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Bucco Lauds Success of NJ’s First All-Female High School FIRST Robotics Competition Team
The Sisters 1st FRC Team 8513 from Villa Walsh Academy is More than Building Robots
When the all-female robotics team from Villa Walsh Academy embarked on their first-ever competition in the global FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition (FRC) league, expectations were tempered, and the rookie team’s success came as a surprise to almost everyone – except for Senator Anthony M. Bucco.
When the all-female robotics team from Villa Walsh Academy embarked on their first-ever competition in the global FIRST Robotics Competition, expectations were tempered, and the rookie team’s success came as a surprise to almost everyone – except for Senator Anthony M. Bucco. (SenateNJ.com)
“Those of us who have followed the progress of these young ladies over the last year know you should never underestimate these kids,” said Bucco. “These high schoolers are determined, focused, and inspired by some fantastic teachers and mentors. They don’t know the word ‘can’t,’ and their ability to work under pressure is proven.
“It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone that they exceeded every expectation this year,” Bucco continued.
Panel Endorses Oroho Resolution Calling on Washington to Establish a Northwest NJ Vet Center
A resolution sponsored by Senator Steven Oroho and advanced today by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee aims for the establishment of a new Vet Center for the northwestern portion of the state to provide easier access to care, counseling, and other assistance. Almost 50,000 veterans reside in Sussex, Morris, Hunterdon, and Warren counties.
A resolution sponsored by Sen. Steven Oroho and advanced by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee aims for the establishment of a new Vet Center for the northwestern portion of the state to provide easier access to care, counseling, and other assistance. (Flickr)
The bipartisan resolution (SCR-25) urges the Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington to designate a new center in the region to fill the void. It would be the state’s sixth Vet Center.
Panel Advances Corrado Bill Aiding Veterans in Need of Mental Help
More New Jersey veterans struggling with service-connected mental health issues would be eligible for help under legislation sponsored by Senator Kristin Corrado and approved today by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
More veterans struggling with service-connected mental health issues would be eligible for help under legislation sponsored by Sen. Kristin Corrado and approved by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee. (Facebook)
Corrado’s bill, S-2383, would require the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs (DMAVA) to help ensure former service members meet the qualifications for help.
Bucco Bill to help Prevent Veteran Suicide Clears Committee
Members of the public may soon be able to submit direct donations for the prevention of veteran suicide thanks to legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony M. Bucco and advanced today by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
Members of the public may soon be able to submit direct donations for the prevention of veteran suicide thanks to legislation sponsored by Sen. Tony Bucco and advanced by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee. (©iStock)
“According to the latest report by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the suicide rate among veterans remains extremely high, accounting for thousands of lives every year. And tragically, the psychological and economic consequences of the pandemic have been devastating for many of the brave men and women who have served this country,” said Bucco (R-25). “For the last two and a half years, this unprecedented crisis has been a stressor for vulnerable veterans with existing mental health issues and has put them at higher risk for suicide and other adverse outcomes. My legislation will dramatically increase funding for suicide prevention campaigns so that our veterans, as well as their loved ones, know that help is always available.”
Testa Bill to Increase Payments for Permanent Wartime Service Injuries Clears Panel
New Jersey veterans blinded or paralyzed from wartime service injuries would see an increase in monthly payments from the state’s Catastrophic Entitlement Fund under Senator Michael Testa’s legislation advanced today by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
Veterans blinded or paralyzed from wartime service injuries would see an increase in monthly payments from the state’s Catastrophic Entitlement Fund under legislation sponsored by Sen. Michael Testa and cleared by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee. (SenateNJ.com)
“These brave men and women went to war to defend our nation, and they are force to live with their devastating injuries every day,” said Testa (R-1). “No amount of money can make up for what they have endured, but New Jersey can do better than the $62.50 monthly payment. Heroes deserve better.”
Committee Approves Bucco Bill Recognizing “The Growing Stage” as the New Jersey State Children’s Theatre
A joint resolution sponsored by Senator Anthony M. Bucco that would designate The Growing Stage Children’s Theatre as the New Jersey State children’s theatre cleared the State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee.
A joint resolution sponsored by Sen. Tony Bucco that would designate The Growing Stage Children’s Theatre as the NJ State children’s theatre cleared the State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee. (Pixabay)
“The Growing Stage plays a unique role in New Jersey because it introduces children and families to the performing arts in creative and engaging ways,” said Bucco (R-25). “The theatre has also had a long history of enriching the community by presenting a variety of productions to thousands of people in the Garden State and beyond. My legislation will formally recognize The Growing Stage’s long history of engaging communities of all economic and social backgrounds to be a part of the performing arts.”
