Oroho Says Murphy Needs to Get Message that Comprehensive Plan Needed for Billions in Federal Relief
Senator Steven Oroho, a member of the Joint Budget Oversight Committee (JBOC), issued the following statement after Democrats on the committee expressed concern during today’s meeting that the Murphy administration hasn’t offered a comprehensive plan for utilizing billions in federal pandemic relief funds that were delivered to New Jersey more than six months ago:
After concerns raised by both Republicans and Democrats, Sen. Steven Oroho said Gov. Murphy needs to get the message that he must offer a comprehensive plan for utilizing billions in federal pandemic relief funds that remain unspent. (©iStock)
“During today’s JBOC meeting, it was clear that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle were unsatisfied with the lack of a comprehensive plan from the Murphy administration for spending billions in pandemic relief funds effectively.
“Republicans have repeatedly been calling for a strategic plan since April when we issued our detailed blueprint, including last week when the Governor’s incomplete proposal was shared with us.
Pennacchio: What if Democrat Leadership Had Worked This Hard to Keep COVID Out of Nursing Homes?
As Democrats in Trenton defend rigid COVID rules at the State House that could block some elected officials from participating in Thursday’s voting sessions, Senator Joe Pennacchio questioned why the same rigor wasn’t used to protect senior residents in nursing facilities from the virus.
As Democrats in Trenton defend rigid COVID rules at the State House that could block some elected officials from entering the building, Sen. Joe Pennacchio questioned why the same rigor wasn’t used to protect senior residents in nursing facilities from the virus. (Pixabay)
“The hypocrisy is obvious,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “The Democrats are so concerned about stopping COVID at the door of the capitol. Where was that same urgency when the Governor’s Administration was forcing the virus into nursing homes at great cost and loss of life?”
Oroho & Wirths Call for Comprehensive Plan for Federal Pandemic Relief Funds from Murphy Administration
Senator Steven Oroho and Assemblyman Hal Wirths, the Republican members of the Joint Budget Oversight Committee (JBOC), said they will not vote to approve an incomplete plan put forward by the Murphy administration for spending federal pandemic relief funds:
Sen. Steven Oroho and Asm. Hal Wirths, the Republican members of the Joint Budget Oversight Committee, said they will not vote to approve an incomplete plan put forward by the Murphy administration for spending federal pandemic relief funds. (Pixabay)
“Republicans have proposed a detailed plan to use billions of federal pandemic relief funds to support small businesses, prevent unnecessary tax increases on employers, fix broken computer systems at Unemployment and the MVC, help tenants and homeowners, and provide relief to property taxpayers.
“The Murphy administration, in contrast, has presented no comprehensive plan, no strategy, no process for selecting what gets funded, and no explanation for anything that was submitted to JBOC for approval. Some of what they proposed may be worthy, but it’s not clear based on the incomplete proposal we’ve been provided.
Oroho: NJBIA Survey Makes Case for Improving State Support for NJ’s Struggling Businesses
Senator Steven Oroho (R-24) said the State must do more to support New Jersey’s small businesses after a new survey found that 60% of business owners were planning on or considering shutting down their businesses due to the continuing challenges of the pandemic.
Sen. Steven Oroho said the State must do more to support New Jersey’s small businesses after a new survey found that 60% of business owners were planning on or considering shutting down their businesses due to the continuing challenges of the pandemic. (Wikipedia)
“We should be extremely concerned when nearly 60% of business owners tell us they are ready or willing to shut their doors for good due to government mandates and restrictions, lower revenues, and other challenges related to operating in New Jersey during the pandemic,” said Oroho, the Senate Republican Budget Officer and incoming Republican Leader. “If the Murphy administration continues to ignore the warning signs, we could be on our way to mass business closures and millions more unemployed. It’s another reason Governor Murphy must consider a comprehensive plan to use billions in federal relief funds effectively.”
Pennacchio: Locking Legislators and the Public Out of the People’s House is Wrong
Commission Decision Requiring Vaccine Passports for Voting Session Defies NJ Constitution
Legislators in Trenton are scheduled to vote on dozens of bills in the chambers of both houses on Thursday, but Senator Joe Pennacchio voiced concerns about a decision by the unelected members of the State Capital Joint Management Commission that could stand in the way.
Legislators in Trenton are scheduled to vote on dozens of bills in the chambers of both houses on Thursday, but Senator Joe Pennacchio voiced concerns about a decision by the unelected members of the State Capital Joint Management Commission that could stand in the way. (SenateNJ.com)
The commission’s decision reached last month requires anyone entering the State House to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test and could prevent some lawmakers from casting votes.
“This commission comprised of appointees, not elected representatives, is telling the Legislature and the public that they can’t enter the People’s House,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “This edict violates the State Constitution which protects the Legislature from outside interference. Rules that govern the Legislature should come from the Legislature itself, not an unelected body.”
