About - Senator Vin Gopal
State Senator Vin Gopal was elected in 2017 and re-elected in 2023 with more than 60% of the vote in a landslide election in what is considered one of New Jersey’s most politically competitive districts. Senator Gopal has championed legislation to provide aid for education and local businesses; provided property tax rebates for taxpayers, seniors and veterans; made life more affordable for seniors; make mental health services more accessible, improved public safety and teared down barriers to employment and services for members of the disabilities community - with dozens of his bills signed into law.
During his first two terms in the Senate, Senator Gopal served on a number of committees in leadership positions - including, Co-Chair of the Legislative Manufacturing Caucus, Chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, Vice-Chair of Senate Transportation, Vice-Chair of Senate Tourism and as a Member of the Senate Health Committee. Senator Gopal currently chairs the Senate Education Committee and serves as Senate Majority Conference Leader. He also serves on the Senate Judiciary Committee. In his 30s, Senator Gopal is currently the youngest member of the NJ State Senate and the first South-Asian American to be elected to the Senate in New Jersey history.
A dedicated volunteer who works with many nonprofit organizations to assist people in need, Senator Gopal is also the Founder and President of the Vin Gopal Civic Association, a 501c(3) organization dedicated to helping Monmouth County charities and individuals in need. His community contributions as a volunteer include serving as a past Board of Trustees Member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth County, and he served for many years as a volunteer first responder and EMT. He is also a former Adjunct Professor at Monmouth University and is currently the co-chair of the Monmouth University School of Civil Discourse.
An entrepreneur, Senator Gopal has started and built several businesses and is currently a business consultant and coach. Senator Gopal has served on the Board of Directors for the Northern Monmouth County Chamber of Commerce, and as President of the Hazlet Township Business Owners Association. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, he created a districtwide organization of business, community, church, and nonprofits leaders to address the challenges of the coronavirus to the local economy.
Born in Neptune Township and raised in Monmouth County, Senator Gopal holds a Masters in Public Administration from Rutgers University and a bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University. He resides with his wife, daughter and puppy in Long Branch.
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What's New
School Funding Reform Legislation Advances
By Vin Gopal
It’s gratifying to report that the Senate Education Committee passed our legislation to change the state’s school funding formula so it provides equitable access to resources for every student.
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It’s Time to Ban Cellphones in Classrooms
By Vin Gopal
As the State Legislature begins a new session, the Senate Education Committee is taking up some important bills to address student success and mental health, including a ban on cellphones.
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Protecting Consumers From Overcharging by Pharmacy Benefit Managers
By Vin Gopal
The withdrawal of safeguards against overpricing by Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM) from the last-minute federal budget bill makes it imperative that we press hard to pass our bill in the state legislature to control PBM’s pricing policies.
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Telehealth Now, and Our Priorities for Coming Year
By Vin Gopal
As a busy year in the State Legislature winds to a close, our bill to extend coverage for telemedicine and telehealth is nearing final approval.
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School Funding Reform
By Vin Gopal
The state Senate Education Committee plans to begin discussing our bill to revamp the school funding formula at its Dec. 5 meeting as we strive to create a fairer, simpler and more transparent approach to paying for public education.
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