“As a candidate, state Sen. Chris Brown said he would form a panel of Atlantic County stakeholders to develop legislative goals to help revitalize the local economy. In February he appointed the Economic Revitalization Advisory Committee (whose dozen or so members include the publisher of The Press), and this summer they delivered their consensus on what priorities he should pursue, which he has released.” 
Brown Bill to Help Ease MVC Lines Now law
Saying, “It’s a start,” State Senator Chris Brown announced a new law to reduce long lines at Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) agencies and make it more convenient for Atlantic County families to renew their driver’s licenses.
State Senator Chris Brown announced a new law to reduce long lines at Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) agencies and make it more convenient for Atlantic County families to renew their driver’s licenses. (SenateNJ.com)
“When the MVC agencies were shut down in the spring, Trenton had four months to figure out a way to make the system customer friendly by the time they re-opened in July. Instead, Trenton created another debacle by forcing families to get up at the crack of dawn and wait in line all day just to renew a driver’s license ,” Brown said. “Our hardworking families and retirees deserve better.”
Brown Bill Helping Local Bars & Restaurants Survive Passes Senate
Atlantic County bars and restaurants hit hard by the pandemic and government ordered closures will get a lifeline under a bipartisan bill sponsored by State Senator Chris Brown.
Atlantic County bars and restaurants hit hard by the pandemic and government ordered closures will get a lifeline under a bipartisan bill sponsored by State Senator Chris Brown. (SenateNJ.com)
“With many of Atlantic County’s middle-class families relying on hospitality jobs to make their living and pay their bills, this measure provides the much needed relief to keep our restaurants and bars afloat until they can begin hiring back more of our families,” Brown said. “After listening and meeting with our local families, I know, now more than ever, we need to put people back to work to ensure Atlantic County recovers fully from the damage caused by the pandemic.”
Veterans Posts Eligible for Assistance under Brown Bill
A bipartisan bill to help veterans organizations like the American Legion, AMVETS, the Jewish War Veterans, and the VFW to maintain their buildings and programs won approval by the Senate Military & Veterans Affairs Committee, announced the bill’s sponsor State Senator Chris Brown.
A bipartisan bill to help veterans organizations to maintain their buildings and programs won approval by the Senate Military & Veterans Affairs Committee, announced the bill’s sponsor State Senator Chris Brown. (SenateNJ.com)
“Veterans organizations support many great causes like helping service men and women and their families and sponsoring patriotic and sports programs for our children, all while trying keep their organizations and buildings operating during the pandemic,” Brown said. “As centers of patriotic activities, veterans’ posts are vital to our local communities, so it’s a small price to pay to help our veterans keep their doors open. ”
Brown Bills to Assist Returning Veterans Pass Senate
Two bipartisan bills to help veterans and military personnel returning from overseas passed the Senate, announced State Senator Chris Brown, a combat veteran who was activated for war on two occasions.
Two bipartisan bills to help veterans and military personnel returning from overseas passed the Senate, announced State Senator Chris Brown, a combat veteran who was activated for war on two occasions. (SenateNJ.com)
“We have to take the initiative and remain vigilant on how we, as a state, meet the needs of our veterans and their families as part of our mission to appropriately thank and care for our returning servicemen and women,” Brown said. “Today, we took another step forward in making the transition from combat to civilian life a little easier for these families.”
Brown: It’s Time to Return Our American Flags to Full Mast
Senator Chris Brown (R-2) called on Governor Phil Murphy to order the American and New Jersey flags to be raised to full mast.
Sen. Chris Brown called on Gov. Murphy to order the American and New Jersey flags to be raised to full mast. (SenateNJ.com)
“It is time to raise the flag. First, flying our flags for a prolonged period at half-mast minimizes the sacrifices and the honor due to our servicemen and women along with our first responders who died in the line of duty while intentionally putting themselves in harm’s way. Raising the flags acknowledges we will overcome our current circumstances. Consider the fact the American flag is lowered on Memorial Day only from sunrise to noon, after which it is raised to its full, glorious height, symbolizing America’s resilience,”Brown wrote.
