Quorum Call
News from the District

From the office of Assemblyman Kevin J. Rooney
April 2022 Newsletter
A MESSAGE FROM THE ASSEMBLYMAN

Dear Friends, 

Thank you for viewing my April 2022 Newsletter. Enclosed you will find some pertinent updates from Trenton as well as some other pertinent information for the upcoming month.

***

I am proud to report that my bill (A-208) addressing poll worker shortages by increasing their pay to $300 a day passed both the General Assembly and Senate, and was signed into law by Governor Murphy on March 25, 2022!

Election worker pay has remained stagnant since 2001 when it was raised to $200 from $75. These election workers sometimes work upwards of 14 hour days and should be paid a fair wage to entice them to step up to this civic duty.

Poll workers are critical to the integrity of our elections. We need to attract competent poll workers by offering competitive wages. Addressing their pay through legislation, rather than executive order, ensures a permanent solution to this issue instead of waiting around for another executive order.

My bill increases the state’s reimbursement to $225 for poll worker pay while counties remain responsible for $75. It appropriates $7 million to reimburse the counties for the costs of implementing the law. This pay increase takes effect immediately and applies to all general, primary and special elections moving forward.

***

I am excited to announce that my bill (A-1271) allowing students in grades 6-12 at least one excused absence annually to attend a civics event has advanced out of the Assembly Education Committee. Academics is just one part of a well-rounded education. While it is important to keep up with studies and homework, students should also be encouraged to be active, engaged citizens in the world from a young age.

After hearing from parents and even students around my district about their desire to engage in civic activities that may take place during the school day, I simply could not ignore the need for this legislation. The Committee heard testimony from young leaders on both sides of the aisle and my bill is expected to have bipartisan support once it is posted for a vote of the full General Assembly.
***

Should you require any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. I will never stop working for you and all of my constituents across my district and New Jersey. I wish you all a wonderful April!


All the best,
 
Kevin J. Rooney
Assemblyman

HONORING OUR VETERANS
National Vietnam War Veterans Day

March 29, 2022 ~ On the 5th annual National Vietnam War Veterans Day, Assemblyman Rooney spoke at the Pompton Lakes Vietnam War Veterans Memorial Day Event. Attendees were joined by the local mayor and borough council. Veterans from the Marine Corps League Lakeland Detachment 744 led a lovely tribute to the brave men and women who served our nation in Vietnam. Along with Senator Kristin Corrado and Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips, Assemblyman Rooney presented a legislative ceremonial resolution honoring this day of respect and remembrance. We remember the 9+ million American military personnel who served and the 58,000+ soldiers who perished, including 1,953 New Jersey veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice while deployed overseas.
INSPIRING OUR FUTURE LEADERS

ASSEMBLYMAN ROONEY ADDRESSES EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FUND STUDENTS IN TRENTON

March 24, 2022 ~ Assemblyman Rooney addressed students from around New Jersey visiting the State House to recognize their participation in the New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund. The Assemblyman discussed the incredible opportunity that New Jersey's education system affords to its students and the importance of dedication and a strong work ethic to benefit from the academic pursuits made available to them via participation in the E.O.F.'s program.
OBSERVATIONS
Ramadan ~ April 2-May 2, 2022

Ramadan is a holy month of fasting, introspection and prayer for Muslims, the followers of Islam. It is celebrated as the month during which Muhammad received the initial revelations of the Quran, the holy book for Muslims. Fasting is one of the five fundamental principles of Islam. Each day during Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink from dawn to sunset. They are also supposed to avoid impure thoughts and bad behavior. Muslims break their daily fasts by sharing meals with family and friends, and the end of Ramadan is celebrated with a three-day festival known as Eid al-Fitr, one of Islam’s major holidays. 
Passover ~ April 15-23, 2022

Passover commemorates the Biblical story of Exodus — where God freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The celebration of Passover is prescribed in the book of Exodus in the Old Testament (in Judaism, the first five books of Moses are called the Torah). The holiday is often celebrated for eight days (seven in Israel), and incorporates themes of springtime, a Jewish homeland, family, remembrance of Jewish history, social justice and freedom — including recognizing those who are still being oppressed today. All of these aspects are discussed, if not symbolically represented, during the Passover Seder.
Easter ~ April 17, 2022

Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament of the Bible, the event is said to have occurred three days after Jesus was crucified by the Romans and died in roughly 30 A.D. The holiday concludes the “Passion of Christ,” a series of events and holidays that begins with Lent—a 40-day period of fasting, prayer and sacrifice—and ends with Holy Week, which includes Holy Thursday (the celebration of Jesus’ Last Supper with his 12 Apostles, also known as “Maundy Thursday”), Good Friday (on which Jesus’ crucifixion is observed) and Easter Sunday.
NEWS FROM THE LEGISLATIVE OFFICE
Assemblyman Rooney welcomes new Chief of Staff,
Matt Conlon!

Assemblyman Kevin J. Rooney (R-40) recently named prominent young Republican leader Matthew Conlon as his new Chief of Staff.

Currently the New Jersey Republican State Committeeman for Passaic County and Passaic County GOP Secretary, Conlon is a West Milford Township Council candidate who also serves as Vice Chairman of the Wanaque Valley Regional Sewerage Authority. He was elected as a Trustee of the West Milford Township Board of Education at the age of 19 in 2011 and served through the end of 2014. Conlon has also served as NJ Young Republican State Chairman since 2019 and is part of numerous charitable and philanthropic organizations.

“This new role is such an exciting opportunity for me to expand my knowledge of our government and use my skills to support our elected officials,” said Conlon. “I am eager to work with a dedicated public servant like Asm. Rooney, whose pride in active constituent services and fearless advocacy for a better New Jersey are inspirational.”

Rooney, a former Wyckoff Mayor first elected to the General Assembly in 2016, represents fifteen municipalities across Bergen, Essex, Morris, and Passaic Counties.

“I am happy to welcome Matt Conlon aboard as my new Chief of Staff,” said Rooney. “Matt’s leadership ability and resourcefulness will make him a valued member of my team.”

Conlon can be reached at Assemblyman Rooney's Legislative Office at 973-237-1362 and via email at MConlon@NJLeg.org.
HEROES BEHIND THE BADGE
WAYNE: Brave Police Officers Track Down Carjacking Suspect, Make Arrest

CONSUMER TIP
Tax season is underway and many Americans have their income tax filings due on Monday, April 18, 2022. Those who file extensions will have their filings due on Monday, October 17, 2022.

***For more on deadlines: READ HERE***

Whether you plan to file online or seek assistance to prepare your forms, keep in mind that many taxpayers qualify for free tax preparation.

***Find one near you: READ HERE***
ROONEY'S RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Assemblyman Kevin J. Rooney is a former champion of the Food Network show "Chopped!" and a passionate chef. He is happy to share his recipe for the month with our readers.

Pignoli Cookies
 
Ingredients:
  • 1 8-oz can almond paste
  •  2/3 cup granulated sugar
  •  2 large egg whites
  •  1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  •  1 cup pine nuts
  • Parchment paper


Instructions:
 
1. Crumble almond paste into a food processor and pulse until it's the texture of sand. Add the sugar, egg whites, salt, and process until smooth, about 15 to 20 seconds. Use a spatula to scrape the mixture out into another bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.

2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper, then grease with oil or cooking spray. Pour the pine nuts onto a plate and have a bowl of cold water next to it.
3. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and use a teaspoon to scoop out a small piece. Wet your hands a little so they don't stick and roll it around to form a ball. Drop the ball into the pine nuts and press to flatten and coat on both sides. Be careful not to overcoat with too many pine nuts. Place the cookie on the baking sheet and repeat until all the dough and nuts are gone.
4. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until they're golden brown around the edges. Allow to cool completely before serving.

ARE YOU LISTENING?

Tune in every 3rd Tuesday of the month WTBQ 1110 AM & 93.5 FM and WGHT 1500 at 8:10AM, where we always discuss issues facing New Jersey residents.

WTBQ 1110 AM & 93.5 FM and WGHT 1500
#1 Community Radio Station
#1 North Jersey ~ NYC ~ Orange County
#1 Morning Drive Time Show
EMPLOYMENT

My staff and I have received several queries about unemployment. Below are some helpful resources: