District 40 Lawmakers Call on Governor Murphy to Increase Poll Worker Pay to Help Address Statewide Shortage
Senator Kristin Corrado, Assemblymen Kevin Rooney, and Christopher DePhillips called on Governor Phil Murphy to increase the pay of all poll workers to help address a statewide shortage as Election Day approaches.
District 40 lawmakers call on Gov. Murphy to increase the pay of all poll workers to help address a statewide shortage as Election Day approaches. (©iStock)
“In-person voting is a critical part of our democracy and would not be possible without dedicated and committed poll workers,” said Corrado. “Sadly, our vital election workers have not received a consistent wage increase in twenty years. This is inexcusable and has helped contribute to a significant shortage of workers across the state. I am calling on Governor Murphy to address this problem by increasing the pay of all poll workers before the upcoming 2021 election.”
Ocean County Legislators: Murphy Didn’t ‘Work With’ Toms River on School Funding, He Cut District’s Aid by 25%
The 10th Legislative District lawmakers expressed shock over Governor Phil Murphy’s comments during the recent gubernatorial debate that he “already worked with Toms River” on school funding to address the school district’s concerns about massive cuts to State aid.
The 10th Legislative District lawmakers expressed shock over Governor Phil Murphy’s comments during the recent gubernatorial debate that he ‘already worked with Toms River’ on school funding to address the school district’s concerns about massive cuts to State aid. (SenateNJ.com)
“If ‘working with them’ means gutting Toms River’s State school aid like a fish, then I guess Governor Murphy is telling the truth,” said Senator Jim Holzapfel. “The Murphy administration slashed aid for Toms River schools by more than 14 percent this year alone. The Governor ripped away more than $8 million in funding, an especially devastating loss for a district that has already seen its annual educational support from Trenton reduced by more than $17 million – 25 percent – under Murphy.
Testa Bemused by Murphy’s No-Tax-Increase Pledge as Governor Prepares to Implement Five Massive Hikes
Governor Phil Murphy said yesterday he won’t raise taxes any further. Senator Michael Testa isn’t buying it.
Sen. Michael Testa said there is no excuse for the Governor’s insistence on the series of economy-crushing increases that will materialize over the next few years. (SenateNJ.com)
“I don’t know how he can say that with a straight face,” said Testa (R-1). “Murphy’s middle name is ‘Tax Increase.’ He’s poised to implement no less than five unnecessary and preventable tax hikes on New Jersey residents over the next few years totaling approximately $2 billion annually.”
Pennacchio Bill Aiding Veterans Signed into Law
Ensures Access to Discharge Papers Filed with County Clerks
New Jersey veterans who file their discharge papers for safekeeping with a county clerks’ office will have access to the documents under a law signed this week.
New Jersey veterans who file their discharge papers for safekeeping with a county clerks’ office will have access to the documents under a law sponsored by Sen. Joe Pennacchio. (Flickr)
Senator Joe Pennacchio sponsors the measure, A-3123/S-2059, allowing a veteran, or a person designated as a representative of the veteran, to withdraw any military paperwork on file with the clerk.
Governor Signs Oroho-Sponsored ‘Made in NJ’ Legislation
Senator Steve Oroho’s legislation that would alter the verbiage on official State logos denoting the manufacturer of goods in New Jersey became law today.
Sen. Steve Oroho’s legislation supporting New Jersey’s burgeoning manufacturing sector was signed into law by the Governor. (Pixabay)
Products manufactured in the state have been designated as “New Jersey-Made” or “NJ-Made.” Oroho’s bill signed today, A-2765/S-1838, introduces more options: “Made in New Jersey,” “Made in NJ,” or “MINJ.”
Murphy Holds Dog and Pony Show While NJ Employers, Residents Desperately Await Relief
Sen. Thompson Chides Governor for Placing Politics Ahead of People
Six months after the federal government appropriated $6.2 billion to New Jersey to help suffering residents and small employers, and with the bulk of that money sitting idle in State accounts, Governor Phil Murphy last night announced another hastily arranged virtual hearing to discuss plans for the relief money.
