Archive | Press Releases

Citing safety concerns, Rooney bill prohibits using schools as polling places

TRENTON, N.J. – In response to a recent event that led to the arrest of a poll worker stationed at a school, Assemblyman Kevin J. Rooney has introduced legislation prohibiting the use of schools as polling places. A poll worker at an elementary school in Wayne was arrested and charged with possession of heroin and being […]

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GOP lawmaker: 3 weeks away from budget deadline, Murphy’s not in tune with taxpayers

Find the Op-Ed feature in the June 10, 2018 edition of the Star Ledger or online at NJ.com By Kevin J. Rooney Will somebody please get serious about lowering taxes? A Monmouth University poll recently found the unsurprising fact that New Jerseyans are more concerned about their nation-high property taxes than any other issue in the state.  […]

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Republicans’ attempt to eliminate state property tax cap rejected by Democrats for the fourth time

TRENTON, N.J. – For the fourth time this year in the Assembly a Republican has proposed eliminating the $10,000 property tax deduction cap on state income taxes.  Assemblyman Kevin J. Rooney stood up on the Assembly floor Thursday and asked for the majority to do what is best for constituents, but to no avail. “I […]

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Rooney looks to protect first responders who rescue pets trapped in hot vehicles

TRENTON, N.J. – Assemblyman Kevin J. Rooney has introduced legislation protecting first responders from liability when rescuing animals locked in vehicles in extreme weather conditions. “It’s illegal to lock a pet in a car in extreme heat or cold, but if first responders break a window to free the animal, they can be sued,” said […]

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Governor signs Dancer, Rooney bill allowing special events at wineries

TRENTON, N.J. – Gov. Phil Murphy on Wednesday signed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Assemblymen Ron Dancer and Kevin J. Rooney that allows wineries to hold special events such as weddings, retirement and birthday parties on certain days. “We haven’t gathered enough information during the current pilot program on how important this program is to the […]

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Sudden deaths of dogs at groomers prompts Rooney bill

TRENTON, N.J. – In response to the recent deaths of three dogs that died at routine grooming appointments in New Jersey, Assemblyman Kevin J. Rooney introduced legislation today requiring pet groomers who have three or more complaints filed against them to register with the state Division of Consumer Affairs. “Many pet owners consider their pets […]

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Rooney protects pet owners from expensive leasing contracts

WYCKOFF, N.J. – New Jersey would become the third state to outlaw the leasing of dogs and cats under legislation (A3970) introduced by Assemblyman Kevin J. Rooney making the practice a violation of the consumer fraud law. Breeders and pet stores are under pressure to sell puppies while they are still young and most attractive to […]

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Rooney bill enlists medical marijuana to combat heroin addiction

TRENTON, N.J. – Assemblyman Kevin J. Rooney introduced legislation authorizing medical marijuana to treat opioid and heroin addiction. The bill (A4015) adds substance use disorder to the list of debilitating medical conditions that qualify a patient to use medical marijuana. “The treatment community is excited by recent studies showing the effectiveness of medical marijuana in […]

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Panel approves Rooney bill holding Superfund polluters accountable

TRENTON, N.J. – The Assembly Environment committee passed legislation today preventing public pension funds from investing in companies that are not meeting Superfund cleanup obligations. Corporations that file bankruptcy to avoid paying for environmental remediation are targeted by Assemblyman Kevin J. Rooney’s bill (A997). “We cannot allow companies to benefit from state investment while they are […]

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Rooney bill stops unfair liability transfer from property owners to snow contractors

TRENTON, N.J. – Assemblyman Kevin J. Rooney sponsors legislation that will help reign in escalating insurance costs for snow contractors who service high-traffic commercial and retail properties, such as shopping centers and big-box stores throughout the winter months. “With contractors holding the liability, there is little incentive for property owners to have the job done […]

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