https://www.nj.gov/governor/news/2026/approved/20260402a.shtml
Governor Mikie Sherrill visited a Trenton small business site and held a roundtable to discuss challenges faced by minority and women owned businesses (MWBEs), emphasizing efforts to reduce barriers and improve opportunities. Her proposed FY27 budget includes $500,000 to expand technical assistance, helping MWBEs better navigate the NJ state contracting process and address any disparities in contract awards. The plan strengthens support systems like the NJ Business Action Center, small business training programs, and initiatives aimed at reducing wealth gaps in entrepreneurship. This roundtable is part of a broader statewide tour tied to her “Saving You Time and Money” agenda, focused on making it easier for small businesses to grow.
“We’re committed to making New Jersey the best place to start and grow a business—including for minority and women entrepreneurs where longstanding disparities have deprived them of critical opportunities,” - Gov. Mikie Sherrill
The U.S. House of Representatives passes the bipartisan BEACH Act reauthorization. This bill focuses on improving local water quality monitoring as well as public health protections for communities along the coast (Monmouth County shoreline). The act promotes federal support for programs testing beach water, expands initial monitoring to areas on the coast, and enhances systems enabling residents to be notified on their water conditions. The bill was driven by Congressman Frank Pallone, a Democrat who represents New Jersey’s 6th District. The bill passed the House to improve the water quality and enable protection to the public health of New Jersey's coast, creating a positive impact on the shore.
Congressman Pallone helped lead the passage of a bipartisan bill in the US House to reauthorize and strengthen the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act, aimed at protecting public health and coastal water quality for areas like the Jersey Shore. The legislation passed the house with strong bipartisan support and now moves to the Senate for consideration. The updated BEACH Act would expand federal water quality testing and monitoring to help state and local governments identify contamination and keep beaches safe for swimmers and communities. Pallone explained the importance of the bill for protecting coastal economies and recreational waters like those along the Jersey Shore, where clean water is vital for residents and tourism.
https://thelinknews.net/2026/03/25/utility-assistance-by-margie-donlon-and-luanne-peterpaul/
Monmouth County legislators Margie Donlon and Luanne Peterpaul highlighted recently signed laws aimed at addressing rising utility costs. This includes the creation of an “Energy Bill Watch” program that notifies customers when their energy usage exceeds certain thresholds. The lawmakers also supported legislation requiring the NJ Board of Public Utilities to study the impact of data centers on electricity prices, reflecting concerns over how large-scale energy users can affect residential bills. Additional proposed policy would regulate large-load commercial electricity users to prevent residential customers from subsidizing high-consumption facilities, and to encourage energy efficiency among large businesses. The two also outline existing and expanded utility assistance programs for Monmouth County residents, including LIHEAP/USF, CAP, and Lifeline, which provide financial aid for energy bills, arrears, and essential services.
The article covers a New Jersey childcare safety bill sponsored by Democrat Assemblyman, Avi Schnall, which has been advancing throughout the state legislature. It will impact families belonging to towns such as Belmar and Lake Como within Monmouth County. This bill requires childcare centers/providers to notify parental figures due to their child's unexpected absence which furthermore would open communication. This would ultimately aim to deflect an emergency delay. Schnall initially introduced this bill as a response to concerns about avoidable childcare tragedies. Continuously highlighted, the need for a change requiring stronger protection as well as notification systems intended to reach parents faster has been imposed. This proposal would strengthen safeguards for working families, modeling a more reliable form of childcare communication reducing the risk of harm.
https://www.assemblydems.com/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/12985
Bill A2259, a bill intending to assist hospital patients with developmental disabilities and sponsored by Assemblywoman Donlon, cleared the Assembly Health Committee. Under the bill, patients with these disabilities may designate one caregiver, such as a family member, guardian, direct support professional, or other caregiver, to accompany them in the hospital to ensure patient safety. Such a provision is not currently present on New Jersey’s Patient Bill of Rights.
Assemblywoman Donlon: “As a doctor, I know firsthand that patient care is the most important thing and everyone deserves a voice and to have their needs met and their concerns addressed. This bill is about empowerment, dignity, and peace of mind for these patients and their families. Having a designated person to support and advocate for patients with developmental disabilities will enormously benefit both the patient and the hospital.”
Senator Vin Gopal and Assemblywomen Margie Donlon and Luanne Peterpaul hosted the Annual LD11 Women’s History Month Celebration in Asbury Park’s Parlor Gallery on March 9, 2026. They were joined by the Secretary of Higher Education, Margo Chaly, community advocates, and local elected officials. During the event, Secretary Chaly, Senator Gopal, and both Assemblywomen gave speeches discussing their commitment to women’s rights and female empowerment, and honored eight female constituents, including two youth leaders from Thurgood Marshall Elementary School in Asbury Park, as well as multiple first responders, business owners, and community leaders.
Senator Gopal on the honorees: “Our honorees this year represent a wide range of interests and accomplishments. But they share a strong sense of public service and the importance of community. They are genuine changemakers and each one in her own way is making history.”