Oroho Responds to Murphy Administration’s Release of Overdue Proposal for Using Federal Pandemic Relief Funds
Senate Republicans Proposed a Comprehensive Plan in April
Senator Steven Oroho (R-24) responded to the Murphy Administration’s release of a long-overdue proposal for the allocation of billions in federal pandemic relief funds that were delivered to New Jersey in May through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
Sen. Steven Oroho responded to the Murphy Administration’s release of a long-overdue proposal for the allocation of billions in federal pandemic relief funds. (Pixabay)
“I look forward to finally having the opportunity to review the Murphy administration’s proposal for using billions in federal relief funds that were sent to New Jersey six months ago,” said Oroho, the Senate Republican Budget Officer and incoming Republican Leader. “At first blush, however, it appears the administration’s plan is grossly incomplete and fails to address key needs for New Jersey. Many months ago, Republicans offered a detailed proposal that would help workers and small businesses, support tenants and landlords, invest in infrastructure improvements, fix broken computer systems at unemployment and the MVC, and prevent unnecessary tax increases on employers. Unfortunately, most of those important priorities still haven’t been addressed.”
Schepisi: There are Lessons to be Learned from Studying Impact of Remote Classes on Students
National Study Blamed Pandemic for ‘Significant Learning Losses’
Senator Holly Schepisi today called for the Legislature to act swiftly in lame duck and pass a bill that would require the Commissioner of Education to prepare a report on learning loss and the operation of public schools during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Sen. Holly Schepisi called for the Legislature to advance a bill that would require the Commissioner of Education to study and report on the pandemic’s impact on student learning and the operation of public schools. (Pixabay)
“We’re going to have to help students make up the educational ground they lost during the pandemic, and the first step is understanding the severity of the problem,” said Schepisi (R-39), citing a national study that concluded student learning suffered substantially from remote schooling due to COVID.
Bucco: Murphy Must Stop Hiding Costs from New Jersey and Disclose Financial Implications of Impractical Energy Master Plan
Governor Phil Murphy and his appointees to the Board of Public Utilities have yet to disclose the price tag on his far-reaching energy master plan announced nearly two years ago, and Senator Anthony M. Bucco today chided the front office for its lack of transparency with New Jersey families. At an NJBIA meeting in February 2020, administration officials shared the BPU was conducting a cost study that would likely be released the following month. Over a year and a half later, no cost analysis has been shared with the public, yet the Administration continues to move forward on its implementation.
Sen. Anthony M. Bucco criticized Gov. Murphy for withholding the financial impact of his Energy Master Plan will have on New Jersey families and businesses. The plan is expected to cost a family of four more than $210,000. (SenateNJ.com)
“J.P. Morgan is often quoted as saying ‘if you have to ask how much it costs, you can’t afford it,’ and that is certainly the case with this sweeping energy plan that could upend the economy and devastate state residents,” said Bucco (R-25). “I’m calling on the legislature to do its job, begin oversight of the Administration’s plan and request the BPU finally disclose all outside experts cost analyses immediately. The election showed this Administration must stop placating the far-left wing of his party and instead focus on affordability for residents.”
O’Scanlon: Murphy Issuing Another $400 Million of State Debt Despite Having Billions in Cash
Murphy’s New Debt Will Cost NJ Taxpayers Unnecessary Interest Payments for Decades
Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-Monmouth) questioned a decision by Governor Phil Murphy to increase State debt by $400 million to fund projects at New Jersey’s colleges and universities when his administration is sitting on billions in cash that could fully fund the proposed capital program.
Sen. Declan O’Scanlon questioned a decision by Gov. Phil Murphy to increase State debt by $400 million to fund projects at New Jersey’s colleges and universities when his administration is sitting on billions in cash that could fully fund the proposed capital program. (Pixabay)
“State support for our institutions of higher education has long been lacking, but that doesn’t mean we should turn a blind eye to cost when we decide to make an important investment,” said O’Scanlon, a member of the Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee. “I don’t think it makes sense for Governor Murphy to propose increasing State debt when his administration is sitting on a windfall of billions upon billions in cash that remains untapped. His plan will stick taxpayers with unnecessary debt and interest payments for decades when he should be working to increase affordability.”
Pennacchio & Testa: Murphy Administration’s Vaccine Mandates Ignore Science of Natural Immunity
Senators Point to New Analysis in The Lancet, Say Governor Continues to Cherry Pick Science to Support Overbearing Executive Orders & Mandates
Senator Joe Pennacchio and Senator Michael Testa said Governor Phil Murphy continues to ignore the science of natural immunity and of COVID-19 in general as his administration forges ahead with vaccine mandates and continues unnecessary pandemic restrictions.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio and Sen. Michael Testa said Gov. Phil Murphy continues to ignore the science of natural immunity and of COVID-19 in general as his administration forges ahead with vaccine mandates and continues unnecessary pandemic restrictions. (©iStock)
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Murphy administration has cherry-picked the science on COVID-19 to impose overbearing executive orders and a slew of unnecessary mandates on New Jerseyans,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “We’re now dealing with Governor Murphy’s sweeping vaccine mandates on hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans that completely ignore the science of natural immunity, which we’re learning could result in a greater risk of adverse vaccine reactions for some who were already infected. It’s hard to trust the governor’s pandemic policies when he refuses to trust the science that should inform his decisions.”