Sen. Sam Thompson criticized the Governor for dragging his feet spending billions in federal relief money to help New Jersey residents and small employers struggling with the effects of the pandemic. (Pixabay)
“It’s a charade, a sham, just like the last hearing,” said Senator Sam Thompson (R-12), a member of the Senate Budget Committee. “This is little more than an election year stunt where only favored invited guests will be permitted to comment. How can anybody take it seriously when the Administration only gave a few select few little more than 24-hour notice that a meeting even existed?”
Pennacchio/Oroho/Bucco Bill Providing $10 Million to Support Lakes Signed Into Law
New Law Funds Maintenance of Lake Hopatcong, Greenwood Lake, Other Lakes in Highlands & Pinelands
Legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio, Senator Steven Oroho, and Senator Anthony M. Bucco to supply critical funding to maintain Lake Hopatcong, Greenwood Lake, and other lakes in the Highlands and Pinelands regions has been signed into law.
A newly enacted law sponsored by Sen. Joe Pennacchio, Sen. Steven Oroho, and Sen. Tony Bucco provides $10 million to maintain Lake Hopatcong, Greenwood Lake, and other lakes in the Highlands and Pinelands regions. (SenateNJ.com)
“Our lakes are critical to the ecological and economic well-being of New Jersey, but they have been consistently underfunded by the State,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “This newly approved funding represents the most significant investment in Lake Hopatcong and Greenwood Lake in recent memory, if not ever. We’ll continue fighting to make this appropriation permanent to ensure our lakes get the support they need each and every year.”
Governor Signs Oroho Bill Supporting NJ Craft Breweries
Creates Brewery Tour Trails to Increase Visibility of Microbreweries
Legislation sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho to bolster the state’s growing craft brewery industry was signed into law today.
Legislation sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho and signed into law today will help boost the more than 100 craft beer breweries in the state. (Pixabay)
The new law (A-1091) enlists the Division of Travel and tourism to group breweries by geography and style, and establish and promote a series of brewery tour trails. A minimum of three trails are required.
Oroho, Wirths Call for Murphy Administration’s Plans for Billions Budgeted to Retire Debt
Frustrated that the Murphy Administration continues to sit on $2.5 billion the Legislature designated to pay down debt and borrowing continues at a rate of almost $10 million every day, Senator Steven Oroho (R-24) and Assemblyman Hal Wirths (R-24) asked Governor Phil Murphy and State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio to provide details of their intentions for the funds.
In a letter today, Senator Steve Oroho and Assemblyman Hal Wirths asked the Governor and State Treasurer their plans for $2.5 approved by the Legislature to pay down state debt. (Pixabay)
Oroho and Wirths, the Republican budget officers in the Senate and Assembly, wrote to Murphy and Muoio warning that avoidable interest expenses are racking up daily and require immediate attention.
Bateman Applauds PennEast Decision to Not Seek Condemnation of State Lands to Build Pipeline
Senator Kip Bateman applauded an announcement by PennEast that it would no longer seek to use eminent domain to acquire State-owned land along the path of the company’s proposed natural gas pipeline in New Jersey:
Sen. Kip Bateman applauded an announcement by PennEast that it would no longer seek to use eminent domain to acquire State-owned land along the path of the company’s proposed natural gas pipeline in New Jersey. (PennEast Pipeline Company, LLC)
“We’ve been fighting this battle for nearly seven years, working with elected officials, concerned residents, two governors, the NJDEP, and a host of environmental groups to stop PennEast,” said Bateman, a long-time opponent of the project. “I don’t know if this signals the end of PennEast’s plan to build the pipeline, but it’s hard to see a path forward that doesn’t include condemnation. Hopefully this really is the end.”
