Senator Vin Gopal is pleased to announce Governor Phil Murphy signed bill S1918 into law.

The bill requires new students residing on Naval Weapons Station Earle to attend the Colts Neck School District for grades K-8. Traditionally, students who live on the base -- the residential section of which is located within Colts Neck -- attended school in Tinton Falls. However, the district was not compensated fairly for the additional students and as a result faced an undue financial burden.

TRENTON -- Acting in response to the Supreme Court’s landmark decision striking down the federal ban on sports betting, Senator Vin Gopal introduced legislation that would authorize and regulate sports gaming in New Jersey, putting in place the regulatory framework needed to allow casinos and racetracks to start taking bets.

Senator Vin Gopal joined countless community leaders and educators this week in recognizing Special Education Week.

“This is a time to celebrate all of the accomplishments of New Jersey’s special education students as well as the commitment of the parents and teachers who support them,” said Senator Vin Gopal.

Senator Vin Gopal joined the Covenant House Friday, May 11 for the organization’s Sleep Out: Asbury Park Edition to raise awareness for youth homelessness.

“Monmouth County is considered a wealthy area and, often, people forget that our residents also face hardships. Youth homelessness affects our citizens, our neighbors, right here in District 11. As your legislator, I consider it my obligation to do what I can to address this issue and work with organizations like the Covenant House to ensure our homeless youth are taken care of,” Senator Gopal said.

Senate Majority Conference Leader Vin Gopal released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s decision to allow sports betting in New Jersey:

“I am extremely pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision to allow sports betting in New Jersey by finding the Professional Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 unconstitutional. In Monmouth County, we are fortunate to have two iconic racetracks right in our backyard: the Monmouth Park Racetrack and the Freehold Raceway. It is essential to allow sports betting at our local racetracks to allow their industry to grow and thrive.”

A Senate Joint Resolution sponsored by Senator Vin Gopal that would designate the month of May each year as “Small Business Month” in New Jersey was advanced from the Senate Commerce Committee today.

“Small businesses are what make the economy in New Jersey flow, and propel our state to an even brighter future,” said Senator Gopal.  “As a small business owner myself, I understand the day-to-day difficulties that these entrepreneurs can face.  I am committed to supporting mom-and-pops not only in Monmouth County, but throughout the entire state.”

Legislation sponsored by Senator Vin Gopal that would ban smoking on New Jersey’s beaches was approved by a Senate committee today.

The bill, S-2534, endorsed by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee, would prohibit smoking on all public beaches by extending the existing provisions of the “New Jersey Smoke Free Air Act” to public beaches throughout the state.

Senator Vin Gopal hosted the first of two Small Business Roundtable Discussions Friday, May 4 at Red Bank Borough Hall.

Over 75 local businesses attended the roundtable to share their concerns with the Senator and learn more about his new small business initiative, www.ReportRedTape.com. The Senator was also joined by Senate President Stephen Sweeney, who graciously served as the guest speaker.

In an effort to engage and support the local nonprofit community, Senator Vin Gopal hosted a roundtable breakfast with representatives from several area organizations.

Hosted at the Perkins Restaurant and Bakery in Eatontown on Monday, April 30, the roundtable breakfast was an opportunity for the Senator to connect with the various vital nonprofit organizations that serve not only the residents of Monmouth County, but the state at large.

Senator Vin Gopal will host roundtable discussions throughout May, National Small Business Month, to learn more about the challenges facing local small business owners and engage them in his new initiative, www.ReportRedTape.com.

Small business owners often hit roadblocks when trying to manage and grow their businesses. From confusing municipal ordinances to laws that stifle business, local business owners can easily feel overwhelmed while attempting to break free of the gridlock government too often imposes. Through Report Red Tape, Monmouth County’s business owners are encouraged to speak up and discuss the issues they have faced while starting or managing their businesses.

In response to the behavior of Port Authority Commissioner Caren Turner towards two Tenafly Police Officers, Senator Vin Gopal, Vice-Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, issued the following statement:

“The vulgar, explicit and abusive language Ms. Turner directed towards these officers is inexcusable and appalling,” Senator Vin Gopal said.

Senator Vin Gopal is helping to shed light on the tragic prevalence of youth homelessness  by participating in, and raising funds for, the Covenant House Sleep Out: Asbury Park Edition on Friday, May 11.

4.2 million children in America will face homelessness this year.

“It is absolutely heartbreaking and completely unacceptable that even one child faces homelessness in America,” said Senator Vin Gopal.

I stand behind the residents of Freehold Township who oppose the construction of a T-Mobile Cell Tower on Robertsville Road.

Residents have been fighting this project for almost 10 years now. The Zoning Board of Adjustment originally rejected T-Mobile’s application to construct the cell tower, a decision I firmly believe was made in the best interest of the residents of Freehold Township and to protect the Lake Topanemus Watershed as well as its scenic road designation.