of life for the Ramapo River Reserve section residents, including but not limited to, garbage and recycling pickup, school transportation for children, emergency response, and construction vehicles. This bridge is an integral part of the community and has become a safety hazard. Numerous attempts to provide interim fixes to the bridge to keep it operational have failed, resulting in the necessary replacement of the entire bridge.
The Borough of Oakland has been diligently identifying and receiving grant funding for the superstructure replacement project, but additional assistance is needed to cover the costs of the project without a significant burden being added to Oakland taxpayers.
ID 1338: Saddle River: Stormwater Channel and Flooding Improvements - $1,550,000
Saddle River has significant repetitive flooding and a project is being advanced to mitigate the flooding.
The project will prevent major arteries of the community from shutting down during excessive rain falls which can otherwise be a life-safety hazard, especially when emergency vehicles and personnel are diverted.
This channel cleaning / dredging project remains a high priority in the Borough as a primary method of stormwater management and flood prevention.
ID 1356: Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations Study - $200,000
A study is needed to help mitigate flooding in eight communities within the Pascack Valley region. Affected communities include Hillsdale, Westwood, River Vale, Emerson, Montvale, Oradell, Woodcliff Lake and Park Ridge
Stevens Institute of Technology worked closely with the NYC DEP to study forecast-informed reservoir operations (FIRO), a program that incorporates scientific improvements in forecasting to better inform the management of the Catskills of the weather and how it will affect the water supply, including flood mitigation. This has become part of the basis of NYC DEP’s Operation Support Tool (OST) and is actively used to manage the Catskill water system. California has also successfully used this technology, with the Army Corps of Engineers planning to incorporate it into the next federal operations manual.
A study of the application of this technology specifically to the Pascack Valley drainage basin, Woodcliff Lake Reservoir Dam, and Oradell Reservoir Dam would help several communities. Stevens Institute has indicated a readiness to perform such a study.
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SENATOR SCHEPISI SIGHTINGS |
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Congratulations to This Year's Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce Citizens of the Year! |
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After losing her son, Scott, to an overdose, Dee founded The Black Poster Project as a way to bring an impactful visual to overdose awareness. In the three years since the inception of this project, Dee has personally created over 500 (and counting) posters for grieving family members. These "silent memorials" move throughout New Jersey and New York to bring awareness to drug overdoses. Her passion to help others has not gone unnoticed. She is a truly deserving "Citizen of the Year."
CLICK HERE to learn more about the Black Poster Project.
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The Napoletano Vitale family, owners of Cafe Anello in Westwood, have used their establishment to become a staple in the community beyond just serving their customers. Recognized for aiding frontline workers throughout the pandemic, and continuing to work tirelessly for those still impacted by COVID-19, the Napoletano Vitale family delivered 48,000 meals to those in need between April 2020-October 2021. Community contributions raised funds to make and deliver meals to doctors and nurses throughout the area. Thank you for being "Citizens of the Year." |
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Senator Schepisi speaks at NJUA 108th Annual Conference |
Senator Schepisi recently participated in the New Jersey Utilities Association's 2023 Conference, serving on the State of the State Sunrise Panel. Moderated by Rowan University's Ben Dworkin, Senator Schepisi joined colleagues Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo and former State Senator/BPU Commissioner and current NJ Transit Commissioner Bob Gordon.
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Senator Schepisi Welcomes
Medical Essential Diagnosis to Englewood
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Medical Essential Diagnostics is a new medical service which specializes in enhancing the lives of essential workers and their families. Fully covered by insurance, M.E.D. offers the most comprehensive annual diagnostic exams for police, firefighters, emergency medical responders, educators, nurses and all other workers serving the state of New Jersey.
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Senator Schepisi Speaks at
Ramapo College's Memorial Scroll Event
Senator Schepisi was the featured guest speaker at Ramapo College's Gross Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, as the school welcomed and exhibited a Torah Scroll from the Czech town of Kolin. This scroll outlasted the antisemitic furor of Nazism.
