Oroho, Wirths & Space: Without Increased Indoor Dining Limits, Onset of Cold Weather Could Freeze Restaurants Out of Business
Call for Governor to Expand Seating Capacity for Struggling Eateries
The nights are getting longer, temperatures are falling, and the allure of outside dining is waning. For restaurants struggling to stay afloat, especially in the north-west corner of the state, the 24th District legislators said the changing season is a very real threat to survival.
With cooler weather making outdoor dining impractical, Senator Oroho and Assemblymen Wirths and Space today renewed calls on the Governor to increase the capacity for indoor dining. (FB/Morristown Partnership)
“It’s the cold reality. If the Governor fails to increase the capacity limit for indoor dining now, we will witness an inevitable catastrophe of business failures,” said Senator Steven Oroho. “The weather has changed and only the most hardened diners are willing to sit out in the cold for a bite to eat. Restaurants and taverns cannot possibly generate enough revenue at 25 percent occupancy to pay expenses and keep the doors open for business.”
Corrado: Update on Senior Freeze Benefits and Homestead Benefit Programs
Senator Kristin M. Corrado provided the following update on the Senior Freeze – Property Tax Reimbursement and Homestead Benefit programs.
The graphic above was posted on the NJ Division of Taxation website on Thursday, October 1, 2020 under “Property Tax Relief – Budget Information.” (NJ Division of Taxation)
“Many constituents have reached out via phone and email asking for more information regarding New Jersey’s Senior Freeze program. Our State’s Fiscal Year 2020 budget fully funds the 2019 Senior Freeze program,” said Corrado (R-40). “Payments to eligible taxpayers began just last week.”
“As for the Homestead Rebate program, this would typically show up as credits on property tax bills in May and November. However, due to delays by Governor Phil Murphy’s administration, credits will not be reflected on November bills. According to the Division of Taxation, homestead rebate credits will resume beginning in May 2021.”
Tom Kean, Jr. on Economic Justice
The coronavirus crisis has brought into focus the continuing challenges that women, minorities, and low-income communities face in New Jersey, especially during times of economic upheaval.
Sen. Tom Kean, Jr. (SenateNJ.com)
While much of government is consumed with gridlock and division, I will always reach across the aisle and work with Democrats like Senate President Steve Sweeney to support an effort to address the issue of economic injustice.
That’s why I was excited to play a role in the New Jersey Legislature’s reconstitution of the Joint Committee on Economic Justice and Equal Employment Opportunity.
Bucco Pans Murphy’s Veto of Restaurant Relief Funds
Measure Would Have Reimbursed Restaurants for Losses After Governor Reversed Decision to Allow Indoor Dining to Resume on July 2nd
Senator Anthony M. Bucco panned Governor Phil Murphy’s veto of legislation he sponsored to reimburse restaurants for losses incurred after the governor reversed his decision to allow indoor dining to resume on July 2nd.
Sen. Tony Bucco panned Gov. Phil Murphy’s veto of legislation he sponsored to reimburse restaurants for losses incurred after the governor reversed his decision to allow indoor dining to resume on July 2nd. (Pixabay)
“Based on Governor Murphy’s personal guidance, restaurants invested a significant amount of money, often on personal credit cards, to restock in anticipation of resuming indoor dining on July 2nd,” said Bucco (R-25). “When the governor reversed course at the last moment, those restaurants suffered steep losses that they could ill afford. It’s unbelievable that Governor Murphy would veto targeted relief funds to cover losses that restaurants incurred to comply with his changing executive orders. It’s a slap in the face to an industry that’s struggling to survive.”
After initially announcing that restaurants could resume indoor dining on July 2nd, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 158 to rescind his prior order and continue a complete prohibition on indoor dining.
Testa: Change of Command at 11th Hour Indicates Broader COVID Issues at Veterans, Nursing Homes
Senator Michael Testa reiterated his concerns with Governor Phil Murphy’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in veterans homes, nursing homes, and correctional facilities.
Sen. Michael Testa reiterated his concerns with Governor Phil Murphy’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in veterans homes, nursing homes, and correctional facilities. (Flickr)
“The Murphy administration’s Friday afternoon leadership shakeup confirms our concerns about the ongoing problems at our State-run veterans homes, and beyond,” said Testa (R-1). “It’s tantamount to an admission by the administration that it has handled COVID-19 poorly and needlessly caused the deaths of thousands, including nursing home residents, veterans, DOC employees, and inmates. We need a full bipartisan investigation into these untimely deaths to fully understand what happened and prevent similar tragedies from reoccurring.”
