SENATE BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION No. 146

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MARCH 17, 2025

      The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee reports favorably Senate Joint Resolution No. 146.

      As reported, this joint resolution designates June 1 of each year as “Robert ‘Bob’ Popovics Day” in New Jersey.

      Born in Trenton and residing in Seaside Park for many years, Robert “Bob” Popovics has been a longtime resident of the State of New Jersey.  On November 1, 2024, Bob passed away due to his injuries from an accident at the age of 75.

      Bob has made numerous contributions to his community, the State, and the United States.  Bob proudly served his country with the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.  Additionally, having taken over the establishment from his parents, Bob and his wife operated Shady Rest restaurant in Bayville, New Jersey.  Bob was also well-renowned in the fishing community for being an avid fly fisherman, master fly tyer, and the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pop Fleyes, a custom fly tying and educational company.  His fly designs have been considered groundbreaking and his community meetings led to the creation of the Atlantic Saltwater Flyrodders.

      To recognize Bob’s numerous contributions to the New Jersey community in which he lived, the fishing community, and the United States, it is altogether fitting and proper to designate June 1 of each year as “Robert ‘Bob’ Popovics Day” in New Jersey.

FISCAL IMPACT:

      This joint resolution is not certified as requiring a fiscal note.