OCEAN TOWNSHIP - This Tuesday, Governor Murphy signed legislation introduced by Senator Vin Gopal that would correct oversights in funding for New Jersey food banks, restoring equity and necessary resources to non-profit organizations such as Fulfill, the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

OCEAN TOWNSHIP – Under the “gay panic” or “trans panic defense,” it was previously legal for New Jersey defendants to seek to reduce a charge of murder to a charge of manslaugher if their actions were allegedly provoked by their discovery of their victim's gender identity or sexual orientation. That defense has now been banned under a new law (A-1796) sponsored by Senator Vin Gopal and Assemblywoman Joann Downey, signed by Governor Murphy this Tuesday, which would permanently ban the use of the so-called “gay panic defense” for the commission of murder.

TRENTON - This Monday, Governor Murphy signed the “Slow Down or More Over, It’s the Law Act” sponsored by Assembly Members Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey in effort to strengthen the protections provided by the “Move Over Law” for emergency workers on New Jersey roads.

NEPTUNE TOWNSHIP - The parents of Charlotte Scalese, a 2-year-old cancer patient who lives in Neptune Township, are asking their Monmouth County neighbors to give blood to support Charlotte’s recovery at a blood drive on Friday, January 31.

OCEAN TOWNSHIP - Legislation sponsored by Senator Vin Gopal (D-Long Branch) that would authorize the MVC to issue special support recovery license plates to raise awareness for families and individuals suffering from substance abuse disorder was signed into law this Monday.

MONMOUTH COUNTY – Senator Vin Gopal (D-11) today announced that he will be joining a bipartisan team of state legislators, to introduce first in the nation legislation creating unprecedented and long-needed oversight over harassment and discrimination in New Jersey campaigns and political parties.

Senator Vin Gopal today announced that the Community Affairs and Resource Center, has been approved to receive a $250,000 award from the Homelessness Prevention & Rapid Re-Housing 2 program. This award will provide funds to provide assistance and stabilization services to individuals or families who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness in Monmouth County.

Senator Vin Gopal today announced the launch of the first round of grant solicitations for the Library Construction Bond Act. The Act, which authorized $125 million in state bonds, was passed by New Jersey voters in November 2017 to support public libraries providing modern and technologically efficient library facilities.

MONMOUTH COUNTY - On a cold winter day, families without a home or shelter can face major health risks like hypothermia, frostbite, blisters, and ulcers if they’re not able to keep themselves warm. That’s why Assembly Members Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey worked to establish “Socks for the Homeless” Day in New Jersey two years ago, and why their legislative office is now accepting donations of new and unused socks from today through February 10.

TRENTON - Legislation sponsored by Senator Vin Gopal that would ban the abusive practice of pharmacy benefits manager (PBMs) "clawbacks" was signed into law by Governor Murphy on Thursday, December 19.

"This abusive practice of paying for prescriptions and then retroactively reducing the payment several months afterward does extensive damage, disrupting pharmacies' revenue streams and turning reliability into uncertainty," said Gopal (D-Long Branch). "By banning these tactics, we can drive down the costs of prescription medication and make our system work for patients, not middlemen."

MONMOUTH COUNTY - Senator Vin Gopal this month introduced new legislation that would make it easier for New Jersey municipalities to receive bonds from the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank in order to finance transportation infrastructure projects.

OCEAN TOWNSHIP - Legislation sponsored by Senator Vin Gopal (D-Long Branch) that would authorize the MVC to issue special support recovery license plates to raise awareness for families and individuals suffering from substance abuse disorder was passed by the State Senate this Monday.

MONMOUTH COUNTY - Senator Vin Gopal will co-sponsor two bills introduced by Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg aiming to create new training and resources to defend public employees from harassment and discrimination, and to create new means for public employees to report workplace harassment and discrimination where they exist.