Senate Passes Connors-Rumpf-Gove-Supported Bill Requiring South Jersey Representation on Turnpike Authority
The New Jersey Senate has passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by the 9th District legislative delegation requiring at least one member of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority to be from South Jersey.
Legislation sponsored by Connors, Rumpf and Gove requires at least one member of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority to be from South Jersey. (SenateNJ.com)
The measure, S-1674, sponsored by Senator Christopher J. Connors, would require at least one member of the Turnpike Authority must be a resident of Ocean, Atlantic, Burlington, Camden County, Cape May, Gloucester or Salem County.
Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove are prime sponsors of the identical companion measure, A-3817, which is awaiting action by the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee.
Holzapfel: Ill-Conceived Sanctuary Cities Bill Could Devastate New Jersey Budget
Senator Jim Holzapfel (R-10) announced his opposition to legislation, S-3007 /A-4590, which would require the State to reimburse local governments for the loss of federal funds that result from their status as a “sanctuary” jurisdiction.
Sen. Jim Holzapfel strongly opposes legislation to require NJ to reimburse local governments for the loss of federal funds that result from their status as a “sanctuary city.” (SenateNJ.com)
“The legislation has the potential to devastate our state budget by shifting a $15 billion burden onto New Jersey taxpayers,” stated Holzapfel. “While this ill-conceived legislation is designed to make a political statement, it lacks a financial statement that addresses the tremendous tax increases it would require.”
Oroho & Space Legislation to Encourage Military Base & Local Government Shared Services Signed Into Law
Legislation sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho and Assemblyman Parker Space (both R- Sussex, Warren, Morris) to encourage cost-saving shared services agreements between New Jersey’s military installations and neighboring governments was signed into law by Governor Chris Christie.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Oroho and Asm. Space to allow military bases to enter into shared services agreements with neighboring towns was signed into law. (Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst)
“Forging a strong bond between municipalities and adjacent military bases is so important,” Oroho said. “With this measure, these entities can save significant resources by working together on things like redevelopment, brownfield remediation and infrastructure expansion.”
Additional $19 Million in Funding Approved for Clean Drinking Water Projects in 9th District
Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove announced that following last year’s approval of $39 million for clean water and drinking water projects, another $19 million has just been approved to finance additional projects in the 9th Legislative District.
Connors, Rumpf and Gove announced that another $19 million has been approved to finance clean water and drinking water projects in the 9th Legislative District. (Pixabay)
This action stems from the enactment of two legislative measures recently signed by the Governor that pertain to the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust.
The 9th District delegation issued the following statement following the approval of additional financing for drinking water projects in the state:
“There are few other issues more important to our constituents than clean drinking water, which is why we are pleased that this financing has been secured for the 9th Legislative District.
Oroho & Sarlo Honored by National Tax Policy Organization for Tax Reforms
Recognizing them for the landmark tax reforms that reduced taxes on retirement income, increased tax savings for the working poor, cut the estate tax and provided long-term funding for the state’s Transportation Trust Fund, the Tax Foundation has honored Senator Paul Sarlo and Senator Steve Oroho with its “Outstanding Achievement in State Tax Reform” award.
Sen. Steve Oroho and Sen. Paul Sarlo were recognized for “Outstanding Achievement in State Tax Reform.” (SenateNJ.com)
The Tax Foundation, one of the nation’s leading independent tax policy research organizations, providing research, analysis, and advocacy on federal, state, and local tax policies, selects honorees each year who “accomplished extraordinary work to advance the cause of simpler, smarter tax policy.”
Governor Signs Oroho-Space Legislation Securing Job-Creation Grants Earned by Employers
Legislation (S2477/A4083) sponsored by Sen. Steve Oroho and Assemblyman Parker Space Enabling qualifying businesses to get a refund for the excess portion of their Business Employment Incentive Program tax credit was signed today by Gov. Chris Christie.
Sen. Steven Oroho’s legislation allowing insurance businesses that were due to receive BEIP grants to receive refunds for unused tax credits is now law. (Wikimedia Commons)
“These businesses signed agreements with the state under BEIP to move or expand here with the understanding that they would receive these grants,” said Oroho (R-Sussex). “We’ve already passed legislation that allows them to convert their grants into tax credits, but this now gives insurance companies the same opportunities that other businesses have to get a refund on those credits.”
Oroho Bill to Protect Consumers, Support Businesses Now Law
Legislation sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho to protect consumers from price gouging during a natural disaster and support small businesses following a state of emergency declaration is now law after it was signed by Governor Chris Christie.
People waiting in long lines for gasoline on November 2, 2012, following Superstorm Sandy. (Wikimedia Commons)
“The protections we put in place will deter businesses from taking advantage of consumers during a natural disaster by spiking prices for necessities, such as gasoline and groceries,” Senator Oroho (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris) said. “This bill will ensure business won’t be put at a disadvantage because of the inflexibility of the current protocol, while still protecting consumers from price gouging tactics that threaten their welfare and safety.”
Now Law: Oroho Bill to Speed Up CDL License Process
Legislation sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris) to speed up the process of getting a commercial driver license by using private third-party vendors to administer the test is now law after it was signed by Governor Chris Christie.
Sen. Steve Oroho’s legislation reduces wait times for CDL tests by establishing a pilot program to allow third-party vendors to administer the test. (Flickr)
“Companies are always looking to hire new drivers, but because we have trouble keeping up with that demand because of the long wait to get a CDL,” Senator Oroho said. “We have a huge backlog of drivers just waiting to start working. This will help speed up the process of getting a CDL so we can get these people trained and on the road.”
Singer to Withdraw Legislation Opposed by NJAC that Would Have Helped Counties to Implement Bail Reforms
Senator Says, “No Good Deed Goes Unpunished”
Senator Robert Singer (R-30) announced that legislation he sponsors to help counties implement recently enacted criminal justice reforms would be withdrawn in response to vocal opposition from the New Jersey Association of Counties (NJAC).
Sen. Bob Singer announced that he will withdraw S-2933 in response to opposition from the New Jersey Association of Counties. (©iStock)
“I introduced this legislation to help counties account for the one-time implementation costs that were expected as a result of recently enacted bail reforms,” said Singer. “It seems that no good deed goes unpunished, however. Despite my effort to help our counties, the NJAC doesn’t want the legislative relief that I’ve offered, so I’ll withdraw the bill.”
Holzapfel Bill Combating Animal Cruelty Passed by Senate Panel
Legislation sponsored by Senator Jim Holzapfel (R-Ocean) to prevent the cruel treatment of animals was today advanced by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
Sen. Jim Holzapfel’s bill to prevent animal cruelty statewide was advanced by the Senate Budget Committee. (©iStock.com)
“This legislation aims to prevent the inhumane tethering of animals for long periods of time, making them defenseless and unable to care for themselves,” Senator Holzapfel said. “This cruel and heartless treatment is horrifying and must be stopped.”
