Senator Kevin O’Toole speaking at a ceremony to mark the signing of S-2, S-3 and S-4 by Governor Chris Christie on March 22, 2010. O’Toole is a primary sponsor of S-2, legislation which make various changes to public employee pension systems, and of S-4 which concerns payouts for unused sick leave and sick leave injury. (Governor Photos/Tim Larsen)
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A Story of Mass Hysteria Caused by a Budget Not Yet Introduced; Rated P for “Premature”
Republican members of the Senate Budget Committee today expressed bewilderment at the use of the committee’s time to hold a hearing on Governor Christie’s proposed income tax plan weeks ahead of the Governor’s Budget Message:
Senator Kevin O’Toole, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement concerning the nominations of Phil Kwon and Bruce Harris as Associate Justices on the New Jersey Supreme Court:
“Governor Christie’s monumental decision today to nominate Phil Kwon and Bruce Harris to be Associate Justices of the Supreme Court highlights his desire to ensure that our State’s highest court not only be a model of diversity for the country but also have a compliment of the best and brightest legal minds our State has to offer,” said O’Toole.
Senator Kevin O’Toole, a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, responded today the announcement by Governor’s Christie and Cuomo that the tolls on the Staten Island-New Jersey crossings would be cut beginning February 1, 2012:
“New Jersey’s middle-class families need every break that they can get during these difficult economic times,” O’Toole began. “These toll cuts will make it less expensive to commute to work or just to visit family or friends across the river.”
Senator Kevin J. O’Toole (R- Essex/Bergen/Passaic), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said today that he is extremely troubled by ultimatums issued by Democratic leaders to the Governor regarding two upcoming Supreme Court vacancies:
It is troubling that Democratic leaders would publicly state that no Supreme Court nominee will be considered unless he or she meets their own ideological litmus tests and other preconditions.
Senator Kevin O’Toole, a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations and Judiciary Committees, issued the following statement regarding Gov. Christie’s State of the State Address:
“Governor Christie’s focused on implementing, permanent, affordable tax reform for all New Jersey residents. His call to cut income taxes by 10 percent and to restore the earned income tax credit will provide relief to families across the state.
Senator Kevin O’Toole issued the following statement on the passing of Assemblyman Alex DeCroce:
“I am truly saddened to learn that my friend and mentor Alex DeCroce passed away last night. He truly loved New Jersey and from an early age dedicated his energy, his intellect and his spirit to serving the people of this State. I learned a lot on how to be an effective legislator, under Alex’s tutelage, during my tenure in the General Assembly as part of his leadership team.
“My thoughts and prayers are with Alex’s family and those he served with in the Legislature.
Senator Kevin O’Toole, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement regarding the committee’s approval of Jeff Chiesa as the next state Attorney General.
“Jeff Chiesa has brought his energy and attention to detail to the position of Chief Counsel to the Governor where he not only served the Governor with distinction but also members of the Legislature. As a former Assistant U.S. Attorney, Jeff is more than qualified to serve the taxpayers, and our state’s law enforcement community, as our state’s next Attorney General.
Senator Kevin J. O’Toole (R- Essex/Passaic/Bergen), a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, today denounced the committee’s clearance of a bill redirecting Passaic River Valley flood control funding to pay for an earmark in the hometown of the state Democratic Chairman:
“Residents of the Passaic River Valley were affected by flood damage due to Hurricane Irene and the October snowstorm more than any other region in the state,” said O’Toole. “It is unconscionable that the State Democratic Chairman would try to take funds that have been appropriated to mitigate Passaic River flooding and redirect them to his hometown at the 11th hour of this legislative session.”
Legislation sponsored by Senator Kevin O’Toole (R-Bergen, Essex, Passaic) which would require wheelchairs in vehicles to be properly secured by a four point restraint system passed the Senate unanimously today.
“It is vitally important that the most vulnerable among us are properly belted in while travelling in a vehicle,” O’Toole began.
Senators Joe Kyrillos, Kip Bateman, and Kevin O’Toole today attempted to provide tax relief to New Jersey residents by forcing votes on long-stalled legislation eliminating payments for unused sick leave for public employees, providing voters the opportunity to opt their community out of civil service rules, and implement accountability in the state’s numerous independent authorities and commissions.
Rebuffed by their colleagues, the Senators issued the following statements condemning the Majority’s reluctance to consider legislation that would save taxpayer dollars:
