Holzapfel, McGuckin & Catalano Legislation Would Prohibit Use of COVID-19 Vaccine Passports in NJ
Legislators Say People Shouldn’t Be Discriminated Against Based on Vaccination Status
Senator Jim Holzapfel, Assemblyman Greg McGuckin, and Assemblyman John Catalano (all R-10) are taking action to prevent the use of COVID-19 vaccine passports in New Jersey that could lead to discrimination against people based on their vaccination status.
Holzapfel, McGuckin & Catalano are taking action to prevent the use of COVID-19 vaccine passports in New Jersey that could lead to discrimination based on vaccination status. (SenateNJ.com)
“We’re extremely concerned by Governor Murphy’s willingness to consider the use of vaccine passports that could prevent people from working, going to school, or visiting public places,” said Holzapfel. “In a free society that respects individual rights, we believe health decisions should be a personal, private choice that a patient doesn’t have to discuss with anyone but their doctor. Our new legislation would prevent vaccine passports from being employed here in New Jersey.”
Holzapfel, McGuckin and Catalano: Governor Needs to Clearly Define Reopening Plans for Senior Community Clubhouses and Pools
The 10th District Legislators have received numerous requests from residents of age-restricted communities who want to know when their community clubhouses and pools can reopen. Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano are urging the Governor’s Administration to clarify the guidelines for opening these facilities before the summer season begins.
Sen. Holzapfel, Asm. McGuckin and Asm. Catalano want the Governor to clarify the guidelines for reopening clubhouses and pools in age-restricted communities before the summer season begins. (Pixabay)
“According to the Governor’s office, clubhouses fall under social clubs, however, the language in the Executive Order does not include clubhouses. This has created confusion about whether or not these facilities have the ability to lawfully reopen,” said Senator Holzapfel. “Without any guidance from the Governor, communities remain in limbo on how to properly and safely reopen.”
Holzapfel, McGuckin and Catalano Bill Package to Ease Burdens on Restaurants and Bars has Passed the Assembly
A package of bills to help ease the burdens of restaurants trying to navigate COVID-19 regulations and restrictions has been approved by the Assembly.
A package of bills sponsored by the LD10 lawmakers to help ease the burdens of restaurants trying to navigate COVID-19 regulations and restrictions was advanced by the Assembly. (FB/Morristown Partnership)
Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano are co-sponsors of these bills that allow food and beverage establishments to better protect their employees and customers while remaining open for business.
10th District Legislators: ‘Governor, Don’t Play Politics with Vaccines’
Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano are outraged at the recent decision by Governor Murphy’s Administration to pull 400 vaccine doses from the Ocean County Health Department’s weekly supply. The 10th District Legislators are calling this a political move by the Governor which continues to hurt Ocean County’s senior citizen population. The lawmakers have released the following statement on this issue:
Sen. Jim Holzapfel, Asm. Greg McGuckin and Asm. John Catalano are calling Murphy’s decision to pull 1,600 vaccine doses per month from Ocean County a political move that continues to hurt our senior citizen population. (Pixabay)
“It’s shameful and appalling that our Governor would pull a political stunt such as this with our seniors who are relying on these vital doses. With the number of senior citizens in Ocean County, the Governor should know that those 400 vaccines have already been spoken for by our residents. We are demanding that Governor Murphy immediately restore Ocean County’s vaccine supply.
10th District Legislators Cosponsor Bill to Send Written Notification to Parents for Child Marijuana & Alcohol Possession
Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano have cosponsored legislation which allows law enforcement officers to notify the minor’s parent or guardian in writing when a juvenile is caught in possession of marijuana or alcohol.
Holzapfel, McGuckin & Catalano have cosponsored legislation which allows law enforcement officers to notify the minor’s parent or guardian in writing when a juvenile is caught in possession of marijuana or alcohol. (Pixabay)
The 10th District legislators’ bill is a response to a new law recently enacted by Democrats and Governor Murphy that prohibits police officers from notifying the parents of a juvenile under the age of 18 about their possession or consumption of marijuana or alcohol for the first offense. Republican lawmakers vehemently opposed the Democrats’ absurd law, saying it would leave parents in the dark when their children are at risk for continued substance abuse.
Holzapfel, McGuckin & Catalano Call for 10% Cap on School Funding Increases
Legislators’ plan would offset severe losses at Brick and Toms River School Districts
Toms River and Brick Township schools took another hit from Governor Murphy and the controversial bill, S-2, which redirects State funding from many suburban districts to schools in urban areas of the state. Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano (all R-10) are calling on the Governor to implement a 10% cap on increases in state aid for school districts this year. The money saved would be used to offset losses to the over 200 districts that lost funding. Any remaining funding from this 10% cap would be used to help small businesses struggling due to the impact of COVID-19.
