Senator Patrick Diegnan
18TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT YEAR IN REVIEW
NEW JERSEY'S SAFE PASSING LAW TAKES EFFECT
New Jersey’s safe passing law, regarded as the nation’s strongest, took effect in March. The new law provides unambiguous rules for motorists regarding when and how to pass vulnerable road users including pedestrians, cyclists, scooter riders, and others. Senator Patrick Diegnan joined Assemblymen Robert Karabinchak and Sterley Stanley in sponsoring the legislation, which gives the Garden State among the nation’s most comprehensive safe passing laws. Read more
NEW JERSEY'S ANTI-BULLYING STATUTE STRENGTHENED
New Jersey’s anti-bullying statute, already among the nation’s most stringent, was strengthened under legislation Governor Murphy signed into law. The bill, which Senator Patrick Diegnan sponsored, improves protection for students by increasing penalties for parents and guardians and mandating school districts bolster bully-prevention policies. Read more
ELECTRIC SCHOOL BUS BILL BECOMES LAW
COVID-19 FRONTLINE AND HEALTHCARE WORKER MEMORIAL
$120 MILLION IN STATE AID FOR DISTRICT 18 SCHOOLS
“Still reeling from the pandemic’s impact on learning and social and emotional wellbeing, our students and the dedicated educators who serve them need our support now more than ever,” Senator Patrick Diegnan, Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak and Assemblyman Sterley Stanley said. “We must ensure students are receiving the best possible education and are learning in safe environments. Our legislative district’s schools will benefit from investments in infrastructure, improved facilities, school construction and renovation, preschool expansion, special education, and much more.” Read more
NEW JERSEY SCHOOL SAFETY AND SECURITY TASK FORCE
Nothing is more important than the safety of our children. In recent years, our schools have endured a spate of school shootings, leaving students, their parents, faculty, staff, administrators and the communities in which those families live paralyzed with unimaginable grief and pain. We cannot accept the frequent occurrence of school shootings as our new reality. The task force will equip us with the knowledge to combat this growing epidemic and provide critical information to determine the most effective means of protecting our children. Read more
ON THE ROAD WITH THE MVC MOBILE UNIT
80 NEWS ITEMS AND FEATURES FROM 2022
FUNDING
South Plainfield to replace turf field behind Police Athletic League complex
$3 million in state funding helps East Brunswick break ice on skating rink
Edison receives $1.5 million for projects benefiting township and state residents
Myrtle Field ribbon-cutting ceremony ushers in new era of Metuchen athletics
Newly renovated Highland Park recreation complex already benefiting student-athletes
18th Legislative District schools receive more than $120 million in direct state aid
Legislative District 18 towns and others in New Jersey benefit from $37 million in library upgrades
Metuchen receives $2 million in state funding for complete renovation and turfing of Edgar Field
Middlesex County receives $11.24 million to improve county roads and bridges
Three 18th Legislative District towns receive $1.879 million combined in pre-K aid
Edison, Metuchen receive combined $1.25 million in Safe Streets to Transit Program grants
Middlesex County receives $8.5 million in funding for Destination Athletic Complex
Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park receives $150,000 in state funding
Edison awarded $70,000 for highway traffic safety
Edison awarded $20,000 Recreational Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities grant
Middlesex County shelters receive state grants for renovations
Highland Park, Metuchen receive grants for downtown revitalization
Metuchen School District to receive funding for school security upgrades
Metropark Station to undergo transformation
Highland Park nonprofit receives $1 million for affordable housing project
LEGISLATION
Safe passing law to protect pedestrians and cyclists takes effect
Legislation requiring New Jersey to develop and implement electric school bus program becomes law
Murphy signs legislation strengthening New Jersey’s anti-bullying law
Governor signs legislation allowing minors to serve as election workers
New law eases transition for military and their families
Governor signs Diegnan bill establishing Irish-American Heritage Month in New Jersey
Governor signs legislation to prevent violence against transit employees
Governor signs legislation addressing shortage of school bus inventory
Oct. 15 designated as New Jersey Railroad Workers Day
Legislation revamping graduation proficiency test heads to Governor’s desk
Senate passes resolution opposing New York’s congestion pricing plan
Senate approves Diegnan bill requiring signage honoring historic sites at NJ TRANSIT stations
Senate Transportation Committee advances bill to address traffic safety
Bill making totally disabled veterans’ property tax exemption retroactive advances
Senate approves consumer protection bills for New Jersey drivers
FEATURES
NJ schools ‘need our support now more than ever,’ Senator Diegnan says
‘We are all Jews here’: A World War II hero’s remarkable story comes to Edison
National POW/MIA Recognition Day Vigil honors and remembers service members
Ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrates stunning renovation of South Plainfield High School auditorium
TRANSITional Art Project puts work of local artists on track
Hunger Heroes Awards fundraiser benefits food-insecure Middlesex County residents
Civil rights collection established in Martin Spritzer’s loving memory at Metuchen Public Library
Edison Community Garden will also ‘build unity, compassion and understanding’
Hands of Hope founder Jackie Goedesky honored for decades of service
Award-winning New Jersey students recycle batteries and educate public
Metuchen’s Edgar Middle School earns prestigious National Blue Ribbon School Award
Temple Emanu-El celebrates relocation to Jewish Community Center with “Walk to Worship”
Edison remembers 9/11 with ceremony
GMC student-athletes from 18th Legislative District earn postseason honors
State legislators reciprocate gratitude to Jewish Community Center
State legislators tour nationally recognized Rutgers Asphalt Pavement Lab
Middlesex County unveils plan to transform Middlesex College into a leading New Jersey destination
GMC players showcased in Soccer for a Cause Charity Festival
South Plainfield conducts a ‘Parade Around the World’ on Labor Day
Award-winning J.P. Stevens High School FIRST Robotics team honored
New Jersey high schools rank among nation’s best
New Jersey Legislative Disability Caucus focused on equity and inclusion
We must ensure animal victims are protected in our state
18th Legislative District roadways and bridges among NJDOT’s proposed improvement projects
Keep Middlesex Moving “Mobility Matters” Podcast: Understanding New Jersey’s Safe Passing Law
One of Central Jersey’s busiest roads is slated for major improvements
Replacing century-old rail bridge will benefit Northeast Corridor commuters, economy
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Mobile Unit visits 18th Legislative District towns
Highlights from Nov. 11, 2022 Veterans Day Ceremony in South Plainfield
Riley Elementary School honors veterans
South Plainfield High School wrestling program records 800th win
Retiring PANYNJ police officer fundraises for Tunnel to Towers Foundation
CONTACT INFO
Email: SenDiegnan@njleg.org
Website: www.patrickjdiegnan.com
Location: 908 Oak Tree Avenue, Unit P, South Plainfield, NJ, 07080
Phone: (908) 757-1677
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076029854847
Twitter: @PatrickDiegnan
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