Brown Supports Nomination of Fabiana Pierre-Louis to New Jersey Supreme Court
Senator Chris Brown today announced his support of the nomination of Fabiana Pierre-Louis to the New Jersey Supreme Court and was thanked by Olivia Caldwell, President of the Mainland-Pleasantville NAACP, and Bishop Robert Hargrove II, President of the Fellowship of Churches of Atlantic City and Vicinity.
Sen. Chris Brown today announced his support of the nomination of Fabiana Pierre-Louis to the New Jersey Supreme Court and was thanked by Olivia Caldwell, President of the Mainland-Pleasantville NAACP, and Bishop Robert Hargrove II, President of the Fellowship of Churches of Atlantic City and Vicinity. (SenateNJ.com)
“We are blessed to live in a country where a first generation American like Ms. Pierre-Louis, following the example of her working class, immigrant parents – who made great sacrifices for their family- can earn a nomination to the state’s Supreme Court by doing a great job upholding the law and serving with integrity as a US Attorney while building respect among her colleagues. After speaking with Ms. Pierre-Louis, I think she has the ability and fair temperament to serve as a justice. While I have always said it is important for our government bodies to reflect the communities they represent, Ms. Pierre-Louis is also a role model on how anyone can achieve the American Dream,” said Senator Brown, who spoke at length with Ms. Pierre-Louis.
Senate Republicans: Reopening Parks a Reasonable Step, Many Businesses Ready to Reopen Too
The Senate Republican leadership team said Governor Phil Murphy’s announcement that State and county parks and golf courses will be allowed to reopen is a reasonable step and that many businesses are also ready to resume operations once restrictions are lifted:
The Senate Republican leadership team said Gov. Phil Murphy’s announcement that State and county parks and golf courses will be allowed to reopen is a reasonable step and that many businesses are also ready to resume operations once restrictions are lifted. (SenateNJ.com)
“Over the last few weeks, we have witnessed with awe and pride an amazing transformation in the attitudes and practices of individual New Jerseyans as they adopted necessary social distancing and personal protective measures that just months ago would have been unthinkable.
Shore Senators Call for Detailed Plan to Reopen Jersey Shore
Senators representing communities from Sandy Hook to Cape May sent the following letter to Governor Phil Murphy yesterday asking for a detailed plan to reopen the Jersey Shore.
Senators representing communities from Sandy Hook to Cape May sent a letter to Gov. Phil Murphy asking for a detailed plan to reopen the Jersey Shore. (Bing Maps)
Click here to view a PDF of the letter from Sen. Robert Singer, Sen. Chris Brown, Sen. Michael Testa, and Sen. Declan O’Scanlon.
Brown to Sponsor Bipartisan Ethics Reform Package
Senator Chris Brown will sponsor a bipartisan package of ethics proposals to strengthen restrictions on lobbying, enhance financial disclosure requirements, and increase transparency in the legislative process.
Sen. Chris Brown will sponsor a bipartisan package of ethics proposals to strengthen restrictions on lobbying, enhance financial disclosure requirements, and increase transparency in the legislative process. (SenateNJ.com)
“What’s the difference between the Jersey Devil and ethics reform in New Jersey? Up until now, you had a better chance of spotting the Jersey Devil,” said Brown. “Hopefully, working in a bipartisan manner with Governor Phil Murphy and my legislative colleagues Senator and former Governor Dick Codey and Assemblyman Ryan Peters, we will change that. Cleaning up greed and corruption in Trenton is something we – Democrats, Republicans, and Independents – can all agree on. We need to loosen the grip special interests have on state government by increasing transparency and making government more accountable to our working families and retirees.”
Brown Bill Creates Grant Program to Support Vet-Friendly College Campuses
The Senate Higher Education Committee recently released a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Chris Brown that would establish an annual grant program to recognize public colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive array of veteran programs and services.
Sen. Chris Brown’s legislation establishes an annual grant program to recognize public colleges and universities that offer a comprehensive array of veteran programs and services. (SenateNJ.com)
“Every time I hear about another veteran committing suicide or losing their home, I feel we should and can do more to help our veterans find stability and purpose in civilian life,” said Brown. “Earning a college degree can play a large role in helping a veteran transition into civilian life, but while on campus, veterans should have access to other support services.”