Sen. Jim Holzapfel, Asm. Greg McGuckin, and Asm. John Catalano are calling on Gov. Murphy to implement a 10% cap on increases in state aid for school districts this year. (Pixabay)
“Any funding increase over 10% to other districts is unfair to school districts like Toms River Regional and Brick Township that have been fighting for years to maintain a quality education while their funding continues to be slashed, year after year,” said Senator Holzapfel. “The current funding formula continues to drive property taxes higher for our residents, which would be especially harmful this year with so many people out of work.”
10th District Legislators Continue to Stress Need for Mobile Vaccination Units at Senior Communities
In an effort to ensure that senior citizens and disabled residents have access to the COVID-19 vaccine, Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano have sent another letter (click here for PDF) to Governor Phil Murphy again urging him to adopt their proposal to send mobile vaccination units to senior communities.
In an effort to ensure that senior citizens and disabled residents have access to the COVID-19 vaccine, Sen. Holzapfel, Asm. McGuckin, and Asm. Catalano have sent another letter to Gov. Murphy urging him to send mobile vaccination units to senior communities. (©iStock)
Prior requests, including a letter sent on January 14, have not been answered by the Governor’s Office.
“Frustrations are mounting for our senior residents who either cannot get through to schedule an appointment or they need to find someone to drive them out of their county to vaccination mega sites,” said Senator Holzapfel. “This is unacceptable and needs to be addressed immediately by the Governor and his Administration. For weeks we have demanded that the Governor establish a plan that prioritizes senior citizens like he originally promised.”
Holzapfel, McGuckin & Catalano Sign onto Letter Calling for Special Session on COVID Financial Relief
New Jersey Republican lawmakers including Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano have signed onto a letter requesting a special session to combat the economic devastation caused by the across the board shutdowns and restrictions related to the pandemic. The letter to Governor Murphy explains the dire need for financial assistance for small business owners and those on unemployment.
Small businesses are desperate for help, and Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano have joined other Republican legislators on a letter to Murphy requesting a special legislative session to combat the economic devastation caused by pandemic restrictions. (©iStock)
“There’s no doubt that we will see the economic fallout from the Governor’s extended shutdowns and paralyzing executive orders,” said Senator Holzapfel. “We need to convene a special session of the legislature in order to address the looming issues that the Governor continues to ignore. Small business owners don’t have the luxury of waiting for the Governor’s budget plans for 2022. We must provide relief for our residents now, before any more damage is done.”
10th District Legislators comment on the Passing of Toms River Mayor Tom Kelaher
Toms River Township is mourning the death of their beloved former Mayor. Thomas Kelaher leaves behind a great legacy and many accolades for his 12-year tenure as mayor for the township. Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano have released the following statements to honor and celebrate the life of their friend, colleague and mentor.
Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano reacted to news of the passing of former Toms River Mayor Tom Kelaher. (SenateNJ.com)
“Toms River not only lost a great public servant but a man of dignity and pride for his community,” stated Senator Holzapfel. “He was deeply committed to his country, serving 28 years with the Marine Corps. I truly believe Toms River would not be the great community it is without his 50 years of public service. He was a great man who surely will be missed by the many people who have had to pleasure to know him. We extend our condolences to his loving family and friends.”
Holzapfel, McGuckin & Catalano: Addition of Staff to Unemployment Call Centers ‘Better Late Than Never’
10th District Legislator Ask Why It Wasn’t Done Months Ago
Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano (all R-10) said an announcement by Governor Phil Murphy and the Department of Labor of the doubling of staff handling calls at unemployment centers should have been done last spring.
Sen. Jim Holzapfel, Asm. Greg McGuckin, and Asm. John Catalano said an announcement by Gov. Phil Murphy and the Department of Labor of the doubling of staff handling calls at unemployment centers should have been done last spring. (SenateNJ.com)
“The understaffing of call centers has been an absolute nightmare for out-of-work New Jerseyans who have been forced to spend hours daily for weeks and months trying to get through to an agent to collect their unemployment,” said Senator Holzapfel. “For months we have requested that the Department of Labor address the issues with their call centers, but those requests were ignored until now by the Governor and his administration. While his action is better late than never, why did it take so long for Governor Murphy to do the right thing?”