Pennacchio: ‘Now We’re Talking About a Second Wave. I’d Really Be Interested to Find Out What Happened with the First Wave.’
Senator’s Words Challenged Senate Veterans Committee to Unearth to Truth
Senator Joe Pennacchio before voting on a Senate Joint Resolution (SJR-80) calling on Congress to release funds to offset COVID-19 related losses to New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs-run veteran memorial homes.
Senator Pennacchio renewed his call for a Senate Select Committee with subpoena powers to investigate the COVID tragedy within the walls of veterans and nursing homes. (Pixabay)
“One has to ask why we’re asking for money from the federal government when our veterans’ homes are all state run. Why are we not using the more than $2 billion of CARES funds the state received? Why didn’t we utilize the USS Comfort, the Javits Center, field hospitals, or at least their staffs and the personal protective equipment when they were here? Why did we send them away?
“The state, by its own admissions, says 7,100 dead seniors in long-term nursing facilities. One out of every 10 long-term nursing facilities residents are dead. Continue Reading…
Oroho Urges Murphy to Dedicate More CARES Act Funds to Support Small Businesses
Warns that Using CARES Act Funds to Pay for Existing State Employees Could Be Problematic & Require Return of Money to Federal Government
Senate Republican Budget Officer Steven Oroho (R-24) sent a letter today to Governor Phil Murphy warning that the administration’s plans to use $450 million of CARES Act funds to pay for existing State employees could be problematic.
Sen. Steven Oroho warned Gov. Phil Murphy that plans to use $450 million of CARES Act funds to pay for existing State employees could be problematic, and urged those funds to be reallocated to boost underfunded grant programs that support small businesses and nonprofits. (©iStock)
He urged those funds to be reallocated to support struggling small businesses and nonprofits that are engines of the Garden State economy and provide critical social services to local communities.
Bucco Encourages Small Businesses to Register for NJEDA Grant Program Today
Senator Anthony M. Bucco today issued a reminder to businesses that have been hard-hit by the pandemic and plan to apply for Phase 3 of New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s Small Business Emergency Grant Program that they must first pre-register for the program.
The next round of CARES Act funding for small business will fall short of the demand for help, and Senator Bucco said this should prompt businesses to register for the grant program today. (Pixabay)
The pre-registration window opened today at 9:30 a.m. and runs through 5 p.m. next Tuesday, Oct. 27.
“Small businesses across the state are struggling every day to survive the COVID economy. Today, I encourage them to take the time to register for the emergency assistance program,” said Bucco (R-25). “It’s important for businesses to register now so they can be considered when the program opens. The money ran out quickly during the first two phases of the emergency grant programs and this time will be no different as there is nowhere near enough money being allocated. If a business fails to pre-register, they will not be eligible to apply for help later.”
Corrado Bill Creating Grant Program for Homeless Veterans Shelters Advances
Senator Kristin Corrado’s measure to provide additional support to homeless veterans in counties lacking veterans homeless shelters has been advanced by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
Sen. Kristin Corrado’s measure to provide additional support to homeless veterans in counties lacking veterans homeless shelters has advanced. (SenateNJ.com)
“No United States veteran, especially those who have fallen on hard times, deserve to sleep on the streets,” said Corrado (R-40). “I am committed to ensuring these brave men and women have the access to necessary support in counties that currently do not have structures in place to provide shelter. Helping our most vulnerable veterans get back on their feet is the least we can do to thank them for their service and sacrifices.”
Bateman Bill Helping Public Libraries Reduce Cost and Improve Services Advances
Libraries would be able to dispose of outdated material without going out to bid under legislation sponsored by Senator Kip Bateman and advanced today by the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee.
Senator Bateman sponsors legislation that would help public libraries operate more efficiently and save money disposing of books and periodicals. (SenateNJ.com)
“The funding to operate public libraries remains a critical issue in this state, where the demand for, and utilization of library services continues to escalate,” said Bateman (R-16). “This practical measure would allow library administrators to reduce costs on a necessary task, and put that money to work providing better resources for patrons.”
