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“I am proud to sign legislation that will not only strengthen protections for animals in New Jersey, but ensure that animals who have suffered cruel treatment are cared for swiftly and sufficiently,” Governor Phil Murphy said of the new law, which establishes procedures for the seizure, care, and forfeiture of animals involved in animal cruelty violations. “These safeguards and procedures will enable law enforcement to intercept cases of animal cruelty and make certain that those animals are given a second chance.” Read more.

On behalf of the 18th District legislative team, Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak arranged for the New Jersey Department of Human Services’ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired to conduct free eye and vision screenings for Edison residents at the Minnie B. Veal Community Center on July 19. Read more.

Senator Patrick Diegnan was honored to receive the endorsement of the American Federation of Teachers New Jersey (AFTNJ) for the upcoming election. Being recognized by the AFTNJ as a legislator with a “proven record of leadership” who demonstrates a "commitment to education, healthcare, labor and making life better in New Jersey” while reflecting "the values of working families" is a distinct honor. Senator Diegnan looks forward to continuing to work with the AFTNJ to ensure teachers, support staff, and administrators have the resources they need to provide the best possible academic and extracurricular experience for our children within the safest learning environment. Read more.

As a participant in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey, the Edison Police Department has been among the state's Top 10 fundraisers each of the past four years. More than 30 members of the department took part in the 40th annual torch run as the Edison police continue to make a difference in the community. Read more.

Hands of Hope for the Community's team of dedicated volunteers partnered with many wonderful organizations to provide resources and food to Middlesex County residents in need during the nonprofit's July 15 health fair. Video highlights below.

Highland Park Mayor Elsie Foster and Borough Administrator Teri Jover met on July 12 with New Jersey Department of Transportation Director of Government Affairs and Community Relations Megan Fackler and Senator Patrick Diegnan to discuss the next steps in creating a road diet for the borough’s portion of Route 27 near the Edison border. Borough Engineer and Principal of CME Associates Bruce Koch, Highland Park Police Chief Rick Abrams, and Borough Police Lieutenant David Soden, who is the police department’s director of traffic safety, also participated in the meeting.

Senator Patrick Diegnan was privileged to join Diane Grossman, Senator Shirley Turner and others for a vital conversation with award-winning New Jersey broadcaster Jessie Frees about youth mental health. Join the conversation in the link below.

Senator Patrick Diegnan is proud to work alongside Assemblymen Robert Karabinchak and Sterley Stanley to secure $5.25 million in funding for Metuchen, which will support the borough’s proposed emergency services building, design and development of the Metuchen Arts District, and development of the Main Street Pocket Park. Read more.

Rutgers athletics and Middlesex County have entered into a partnership that will allow the state university’s baseball program, beginning in 2026, to play important series and games in a soon-to-be-constructed state-of-the-art stadium on the campus of Middlesex College in Edison. Read more.

During her weekly Tammy's Tremendous Tuesday Tales segment, First Lady Tammy Murphy read Iggy's Second Chance, the debut children's book of South Plainfield author Patty Paradiso.

"Dogs are the most loyal, loving friends!" the first lady wrote on her Facebook page. "Today, we are going to read a story about a dog who found his forever home after facing some hard times. Click here to watch the video.

A South Plainfield resident, noting the work Senator Patrick Diegnan and Assemblymen Robert Karabinchak and Sterley Stanley have done for the borough, thanked her hometown legislator in a letter to the editor. "Regardless of your political leaning," the author wrote, "please join with me in acknowledging that we are beyond grateful to Senator Diegnan for all he has done and continues to do for his hometown." Read more.

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission’s Mobile Unit continues its tour of towns in our legislative district with a stop at the Highland Park Community Center at 220 South 6th Avenue on Aug. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Services to be provided include REAL ID, driver's license renewal, registration renewal (no title work at mobile unit), exam permit (no testing at mobile unit), handicap placard, boat stickers, adding veteran designation to license, non-driver ID, initial license after passing road test, and name change. Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak arranged for the “Agency on Wheels” to visit Highland Park on behalf of his fellow 18th District legislators. To register, please click here.

Senator Patrick Diegnan was honored to serve as a guest speaker during the graduation ceremony for Sheriff Mildred S. Scott's fourth annual Middlesex County Sherriff's Office D.A.R.E. Program and Junior Police Academy. The ceremony at the Middlesex County Fire Academy culminated a two-week program for 40 fifth- and sixth-graders, who learned loyalty, respect, self-discipline, duty, teamwork, courage, and much more. The cadets' daily routine included roll call, platoon formation, D.A.R.E. lessons, drill work, demonstrations and police lessons, and daily physical training.

Senator Patrick Diegnan, Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak and Assemblyman Sterley Stanley were honored to meet recently with the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters. The 18th District legislators will continue to work with the NJLCV to champion environmental causes.

New Jersey will offer an exemption on the state’s 6.625% sales tax from August 26 through September 4 for many items including certain retail sales of computers, school supplies, and sports or recreational equipment sold to individual purchasers for non-business use. Read more.

Senator Patrick Diegnan had the privilege of meeting with the leadership of ESW Occupational Services, which improves the quality of life of Central Jersey residents with disabilities 21 and older through supervised work opportunities in a community vocational rehabilitation program. For more than four decades, the Edison-based nonprofit has been providing training and remunerative employment as a means of fostering increased independence, social integration, self-reliance, and economic self-sufficiency. ESW Occupational Services prepares individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for employment in an integrated community or extended employment environment. The nonprofit is affiliated with a network of businesses.

Take a look back at Volume One, Volume Two, Volume Three, Volume Four, Volume Five, Volume Six, and Volume Seven of our previous newsletters to catch up on news impacting the 18th Legislative District and beyond.

PAID FOR BY CTE PATRICK DIEGNAN, PO BOX 736, SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ 07080