TRENTON – In recognition of his leadership in addressing food insecurity among military and veteran families during the federal government shutdown, along with his commitment to veteran causes, the New Jersey State Veterans Chamber of Commerce (NJSVCC) recognized Senator Troy Singleton as their 2026 State Lawmaker of the Year. 

During the 2025 federal government shutdown, the longest in modern history, Senator Singleton mobilized New Jersey organizations, community partners, donors, and volunteers to help ensure families connected to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst had access to nutritious food.  

“Food insecurity should never be something a service member, veteran, or military family has to face alone,” the Veterans Chamber said. “Senator Singleton did not wait for someone else to solve the problem. He brought together organizations, raised resources, recruited volunteers, and helped get food directly into the hands of families who needed it. That is leadership, and that is why he has earned our State Lawmaker of the Year Award.”

“As the grandson of a World War II Navy veteran, my appreciation for those brave individuals who answered the call and sacrificed everything to preserve our freedom runs deep. Honoring their service by ensuring they are treated with respect, compassion, and can access the resources and benefits they rightfully earned is the least we can do to show our gratitude,” said Senator Singleton (D-Burlington). “It was a privilege to use my platform and rally our community together to make sure our service members, veterans, and their families were fed during a period of uncertainty. They have devoted their lives to serving others, and it is only right that we follow their example and return the favor in their time of need.” 

Senator Singleton has been a steadfast advocate for New Jersey’s veterans, leading numerous laws to honor their service and support their reintegration into civilian life. Notably, he championed an expansion of the “New Jersey Housing Assistance for Veterans Act” to also include the purchase and renovation of abandoned properties for homeless veterans. 

Recognizing the importance of stable employment, Senator Singleton authored the “Battlefield to Boardroom Act,” offering tax credits to employers who hire veterans. Additionally, he sponsored the “VETeach Pilot Program,” facilitating teacher certification for veterans through a specialized program at Rowan University. 

He has also sponsored legislation to establish a “New Jersey Veterans Assistance Trust” to provide monetary assistance to veterans and their families, as well as the “New Jersey Gold Star Family Annuity Program,” which would provide an annual annuity to surviving Gold Star family members of a member of the Armed Forces or National Guard who died on active duty for the United States. An outspoken advocate for ending veteran homelessness, Senator Singleton has led legislation to codify the “Bringing Veterans Home” initiative. He previously served as Chairman of the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. 

Burlington County, which Senator Singleton represents, is home to nearly 25,000 veterans. Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst is located in the county and is home to more than 40,000 service members and civilian employees, making it the state’s second-largest employer.

“The New Jersey State Veterans Chamber of Commerce is a valued leader and partner, connecting vets to jobs, promoting their businesses, and advocating for economic policies that are supportive of their needs. It’s an honor to be recognized by the Chamber as their 2026 State Lawmaker of the Year, and to continue working together to give our veterans the support, opportunities, and economic empowerment they deserve,” said Senator Singleton. 

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