Assemblywoman Donlon: “When we share the stories of women who came before us—stories of barriers broken and opportunities created—we see what happens when women embrace their ability to take on more.”
Assemblywoman Peterpaul: “Together, [Assemblywoman Donlon and I] have secured $4 million of funding in the state budget to expand care for pregnant women and new mothers, and have successfully advocated for over $300,000 in grants to social-services programs and community centers. These investments mean stronger families, healthier mothers, and better futures for the next generations.”
https://newjerseyglobe.com/governor/sherrill-formally-announces-40-new-governors-office-staffers/
Mikie Sherrill has announced 40 new staff members who will serve in her governor’s office, assembling a team with political experience across state and national operations. Several of the hires previously held high-level roles on major campaigns and in federal offices. Kimelle Ash, who will serve as deputy director for advance, previously worked in the office of Kamala Harris during her stint as Vice President, as well as on the Biden/Harris campaigns. Caitlin Duffy, the senior director for protocol, has campaign and operations experience that includes work with Hillary Clinton and Elizabeth Warren. Carter Elliott will serve as deputy chief of staff and senior director for intergovernmental affairs and outreach after previously managing campaigns for Senator Vin Gopal.
“My administration is on a mission to deliver for all of New Jersey,” Sherrill stated. “I am thrilled to hit the ground running with this team of dedicated public servants who are committed to tackling our nation’s affordability crisis, better protecting our kids online, and demanding government transparency.”
https://www.njsendems.org/m/newsflash/home/detail/1276
The New Jersey Senate Education Committee has advanced legislation sponsored by Vin Gopal (D-Monmouth) and Angela McKnight (D-Hudson). This proposed bill would seek to advance financial literacy education throughout schools statewide. If passed, high schoolers would be required to pass a dedicated financial literacy course in order to earn their diploma. Supporters of the bill state that this would provide students with a better understanding of budgeting and long-term planning.
“Too many young adults graduate without the basic tools they need to manage credit, student loans, taxes, or savings,” said Senator Gopal. “This bill guarantees that every student receives dedicated, comprehensive instruction in personal finance before earning a diploma, giving them the foundation to make informed, responsible financial decisions.”
Congressman Frank Pallone gave remarks at the Environment Subcommittee hearing regarding the status of the nation’s drinking water quality. During the hearing, Pallone raised concerns about aging water infrastructure across the country and emphasized the need for stronger federal investment. He cited the American Society of Civil Engineers’ report card grade of a “C-” in assessing the U.S. water infrastructure system as a call to ensure safer, reliable drinking water.
Pallone stated, “Much of our infrastructure is from a bygone era. If we are serious about ensuring safe and reliable water for Americans, we must rebuild it to meet 21st century challenges. We need water systems that are prepared for and can adapt to our changing climate and increasing cyber threats.”
Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin has announced several leadership appointments and the creation of two new committees as the New Jersey assembly begins its new legislative session with a whopping Democratic majority (57-23). As part of these changes, Assemblyman Avi Schnall has been named Chairman of the Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee and will also serve as a Deputy Whip within the Assembly Democrat caucus’ leadership team. Additionally, Schnall has been appointed to the Budget Committee and the Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee. The Budget Committee serves a vital role in Trenton, as they review the Governor’s proposed spending plan and determine how tax-payer funds are allocated throughout the state. Schnall’s appointment is notable for the Jersey Shore, as it gives Belmar and Lake Como a representative in formal leadership for the first time in decades.
https://conaway.house.gov/media/press-releases/conaway-secures-over-12-million-community-projects
Congressman Herb Conaway Jr., MD (D) responded to pressing needs for his district by securing $12,755,000 in community project funding for New Jersey’s 3rd Congressional district. The funding will be used for 14 different projects that directly benefit the residents of New Jersey’s 3rd district. For Monmouth County towns projects include, Medford Boulevard Area Water Main Replacements in Freehold Township, Freehold Borough’s Water Tower Tank Refurbishment, and Improvements to the Marlboro Township Free Public Library.
Herb Conaway commented on the purposes of the new funding, stating, “From developing improving a local soccer field, to protecting the local environment and strengthening public safety - these investments will grow our economy, making a real difference in the lives of so many in our community.”
Monmouth County Democrats met for the first county convention of 2026 today, awarding their endorsement to Rachel Peace for the Democratic nomination against Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester). Peace, a small business owner and single mother who became a prominent local advocate against Medicaid cuts in last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill, got 40 votes to professor Julie Flynn’s 32, union electrician John Blake’s 31, and local activist Bob English’s 13.
“In my first term as Chair, I am proud of our Democratic endorsement process and most importantly our phenomenal candidates who have stepped up to the plate to represent our county,” Monmouth Democratic Chair Dyese Davis said in a statement. “We look forward to continuing our grassroots efforts with our endorsed candidates as we work hard to flip Congressional District 4 blue and defend our Democratic incumbents from U.S. Senate to Congressional Districts 3 & 6.”