Oroho, Space & Phoebus Bills to Ease Process of Transferring Estates Signed into Law
Two bills sponsored by District 24 legislators Senator Steven Oroho, Assemblyman Parker Space and Assemblywoman Gail Phoebus streamlining the process and reducing the financial burden of transferring the assets of modest estates to a beneficiary were signed into law today by Governor Christie.
Two bills sponsored by Oroho, Space and Phoebus streamlining the process of transferring the assets of modest estates to a beneficiary were signed into law by Gov. Chris Christie. (©iStock)
“I have heard from the Sussex County Surrogate Assemblyman Gary Chiusanohow burdensome it can be for families and counties to settle even modest estates when there is no will or clearly designated beneficiary,” said Oroho. “Both of these measures will ease what is often a costly and lengthy process for families already undergoing a very difficult time and also save time and resources at the county level.”
Singer Statement on Veto of Hospital Community Payment Legislation
Senator Robert Singer (R-Monmouth, Ocean) issued the following statement on the pocket veto of legislation (S3299) establishing a hospital community payment plan.
Sen. Robert Singer remains committed to finding a solution ensuring the financial protection of non-profit hospitals while providing some compensation to municipalities. (SenateNJ.com)
“I remain committed to finding a solution that ensures for the financial protection of non-profit hospitals while providing some compensation to municipalities for the services they provide,” said Singer. “I look forward to working together with the Governor’s Office, the departments of treasury and taxation, as well as representatives from the hospitals and municipalities to reach a fair solution that eliminates the need for costly litigation. In the wake of the tax ruling against Morristown Medical Center, we need to diligently work together to find a uniform and equitable way forward that works for both hospitals and municipalities.”
Connors, Rumpf & Gove: North Jersey Can’t Be Allowed to Win on Casino Referendum
Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove stated their profound disappointment with the 11th hour deal cut to move forward with a ballot referendum on North Jersey casinos.
Connors, Rumpf and Gove expressed profound disappointment with the 11th hour deal to move forward with a ballot referendum on North Jersey casinos. (©iStock.com)
The 9th District delegation issued the following statement:
“From the outset, our delegation has vehemently opposed allowing casinos to operate outside of Atlantic City, as doing so would have a devastating and lasting impact on Atlantic County’s already struggling economy. Needless to say, we are extremely disappointed that the way is being paved for casinos in north Jersey.
Oroho: Legislature Must Answer Governor’s Call for Estate Tax Repeal
Senator Steve Oroho (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris) issued the following statement supporting Governor Christie’s challenge to the legislature to eliminate New Jersey’s estate tax this year. Senator Oroho is a sponsor of legislation to phase out the state’s estate tax.
Sen. Steven Oroho said the Legislature must join together to answer Governor Christie’s call to eliminate the estate tax. (SenateNJ.com)
“New Jersey’s highest-in-the-nation ‘death taxes’ continue to take a heavy toll on families, business owners and the state’s economy as a whole as retirees are leaving the state and taking their wealth with them in order to be able to pass on an inheritance to their children,” said Oroho. “Data from the Internal Revenue Service shows that New Jersey has consistently lost income every year for many years, to the tune of $19 billion dollars lost since 2004.
Bipartisan Singer Hospital Community Payment Bill Approved by Senate
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer that would have nonprofit hospitals with for-profit facilities make payments to host municipalities to compensate for blanket tax exemptions on their property was approved by the Senate today. The bill, S-3299, also sponsored by Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senator Joe Vitale, would update tax laws that date back to 1913, would have acute-care hospitals make payments to their home communities to offset the cost of local services.
Sen. Robert Singer’s legislation would have nonprofit hospitals with for-profit facilities make payments to host municipalities to compensate for property tax exemptions. (Flickr)
“In the wake of the tax ruling against Morristown Medical Center we are on the precipice of seeing non-profit hospitals across this state hit with significant tax bills that will certainly lead to layoffs and even hospital closures,” said Senator Singer (R-Monmouth, Ocean). “We can’t afford to let this happen to an industry we rely on both for quality community care and as a local economic engine that employs approximately 140,000 workers. This community payment plan establishes a clear and predictable system by which hospitals can retain their tax-exempt status and have the stability needed in order to plan for long term investments in our communities while fairly paying for their share of the local services they rely on.”
Oroho Legislation Enhancing Economic Viability of Family Farms Advanced
Legislation sponsored by Senator Steven Oroho to enhance the economic viability of family farms operating on certain parcels of preserved farmland was passed by the Senate today.
