A Thank You to Our Firefighters
Senator Jean Stanfield, Assemblyman Michael Torrissi and Assemblyman Brandon Umba marveled at the speed and precision that New Jersey firefighters are tackling a forest fire that threatens to be the biggest in the state in over a decade.

Sen. Jean Stanfield, Asm. Michael Torrissi, and Asm. Brandon Umba thanked the brave New Jersey firefighters who are tackling a forest fire that threatens to be the biggest in the state in over a decade. (SenateNJ.com)
The Wharton State Forest fire is about 95 percent contained, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, and is expected to burn around 15,000 acres of forest.
“Over the weekend, South Jersey residents watched in fear as one of the largest forest fires in state history spread between Shamong, Hammonton, Bass River and Mullica through the Wharton State Forest. However, because of the swift action of dozens of fire companies, the fire seems to be under control with extremely minimal structural damage,” said Senator Stanfield.
Stanfield Bill Requiring DOE to Evaluate Educational Needs of Military-Connected Students Clears Committee
Legislation sponsored by Senator Jean Stanfield that would require the Department of Education to identify military-connected students in its database was approved today by the Senate Education Committee.

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Jean Stanfield that would require the Department of Education to identify military-connected students in its database was approved today by the Senate Education Committee. (Pixabay)
“Children of military service members face many unique responsibilities during their school years,” said Stanfield (R-8). “This legislation will allow schools to better evaluate the educational needs of military-connected students so that teachers can provide personalized academic support.”
Senate Clears Stanfield Bill that Would Provide Funding for Environmental Infrastructure Projects
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senators Jean Stanfield and Richard Codey that would allocate funds to the Department of Environmental Protection to support water infrastructure projects was approved today by the New Jersey Senate.

Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Sens. Jean Stanfield and Richard Codey that would allocate funds to the DEP to support water infrastructure projects was approved today by the NJ Senate. (Pixabay)
“Environmental infrastructure project loans include millions in funding for clean water projects for the Evesham MUA, Medford Lakes, and Pemberton Township in the 8th District” said Stanfield (R-8). “The funds authorized by this legislation will not only create jobs in New Jersey, but will preserve and protect the environment—which is so critical to our quality of life.”
Senate Approves Stanfield Bill Establishing “Purple Star Schools Program”
Legislation sponsored by Senator Jean Stanfield that would establish the “Purple Star Schools Program” in the Department of Education was approved today by the New Jersey Senate.

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Jean Stanfield that would establish the “Purple Star Schools Program” in the Department of Education was approved today by the New Jersey Senate. (Pixabay)
“Children of military service members face many unique responsibilities during their school years,” said Stanfield (R-8). “Between K-12, military children can move to different locations six to nine times, which separates them from family and friends as well as familiar social environments. This kind of upbringing means finding the right school is extremely important—and by designating certain educational institutions as ‘Purple Star Schools,’ we can call attention to schools that provide for the educational and social-emotional challenges military-connected students encounter.”
Stanfield Bill that Would Provide Funding for Environmental Infrastructure Projects Clears Committee
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senators Jean Stanfield and Richard Codey that would allocate funds to the Department of Environmental Protection to support water infrastructure projects was approved by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.

Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Sens. Jean Stanfield and Richard Codey that would allocate funds to the DEP to support water infrastructure projects was approved by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee. (Pixabay)
“This legislation is crucial for approving and financing important environmental infrastructure projects that protect our state’s drinking water and waterways,” said Stanfield (R-8). “The funds authorized by this legislation will not only create jobs in New Jersey, but will preserve and protect the environment—which is so critical to our quality of life. Ultimately, providing an affordable financial strategy to upgrade critical infrastructure throughout the state will protect the public health of all New Jerseyans.”
Stanfield Bill Would Help Substance Abuse Treatment Programs Work
Senate Panel Endorses Measure to Create Business Tax Credit for Hiring Recovering Addicts
Senator Jean Stanfield’s legislation to help recovering substance abusers find employment cleared the Senate Economic Growth Committee today.

Senator Jean Stanfield’s legislation to help recovering substance abusers find employment cleared the Senate Economic Growth Committee. (©iStock)
Stanfield’s bipartisan bill, S-2228, would establish the Recovery Tax Credit Program to incentivize the hiring and continued employment of qualifying residents who are in recovery from substance use disorder.
“New Jersey has a responsibility to help individuals who have made the decision to get clean and have put in the work to get off drugs,” said Stanfield (R-8). “A stable job and the possibility of a brighter future is a necessary component for recovering addicts as they fight to rebuild their lives.”
Stanfield Bill Honoring First DEP Commissioner “Richard J. Sullivan” Approved by Committee
Legislation sponsored by Senator Jean Stanfield that designates the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) state building in Trenton as the “Richard J. Sullivan Building” was approved today by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Jean Stanfield that designates the DEP state building in Trenton as the “Richard J. Sullivan Building” was approved today by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee. (SenateNJ.com)
“As one of New Jersey’s most respected conservationists, Richard Sullivan not only dedicated his life to protecting the environment, but he established New Jersey as a national leader in pollution control, coastal protection, and land preservation,” said Stanfield (R-8). “My legislation will formally recognize Richard’s legacy and designate the NJDEP’s Trenton headquarters in his name.”
8th District Lawmakers Propose Tax Relief for NJ Farmers
With the prices of many agricultural inputs – from diesel fuel to fertilizer – continuing to rise, 8th District lawmakers are pushing for consideration of tax relief proposals they’ve introduced to provide a much-needed backstop for farmers in the Garden State.

With the prices of many agricultural inputs continuing to rise, 8th District lawmakers are pushing for consideration of tax relief proposals they’ve introduced to provide a much-needed backstop for farmers in the Garden State. (Pixabay)
“The combination of inflation and supply chain shortages have been devastating to many people and industries, but especially to farmers who already operate on razor-thin margins,” said Assemblyman Michael Torrissi, Jr. (R-Hammonton).
8th District Legislators Implore Governor to Return $9 Billion In Excess Revenue
Senator Jean Stanfield, Assemblyman Michael Torrissi and Assemblyman Brandon Umba called on Governor Phil Murphy to give back the billions in revenue New Jersey over collected from taxpayers.

Senator Jean Stanfield, Assemblyman Michael Torrissi and Assemblyman Brandon Umba called on Governor Phil Murphy to give back the billions in revenue New Jersey over collected from taxpayers. (SenateNJ.com)
State Treasurer Elizabeth Muoio addressed the state legislature this week and is projecting New Jersey will collect billions more in revenue than projected for the current year.
“This is over-taxation at its worst. The government took nearly $9 billion more than it needed from residents, and there have been few conversations about how this money is going to be returned to citizens,” Umba said. “We have school districts losing millions in state aid, property taxes through the roof and inflation making everything unaffordable. New Jersey has $9 billion to help solve some of the issues our people are facing.”
Stanfield’s Bill Fighting Human Trafficking Becomes Law
Legislation sponsored by Senator Jean Stanfield to combat human trafficking was signed into law today.

Sen. Jean Stanfield’s bill to disqualify any person convicted of human trafficking from operating a commercial motor vehicle was signed into law. (Pixabay)
The new law disqualifies any person convicted of human trafficking from operating a commercial motor vehicle. The bipartisan measure, S-356/A3089, also sponsored by Senator Vin Gopal, S-356/A3089, passed the Senate with a 39-0 vote on March 3, and the Assembly approved it 77-0 on March 24.