O’Scanlon: Murphy Energy Plan Too Much Too Soon
Senator Declan O’Scanlon expressed major concern regarding the new Energy Master Plan (EMP) released today by Governor Phil Murphy.
Sen. Declan O’Scanlon expressed major concern regarding today’s release of Gov. Phil Murphy’s new Energy Master Plan, citing significant increased costs for New Jersey residents. (SenateNJ.com)
“I am a firm believer in the age old adage that one needs to learn to walk before running,” said O’Scanlon (R-13). “The EMP, with the best of intentions for New Jersey residents, fails to consider this wisdom. The EMP fails to consider the impacts on the ratepayer. It is simply too much too soon.”
Oroho: Governor’s Energy Master Plan Creates More Uncertainty for Business & Families
Under Newly Signed Executive Order, DEP Could Deny Permits Based on “Climate Change Considerations”
Senator Steven Oroho said a new executive order signed by Governor Phil Murphy in conjunction with the release of his new Energy Master Plan will lead to increased uncertainty for both businesses and families.
Sen. Steven Oroho said a new executive order signed by Gov. Phil Murphy in conjunction with the release of his new Energy Master Plan will lead to increased uncertainty for both businesses and families. (SenateNJ.com)
“We’re already seeing an exodus from New Jersey due to the high cost of living and doing business here,” said Oroho. “Now the governor wants to give the DEP another reason to deny permits that are already difficult to obtain. Ask anybody in the Highlands Region how many years it takes to get a project approved if they are lucky enough to get approval at all. Who would consider trying to build anything in New Jersey going forward with yet another impossible hoop to jump through?”
Bucco: NJ Families & Businesses Need Affordable Energy Plan
Governor’s Energy Master Plan Will Increase Cost to Customers by Phasing Out Clean Natural Gas
Senator Anthony M. Bucco said New Jersey needs a more balanced and practical approach to meet its energy needs than what was proposed in Governor Murphy’s new Energy Master Plan.
Sen. Anthony Bucco said Gov. Murphy’s new Energy Master Plan, which phases out natural gas, is another example of the governor not understanding the extreme cost to New Jerseyans for implementing his far-left progressive agenda. (Pixabay)
Under the Governor’s proposal, the state would begin to phase out the use of natural gas, which is the most affordable energy resource, and pursue higher-cost energy policies. A poll by the Operating Engineers released last week showed two-thirds of residents opposed the plan.
“While Governor Murphy’s energy plan may earn him pats on the back from other liberal millionaires, it’s nothing more than a tax that will drive up gas and electric bills of hard-working New Jerseyans who are already at the limit of what they can afford,” added Bucco. “It’s another example of the governor not understanding the extreme cost of implementing a far-left progressive agenda. Instead of offering relief that people are seeking, he’s promising higher energy bills that will drive the outmigration of more families and businesses from New Jersey.”
Singer Bill to Study Health of Nursing Homes Advances
Commission Will Consider Impact of Medicaid Reimbursement Changes
Legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer that would create a commission to study the impact of increased hourly reimbursements on nursing homes was approved by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.
Sen. Robert Singer’s bill to launch a commission to study the quality of patient care and the health of New Jersey nursing homes after changes to Medicaid personal care services reimbursement rates was cleared by the Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. (SenateNJ.com)
“We need to understand what the rate changes mean to the important services provided at these facilities,” said Singer (R-30). “Did they have an effect on staffing, the cost of care for residents, or the financial health of nursing homes? It’s imperative to discover if there has been an impact on patient care, and this bill will help us get the answers.”
Bateman Bill Supporting Equine Therapy with Special License Plates Advances
Senator Kip Bateman’s legislation that would establish special license plates commemorating the horse as the state animal passed the Senate Transportation Committee. The plates will help fund therapeutic riding programs for people with special needs and to support the health and well-being of horses in the state.
Sen. Kip Bateman’s legislation will help fund beneficial therapeutic riding programs for people with special needs and veterans coping with PTSD and depression by creating a special license plate recognizing the horse as New Jersey’s State Animal. (SenateNJ.com)
“New Jerseyans love horses, and the special plates will recognize that affinity,” said Bateman (R-16). “Assisted riding therapy programs are deeply rewarding and beneficial for participants, both physically and emotionally. The license plates will do more than commemorate horses, they will help change lives.”
Oroho Bill Shielding Community Homeowners from Unexpected Fees Clears Committee
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris) that would protect homeowners in some communities from surprise fees and assessments was advanced by the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee.
Sen. Steve Oroho’s bill clarifies the intent of a 2017 law and protecting homeowners in some communities from unexpected fees and assessments. (SenateNJ.com)
“When someone purchases property that isn’t in an association, they shouldn’t have to worry about fees being forced on them,” said Oroho. “The 2017 law did not change the rules for owners who were not already members of an association or planned community. This bill provides homeowners with badly needed protections from unexpected financial burdens. I thank my co-prime sponsor, Senator Troy Singleton, for moving the bill so quickly in this new session.”
Testa Statement On International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Senator Michael Testa (R-1) released the following statement to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day:
Senator Michael Testa’s grandparents, Eva Flumen and Samuel Flumen, who met in a Nazi Concentration Camp. (SenateNJ.com)
“There is no greater evil than what the world witnessed during the Holocaust. More than a million lives were lost through the infamous Auschwitz gates.
“As we honor the memories of the souls that we lost, I reflect on the journey of my grandparents who met in a Nazi Concentration Camp, freed by the Allied Forces, and came to America.
Bucco Bill to Support New Jersey Entrepreneurs Advances
Improves Workers’ Comp Laws for Small Startups
Senator Anthony Bucco’s legislation to assist New Jersey entrepreneurs and reform workers’ compensation laws has advanced in the Senate Labor Committee.
Sen. Anthony Bucco’s legislation to assist entrepreneurs and reform workers’ compensation laws has advanced. (©iStock)
“For a one-person business or partnership just staring out, acquiring worker’s compensation insurance solely for themselves is an onerous and pricey mandate,” said Bucco (R-25). “Starting a business in New Jersey is expensive as it is, so we should look for every opportunity to lower unnecessary costs for those creating businesses from the ground up. Giving new businesses owners this option will allow them to use more of their money as they see fit.”
O’Scanlon: ‘EMS System Needs Life Support’
Following news that MONOC will cease operations on April 1, Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-Monmouth) advocated for swift passage of his bill, S-617, which would provide much needed flexibility to the Advanced Life Support System (ALS) in the state.
Sen. Declan O’Scanlon called for swift passage of his bill that would provide needed flexibility to the State’s Advanced Life Support System after news the MONOC would cease operations on April 1. (Flickr)
“If we want to ensure that when you call 911 you get the best care possible all the time, we need to commit to giving the ALS system the life support it clearly needs,” O’Scanlon said. “Our current system is flawed and too rigid. You wind up with superfluous paramedics at a more basic call leading to others not having the flexibility to leave for a higher trauma event. People can die because paramedics are stretched too thin.”
Now Law: Corrado Bill Protecting State Employees from Discrimination and Harassment at Work
Requires Telephone Hotline for Reporting Suspected Incidents
Legislation sponsored by Senator Kristin Corrado to ensure State workers can confidentially report discrimination or harassment in the workplace has been signed into law by the governor.
Sen. Kristin Corrado’s bill requiring a toll-free telephone hotline to help ensure a workplace free of discrimination and harassment for State employees has been signed into law. (SenateNJ.com)