Sen. Steven Oroho’s legislation would allow owners of preserved farmland to conduct limited rural microenterprise activities on a small portion of the land. (Garden State Preservation Trust)
The legislation, S-2620, would allow farmers who did not apply for easements at the time they entered their land into the state’s farmland preservation program and are therefore unable to conduct any non-farming business on the property to apply to the state for a permit to conduct limited rural microenterprise activities on a small portion of the land, such as wood working or farm equipment repair services.
“Farming is a tough, uncertain industry and with no ability to conduct any other business activities on their land some of these farmers in the state’s preservation program are relegated to hoping each year’s crop is a profitable one.” said Oroho, (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris). “Allowing these limited business activities will give farmers who sold their entire farms into the state’s preservation program a means to earn additional income to support their families and farming operation in a way that continues to protect the integrity of the land.”
Oroho Legislation Fulfilling State’s BEIP Obligations to Businesses Signed Into Law
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho to allow businesses that were due to receive grants under the state’s Business Employment Incentive Program to now receive an equal tax credit in value is now law after being signed by Governor Christie.
Gov. Chris Christie signed into law Sen. Steven Oroho’s legislation allowing businesses that were due to receive BEIP grants to instead receive a tax credit of equal value. (Wikimedia Commons)
“With today’s bill signing the state will now be able to stand true to its word and fulfill its commitment to businesses that signed deals with the state under BEIP to move to New Jersey or expand operations here,” said Oroho (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris). “These tax credits will allow businesses that had been waiting for BEIP funds to now continue to hire more workers and spur economic growth. By fulfilling the state’s obligation to these businesses we are now also sending an important message to the business community that New Jersey continues to stand ready to partner in creating more business opportunities across the state.”
Singer Bill to Protect Developmentally Disabled From Dangerous Acts Signed Into Law
Legislation authored by Senator Robert Singer and Senate President Steve Sweeney that upgrades state law to better protect those with developmental disabilities from being victimized by the acts of others that are dangerous and potentially deadly was signed into law by Governor Christie. The bill, S-2940/A-4531, better defines reckless endangerment laws and increase punishment and penalties for putting others at risk, with the strongest penalties for those whose victims have cognitive impairments.
The newly signed law to better protect those with developmental disabilities was prompted by an incident that resulted in the near drowning of Parker Drake, a 19-year-old autistic man with diabetes. (Christine Marshall)
“Today’s bill signing is a major step forward in strengthening New Jersey laws to better protect those with developmental disabilities from being taken advantage of or being coerced into doing something that could harm themselves,” said Singer. “What happened to Parker Drake was deeply troubling and could have ended tragically. I commend Parker and his mother for having the courage to stand up and tell his story. These added protections should send a clear message that this type of bullying and dangerous acts against those with developmental disabilities won’t be tolerated in New Jersey and that those who do so will be held accountable.”
Oroho: Casinos in North Jersey Will Add Economic Value for New Jersey
Senator Steve Oroho (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris) issued the following statement in support of legislation to seek voter approval to expand gaming in New Jersey with two additional casinos in North Jersey.
Senator Oroho said expanding gaming to North Jersey will allow for significant net economic value to be added for New Jersey. (Flickr)
“Expanding gaming to North Jersey will allow for significant net economic value to be added for New Jersey through increased revenue, job creation and tourism generation.” said Oroho. “Establishing new casinos in North Jersey will help recapture gaming revenue that is being lost to neighboring states and will capitalize on the unique features of this part of the state that already draw thousands of visitors each year. This expansion and the revenues raised will also provide a boost to the state’s equine industry and will help with the needed diversification of Atlantic City so it will not be dependent on extraordinary state aid.”
Senator Pennacchio: SCR-188 is Shameless Democrat Power Grab
Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-Morris, Passaic, Essex) issued the following statement regarding the Democrat-sponsored SCR-188:
Sen. Joe Pennacchio said that we should heed a warning of Benjamin Franklin as it relates to the Democrats’ attempt to rig legislative elections through SCR-188. (Wikimedia Commons)
“Upon leaving the Constitutional Convention Benjamin Franklin was asked what type of government was given the people. ‘A Republic, if you can keep it,’ answered Franklin.
“Our founding fathers knew that representative government could only be defeated by internal not external forces. Self-interest, especially by political parties, could cannibalize this precious experiment called democracy.
