In a unified stance, Senator Christopher Connors, Assemblyman Brian Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove opposed A-5820/S-3866, a bill approved by Democrats yesterday allowing many of Governor Murphy’s most controversial executive orders to remain in effect while also providing the Governor with new non-emergency pandemic powers.

Connors, Rumpf & Gove opposed a bill approved by Trenton Democrats allowing many of Gov. Murphy’s most controversial executive orders to remain in effect while also providing the Governor with new non-emergency pandemic powers. (SenateNJ.com)

A previous version of the legislation, A-5777, was pulled from consideration prior to the General Assembly’s voting session on May 20 after public outrage.

The 9th District legislative delegation issued the following statement on A-5820/ S-3866:

“Our constituents are tired of the unilateral decisions imposed through the Governor Murphy’s excessive executive orders.

“After enduring some of worst examples of government overreach, New Jerseyans want to put an end to the Governor’s ability to place restrictions on their daily lives and the operations of their businesses.

“Sadly, legislation was ramrodded through both houses of the Legislature to escape public scrutiny under the guise of ending the public emergency. It’s clear to everyone, however, that their bill does very little to curtail the Governor’s emergency powers, which have been exposed as being too broad and inconsistent with the principle of checks and balances.

“Many of our constituents see right through this scheme for what it is – another Trenton power grab – and view the legislation as massive betrayal of hard-fought efforts to return to normalcy.

“For more than a year, our delegation has cosponsored legislation that would place strict time limits on the governor’s executive orders, which could only be renewed by legislative approval.

“To see the majority party legislative leadership constantly cave to the Governor’s demands is disappointing and disheartening when it is obvious that legislative representatives need to be in a more effective position to advocate for their respective constituencies, especially in the circumstances we find ourselves in now.”

On June 3, A-5820/S-3866 passed both houses of the Legislature. Governor Murphy has signed the bill into law, extending many of his emergency powers until next year.