With New Jersey’s busy summer season just beginning, Senator Vin Gopal, Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling and Assemblywoman Joann Downey are pleased that the  New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has completed two dredging projects in the 11th Legislative District.

The NJDOT recently announced the completion of dredging projects in the Shark River and the Shrewsbury River. These projects were vital in restoring these local waterways, many of which had been shoaled in since Superstorm Sandy, limiting boating options, emergency response, and commercial vessel traffic in the area. These channels are now considered to be in a state of good repair for the 2018 boating season, and will provide access to enhanced recreational and economic activity for summer visitors and residents alike.

Legislation co-sponsored by Senator Vin Gopal that would authorize and regulate sports gaming in New Jersey gained the approval of a Senate committee today, capitalizing on the state’s long-fought victory to allow sports betting.

The bill, S-2602, would put in place the regulatory framework needed to allow casinos and racetracks to start taking bets on professional sports competitions and college events that don’t take place in the state or include a New Jersey team. Licensed “sports pool” operators would also be allowed to accept wagers online. It was approved by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee 13-0.

Senator Vin Gopal hosted the second in his series of Small Business Roundtable Discussions on Wednesday, May 30 at Freehold Borough Hall.

“Connecting with our small business community has been such an enriching and eye opening experience,” said Senator Gopal.

In honor of Older Americans Month, Senator Vin Gopal visited the Neptune Senior Center Thursday, May 24 to speak to local residents about legislative news, upcoming events and ongoing initiatives.

“Here in Legislative District 11, we strive to get out in the community as much as possible to get to know our residents and ensure they know we are here to work for them,” said Senator Vin Gopal.

Following the success of his inaugural Small Business Roundtable Discussion, Senator Vin Gopal will host a second roundtable this month.

The next Small Business Roundtable Discussion will be held on Wednesday, May 30 at 12 p.m. at Freehold Borough Hall, 51 West Main Street, in Freehold. There, the Senator will be joined by NJBIA President Michele Siekerka as the guest speaker.

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.