8th District Legislators Implore Governor to Return $9 Billion In Excess Revenue
Senator Jean Stanfield, Assemblyman Michael Torrissi and Assemblyman Brandon Umba called on Governor Phil Murphy to give back the billions in revenue New Jersey over collected from taxpayers.
Senator Jean Stanfield, Assemblyman Michael Torrissi and Assemblyman Brandon Umba called on Governor Phil Murphy to give back the billions in revenue New Jersey over collected from taxpayers. (SenateNJ.com)
State Treasurer Elizabeth Muoio addressed the state legislature this week and is projecting New Jersey will collect billions more in revenue than projected for the current year.
“This is over-taxation at its worst. The government took nearly $9 billion more than it needed from residents, and there have been few conversations about how this money is going to be returned to citizens,” Umba said. “We have school districts losing millions in state aid, property taxes through the roof and inflation making everything unaffordable. New Jersey has $9 billion to help solve some of the issues our people are facing.”
New Jersey is widely known for having the highest taxes in the nation, including being at or near the top in property taxes, income taxes, corporate income taxes and sales taxes. It is also known for its overbearing fee and regulation structure.
“Clearly New Jersey doesn’t need to grab us all by the ankles and shake us down for every coin we have. They have $9 billion in over-taxed money,” Torrissi said. “Taxes are not a piggy bank for the government. They’re to fund the budget.”
On top of the over-projected revenue, the state received billions from the federal government in covid-relief funding. More than $5 billion has not been spent and more than $3 billion hasn’t even been allocated for any purpose.
“Any way you cut it, there’s too much money sitting in the state’s coffers that was taken from taxpayers. It’s time to lower our tax rates, make our business climate more manageable and give it back,” Stanfield said.
Republican Budget Members: Governor’s Warmed Over ANCHOR Proposal is Pathetic Attempt at Tax Relief
Again Call for ‘Give It Back’ Tax Rebates to Provide $4.5 Billion of Direct, Immediate Relief
The Republican members of the Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee called on Governor Phil Murphy and legislative leaders to commit to expanding tax relief in light of the Administration admitting to a total of more than $9 billion of tax overcollections in the current year and almost $7.8 billion more in revenue available for the upcoming budget year than projected just two months ago.
The Republican members of the Senate Budget Committee called on the Governor and legislative leaders to commit to expanding tax relief in light of the Administration admitting to a total of almost $7.8 billion more in tax revenue available for the upcoming budget year than projected just two months ago. (©iStock)
“The Murphy Administration finally admitted the obvious – that they are collecting $9 billion more out of the pockets of taxpayers than budgeted for the current year,” said Senate Republican Leader Steven Oroho (R-24). “New Jersey families are struggling with soaring prices and inflation, and Republicans have proposed $1,500 rebates to be returned to more than 4 million families this Spring. The Murphy Administration must commit to giving back at least this $1,500 to 4 million families this Spring.”
Pennacchio: NJ Has no Excuse for not Fully Funding Special Education for Our Children
Senator Joe Pennacchio today called for the Murphy Administration to commit a fraction of the $7 billion in unexpected revenue to fully fund extraordinary special education in State schools.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio called for the Murphy Administration to commit a fraction of the $7 billion in unexpected revenue to fully fund extraordinary special education in State schools. (Pixabay)
“It is time to make the commitment. Invest in our most vulnerable children, pay every dime needed to do what is best for their educations and their futures,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “For years, the Administration has tried to get away with doing the minimum, letting the school districts sort it out. That approach has hurt the children with special needs and led to school budget nightmares and higher property taxes.”
Rumpf Calls For Faster Processing of Unemployment Claims During Assembly Budget Hearing
In representing the interests of unemployed constituents, during a hearing of the Assembly Budget Committee Assemblyman Brian Rumpf called for faster processing of the unemployment claims. The Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development was invited to testify before the committee and respond to legislators’ questions and comments.
In representing the interests of unemployed constituents, during a hearing of the Assembly Budget Committee Assemblyman Brian Rumpf called for faster processing of the unemployment claims. (SenateNJ.com)
“After having their livelihoods taken from them as a direct consequence of misguided COVID lockdown restrictions, many unfortunate individuals faced a worse nightmare applying for unemployment benefits. To the detriment of the state, more thought was given by the Murphy Administration to picking winners and losers, as in which businesses could stay open and which would close during lockdown, then adequately preparing for the resulting wave of unemployment claims.
