In case you haven’t heard, there’s a presidential election coming up. While every election is important, seldom has the integrity of the election process been more in question then now. Adding to the integrity issue is the shock of the coronavirus epidemic.

The sanctity of the right to vote — and I don’t use the word sanctity lightly — is one of the most fundamental rights in a democracy. It is the one inviolable right that separates us from other forms of government.

During this maelstrom of divisiveness, confusion, and a global pandemic, it is easy to forget what binds us together. And unfortunately or not, it often takes a tragedy or the commemoration of one to remind us.

If any topic underlies the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, it is its effect on education. School has started for some districts, and with Labor Day — the summer's final holiday — creeping in around the corner, more schools will open soon.

Labor Day is around the corner. It is a day when we recognize and acknowledge our nation’s workforce and contributions to our society and economy. This Labor Day, I wanted to particularly acknowledge the work of our citizens with disabilities.

As the COVID-19 virus continues to spread amongst us, we must sadly accept that there is no risk-free decision that can be made with regards to re-opening our schools. From my conversations with superintendents, educators, and parents, it is clear the decision about whether to re-open our schools will require a delicate balance of numerous, ever-changing factors. This complicated decision should solely be guided by science and not politics.

August is “Family Fun Month,” and two years ago, we highlighted great places around our Legislative District to visit. With the pandemic and fewer people willing to travel out-of-state, we once again thought we would share some great places to visit close to home right here in Burlington County.

Black Business Month was started 14 years ago to draw attention to the importance of these businesses to the Black community and to our nation’s economy. This effort is celebrated every August and it’s worth reminding us all why this is important. It also serves to highlight initiatives that assist in creating opportunities for Black-owned businesses.

I want to wish everyone Happy International Day of Friendship. Yes, this is a real celebratory day, which occurs every July 30th, and we should all participate. 

The United Nations designed this day to promote peace, happiness and unity. The essence of the effort is that occasionally we focus too much on our differences rather than our similarities. It should be the other way around.

The financial pinch for businesses in New Jersey continues during the coronavirus pandemic. Indeed, it has become a tight, seemingly unending squeeze, far more than a pinch. 

I’ve talked in recent blogs about my efforts to assist our citizens who have felt the lash of the coronavirus – businesses, employees, homeowners, renters, and more. Two groups in particular are also in need of a boost now: our students and our veterans.

College students are generally young, eager for experience, and are preparing to start their career. However, they face obstacles — temporarily, I hope — that we never encountered because of the coronavirus pandemic. College alone can be a boulder. But the pandemic has tipped the boulder downhill. Students are struggling with loans and graduating without the joyful ceremony they earned. Most are facing gloomy employment prospects. And while students confront this dismal job market, they need some help, because the payments and interest on their college loans are not disappearing. The clock keeps ticking on those financial demands.