Senator Vin Gopal and Assembly Members Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey released the following list of essential and non-essential businesses, as defined by Governor Murphy’s Executive Orders issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This list will be updated as more information becomes available.

OCEAN TOWNSHIP - This Friday afternoon, at 4:00 p.m., Senator Vin Gopal will host a Facebook Live to provide an update on COVID-19 for small business owners and employees. The update will discuss workers' eligibility for paid sick leave, unemployment, and other benefits; state programs that can help small businesses and their employees stay afloat; and the current status of COVID-19 in New Jersey.

OCEAN TOWNSHIP - Senator Vin Gopal today announced that he will introduce legislation establishing a New Jersey Hospitality Emergency Loan Program, which would provide immediate financial assistance for struggling hospitality businesses during the COVID-19 emergency. The program would be based on the Delaware program of the same name, announced on Wednesday by Delaware Governor John Carney.

Out of an abundance of caution and to prevent the further spread of COVID-19, each of our 11th Legislative District offices, by the direction of the Assembly Speaker, has been closed through March 31. You can still contact our Ocean Township district office via the phone number (732) 695-3371; however, please be prepared to leave a detailed message if you are not immediately connected with a member of our staff.

NEPTUNE TOWNSHIP - State Senator Vin Gopal joined Assembly Members Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey in announcing two state grants to the Affordable Housing Alliance Inc. of Monmouth County.

OCEAN TOWNSHIP - For nearly 18 years, members of the United States military could be dishonorably discharged if they were found to be gay, lesbian, or bisexual under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT), an official military policy that forced thousands of patriotic Americans out of the military, depriving them of a chance to serve their country and their hard-earned benefits. Today, Senator Vin Gopal and Assembly Members Joann Downey and Eric Houghtaling announced the introduction of new state legislation restoring these benefits for LGBTQ veterans discharged under DADT.

ASBURY PARK - In honor of Women’s History Month, Senator Vin Gopal will be hosting a “Women in Public Service” reception honoring municipal and state women leaders of New Jersey’s 11th District on Monday, March 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Parlor Gallery, located at 717 Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park.

OCEAN TOWNSHIP - Senator Vin Gopal and Assembly Members Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey were pleased to see that Governor Murphy is supporting their well-publicized plan for stabilization aid to school districts facing a decrease in state funding due to declining enrollment during his annual budget address this Tuesday. 

OCEAN TOWNSHIP - Senator Vin Gopal joined Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling and Assemblywoman Joann Downey in announcing a $25,000 award to Interfaith Neighbors in Asbury Park from the state Meals On Wheels program.

OCEAN TOWNSHIP - In response to reports of potential program cuts for Monmouth County school districts, Senator Vin Gopal is calling on Governor Murphy and the state legislature to dedicate new corporate tax revenues to New Jersey public schools, protecting student services and reducing the burden on local property taxpayers.

ASBURY PARK - Monmouth County residents who are having difficulty paying their utility bills can get help on Wednesday, March 4 between 4 and 7 p.m. at the Salvation Army office located in Asbury Park at 605 Asbury Avenue.

TRENTON - A bill introduced by Senator Vin Gopal aiming to help prevent rising property taxes by promoting shared services between towns and school districts was approved by the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee this Thursday.

OCEAN TOWNSHIP - The Ocean Township District Office of State Senator Vin Gopal and Assembly Members Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey is relocating from its previous address of 802 West Park Avenue, Suite 221. The legislators’ new Ocean Township District Office is located in the rear building of the same office complex at 802 West Park Avenue, Building 3, 2nd Floor, Suite 302.