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Bergen County Bar Association
"Journey to the Judiciary"
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Senator Schepisi was recently featured at a Bergen County informative panel discussion to shed light on the process of becoming a Superior Court Judge in the State of New Jersey. This seminar explored, among other things, the role of elected leaders, legislative staff, and county and affinity bar associations. |
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Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
The Residences at Upper Saddle River
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Senator Schepisi recently attended the ribbon cutting ceremony at The Residences at Upper Saddle River. The Housing Authority of Bergen County, in partnership with the Housing Development Corporation, built over seventy new homes - 56 senior citizen homes and 18 special needs residences. |
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Bergen County Women's Republican Club
Celebrates 100 Years
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Founded in 1923, the Bergen County Women's Republican Club is the oldest women's political organization in New Jersey. Senator Holly Schepisi and Senator Kristin Corrado attended the Centennial Celebration on May 24th.
The goal of this organization is to encourage women of all ages to actively participate in the Republication Party, at the County level or in their own municipalities.
Congratulations ladies on a job well done!
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Remembering Our Nation's Heroes on Memorial Day |
Senator Schepisi had a whirlwind weekend, attending ceremonies and parades in Midland Park, Oakland, Saddle River and Westwood, honoring those who sacrificed so that we can all enjoy the liberties and freedom which we often times take for granted.
Senator Schepisi served as the keynote speaker at the Oakland event alongside Congressman Pascrell (pictured right.)
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Valley Chabad’s Teen Leadership Initiative |
Valley Chabad’s Teen Leadership Initiative recently held its annual Teen Gala. The program, which celebrates teen leadership, recognized 184 teen participants in Valley Chabad’s Teen Leadership Initiative programs from the Pascack Valley and Saddle River communities. Senator Schepisi congratulated and presented each teen with a personalized citation which recognized their efforts. |
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STATE OF NEW JERSEY
UPDATES AND RESOURCES
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NJ Energy Assistance Programs |
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From time-to-time, some of our constituents find themselves in need of a helping hand. Several New Jersey Energy Assistance Programs are available to help with utility bills.
Low-Income eligible households that are having difficulty paying their heating and cooling bills can contact the NJ Dept. of Community Affairs for financial assistance and help in weatherizing their homes.
CLICK HERE for information and the application process for heating, cooling, weatherization and water.
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REMINDER:
Governor's STEM Scholars Application
Deadline: June 9, 2023
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Applications are now open for the Governor's STEM Scholars program. A program of the Research & Development Council of New Jersey, the Governor's STEM Scholars provides high school and college students with connections, mentors, and relationships within the state's research community, setting today's youth on an academic and career path to become New Jersey's future STEM professionals.
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FY2023 Lead Grant Asssistance Program |
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The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has announced the Lead Grant Program (LGAP). The grant program will support municipalities across the state conduct inspections for lead-based paint hazards in residential tenant-occupied housing built prior to 1978.
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NJ Unemployment Face-to-Face Appointments Now Available |
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Those still struggling with Unemployment issues can schedule 30-minute face-to-face conferences with NJDOL certified agents.
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Indian Hills High School Student Members of "CLICK CLACK FRONT & BACK"
Advocating for Senate Bill S3323
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Two years ago, Indian Hills students approached Senator Schepisi with the desire to enact legislation that would increase compliance of teens, adults and all passengers wearing seat belts in both the front and back seats.
The students in the "Click Clack Front & Back" group have been working with Senator Schepisi and her Chief-of-Staff Alyssa Dawson to move forward Senate bill S3323 with the goal of protecting passengers in the rear seat.
Last week at the Oakland Borough Town Council meeting, CCF&B leaders Izzy H., Gabby F., and Alexa Y. discussed the group's progress in advocating for the legislation. The Council unanimously supported Resolution 23-168. Also in attendance was Gabby T., who created the wonderful tri-fold.
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We are available to assist constituents with any and all state-related matters.
We are always willing to help!
Phone: 201-666-0881
Fax: 201-666-5255
Email: SenSchepisi@njleg.org
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Senator Holly Schepisi | 287 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ 07675
Phone: 201-666-0881 | Fax: 201-666-5255
senschepisi@njleg.org
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