Testa Calls on State to Help Borrowers Struggling with NJ Student Loans During COVID-19 Outbreak
Urges Governor to Temporarily Halt Monthly Payments
Senator Michael Testa Jr. today said the Governor’s announced assistance for students burdened by payments on NJCLASS college loans during the COVID-19 crisis was “a good first step, but more needs to be done to help young borrowers.”
Sen. Michael Testa Jr. urges the Administration to do more to help borrowers with New Jersey student loans during the coronavirus crisis by halting monthly payments. (CDC)
Testa called for freezing student loan interest and extending payment deadlines.
Testa: ‘Now is Not the Time for Tourism’
Pledges Support for Local Businesses Suffering Through COVID-19 Pandemic
“This is one time when we want to see the beaches and the boardwalks empty,” said Senator Michael Testa Jr. as he called on New Jersey and out-of-state residents to remain self-quarantined and follow common-sense precautions to avoid the spread of the coronavirus.
Sen. Testa said ‘now is not the time to be traveling to tourism areas’ and called on all residents – in-state and out- – to remain self-quarantined to prevent the spread of COVID-19. (CDC)
“Now is not the time to be traveling to tourism areas,” Testa continued. “Tourism is the life-blood of the economy in our Shore towns, but right now, it is important to make public health and safety the priorities.”
Testa: Senate Will Pass Bills to Help Families, Business Cope with Impact of Pandemic
Senator Michael Testa Jr. reiterated his commitment to help families, schools, and businesses struggling to cope with the effects of the coronavirus crisis, saying he looks forward to supporting more than a dozen bills Thursday, in the Senate.
When the Senate convenes for a session Thursday, Sen. Michael Testa said he will continue his resolve to help families and businesses during the coronavirus crisis. (CDC)
“This follows our resolve to ensure that during this crisis, businesses are afforded the utmost respect,” said Testa (R-1). “The is a crucial package of pro-business and pro-employee legislation. I will proudly vote yes and put New Jersey first.”
LD1 Legislators Urge Veterans to Apply for $6,000 Income Tax Exemption
Senator Michael Testa, Assemblyman Antwan McClellan, and Assemblyman Erik Simonsen (all R-1) are encouraging Garden State veterans to take advantage of the Income Tax Exemption for Veterans.
Testa, McClellan, & Simonsen are encouraging Garden State veterans to take advantage of the Income Tax Exemption for Veterans. (©iStock)
“More than 400,000 veterans call the Garden State ‘home,’” said Testa. “Every eligible veteran should utilize this tax relief. Easing the financial burden for former service members is a small way to show our thanks for their sacrifices.”
Testa: Preparation and Precautions Can Ease Coronavirus Danger
Senator Michael Testa urged residents in the First Legislative District to be aware of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) threat, but emphasized that there is no reason to panic.
Sen. Michael Testa today advised residents to be aware of the novel coronavirus developments and take sensible precautions to prevent the spread if it is diagnosed in New Jersey. (©iStock)
“The best thing the State can do, the best thing schools and businesses can do, and the best thing families can do is be prepared,” said Testa (R-1). “By following some basic precautions, we all can minimize the risk to ourselves and our families. The most effective safeguards include keeping hands clean and avoiding close contact with sick people. It’s common sense, and it is effective.”
Testa: Murphy Must Commit to Stopping Raids on 9-1-1 Fees
Almost All Collected Fees are Misappropriated
Senator Michael Testa pressed Governor Phil Murphy on his strategy to improve 9-1-1 emergency services after the governor stated in his Budget Address that he would ensure money is in place to modernize New Jersey’s emergency response infrastructure.
Sen. Michael Testa pressed Gov. Phil Murphy on his strategy to improve 9-1-1 emergency services. (Flickr)
“Our county’s and town’s emergency services are on the front lines protecting the public, ensuring our families have access to quick, quality life-saving care,” said Testa (R-1). “The state gets a 90 cents surcharge on every telephone bill that is to be used to maintain emergency services, but in typical New Jersey fashion, most of the fees collected are spent elsewhere.
“I look forward to working with the Governor and my legislative colleagues to fully fund our local 9-1-1 systems and will continue advocating for a constitutional amendment to require 9-1-1 funds to be spent as intended,” Testa added.
Testa: Under Murphy Budget, South Jersey Gets Short End of the Stick
Senator Michael Testa issued the following statement in response to Governor Phil Murphy’s budget address:
Sen. Michael Testa issued the following statement in response to Gov. Phil Murphy’s budget address. (Pixabay)
“Gov. Murphy’s budget continues the Trenton trend of ripping off South Jersey. What we’re seeing are more tax hikes and spending increases that fall on the backs of hardworking families and businesses. Failing to rein in state government’s out-of-control spending will only lead to more New Jerseyans putting one foot out the door to greener pastures in more affordable states.
South Jersey Legislators, Sheriff and Local Mayors Work Together to Combat Sanctuary State Policies
The District 1 legislative team joined Cape May Sheriff Bob Nolan and local municipal officials for a conference call with local mayors to discuss the impact of New Jersey’s sanctuary policies on law enforcement and efforts to challenge the intrusive directives from the attorney general.
Testa, Simonsen & McClellan and the Cape May County Freeholders rallied behind Sheriff Bob Nolan on October 4, 2019 in support of his efforts to protect Cape May County from the impact of Governor Murphy’s sanctuary state policies. (SenateNJ.com)
“The refusal of Murphy and his attorney general to enforce federal and state immigration laws continues to endanger law-abiding citizens,” said Senator Michael Testa (R-1). “Not only is the Murphy Administration evading our laws, they are treating illegal aliens to drivers’ licenses, college financial aid, and lawyers to fight deportation. Sheriff Nolan has my unyielding support in his struggle to protect New Jersey families from crimes committed by illegal aliens who have no respect for our laws and no fear of the consequences.”
Testa: Taxes are the Root of New Jersey’s Problem
Progressive Groups Looking for More, More, More
Senator Michael Testa called the $3 billion tax increase plan promoted this week by a coalition of progressive organizations “a recipe for disaster.”
Sen. Michael Testa derided a plan to increase taxes by $3 billion, floated this week by liberal organizations. ‘Taxes are the problem, not the solution,’ he said. (Flickr)
“Trenton has tried and failed to tax our way out of trouble,” said Testa (R-1). “These liberal groups lust for billions in tax and spending increases that will do irreparable harm to the economy and the quality of life in our state. New Jersey is well known for having some of the highest taxes in the nation. Hard-working families are already stressed to the breaking point.”
LD1 Team Encourages Retirees to Apply for “Senior Freeze” Property Tax Relief Program
Senator Michael Testa, Assemblyman Erik Simonsen, and Assemblyman Antwan McClellan are reminding eligible New Jersey homeowners to file an application for the Senior Freeze Property Tax Relief Program.
Testa, Simonsen, and McClellan are reminding eligible New Jersey homeowners to file an application for the Senior Freeze Property Tax Relief Program. (©iStock)
“If you’re a New Jersey senior citizen and you own a home, you may be eligible for a property tax break that could save you a substantial amount of money,” said Testa (R-1). “If you’re living on a fixed income, the Senior Freeze Program can provide some extra peace of mind. This valuable form of property tax relief can help our retirees afford to stay in their homes right here in the Garden State.”
