VIDEO: Senate Republicans Explore Whale Deaths & Wind Farm Concerns at Independent Hearing
New Jersey Senate Republicans hosted an independent hearing today where the surge of whale and dolphin deaths along the Jersey Shore and potential links to wind farms were discussed.
The panel was chaired by Senator Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) and included Senator Vince Polistina (R-2), Senator Michael Testa (R-1), and Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-13).
“We held a very informative hearing this morning on whales and wind farms,” Bucco said after the hearing. “It’s clear from the testimony we received that the wind farm projects were rushed, there’s data demonstrating real harm to marine life, and shore towns and fisheries will face serious economic impacts that have been completely ignored. We believe it makes a lot of sense to put a pause on these projects to investigate the legitimate concerns that were raised today in greater depth.”
Bucco Warns that Murphy’s Energy Plan Will Be Financially Devastating as More Households Living Paycheck to Paycheck
Senator Anthony M. Bucco warned that the extreme cost of Governor Phil Murphy’s green energy plan could be devastating for a growing number of New Jerseyans as a new report shows more households are living paycheck to paycheck.
Sen. Anthony Bucco warned that the extreme cost of Gov. Phil Murphy’s green energy plan could be devastating for a growing number of New Jerseyans as a new report shows more households are living paycheck to paycheck. (©iStock)
“Sadly, the United Way’s latest report is yet more proof that millions of New Jersey families are living paycheck to paycheck,” said Bucco (R-25). “When nearly four in ten New Jersey households cannot afford basic necessities like housing, child care, food and clothing, it should be clear that the higher costs that will come with the governor’s extreme energy plan will be devastating. We have millions of young adults, families, and retirees who can’t afford the double-digit increases in their energy bills or the massive expense of replacing affordable gas appliances and cars as Governor Murphy is pushing.”
Bucco Honored for Supporting the Rights of Domestic Violence Victims
The Jersey Battered Women’s Shelter (JBWS) and Theresa’s Fund honored Senator Anthony M. Bucco for his work in advocating for the rights and safety of domestic violence survivors.
The Jersey Battered Women’s Shelter and Theresa’s Fund honored Sen. Anthony Bucco for his work in advocating for the rights and safety of domestic violence survivors. (SenateNJ.com)
On April 24, Bucco was named the 2023 Philanthropic Honoree by the Jersey Battered Women’s Shelter. The senator was also recognized as an Outstanding Legislative Partner by Theresa’s Fund, a national non-profit charity based in Arizona, and will be given its Purple Ribbon Award during a ceremony in May.
“As a long-time supporter of both JBWS and Theresa’s Fund, it is truly a privilege to be recognized by organizations that have done so much in preventing domestic violence and supporting victims. If not for the work of these institutions, millions of Americans—including tens of thousands of New Jerseyans—would not receive the help they need,” said Bucco (R-25). “I will always support the mission of these vital organizations and will continue to advocate for the rights, safety, and support of domestic violence survivors. Together, we can prevent these tragic crimes and help individuals on the road to recovery.”
Governor Signs Stanfield/Bucco Resolution Designating April 14 as “Military Child Appreciation Day”
Legislation sponsored by Sens. Jean Stanfield and Anthony Bucco designating April 14 of each year as “Military Child Appreciation Day” was signed into law today by Governor Murphy.
Legislation sponsored by Sens. Jean Stanfield and Anthony Bucco designating April 14 of each year as “Military Child Appreciation Day” was signed into law today by Gov. Murphy. (Wikimedia Commons)
“I am proud this resolution was signed into law. Children of military service members face many unique responsibilities during their school years,” said Senator Stanfield (R-8). “Between K-12, military children can move to different locations six to nine times, which separates them from family and friends as well as familiar social environments. This legislation will formally recognize these young American heroes for their daily sacrifices and the distinctive challenges they must overcome.”
VIDEO: New Law Lets Gov. Murphy Pull the Strings on Campaign Law Enforcement
Governor Phil Murphy just signed a law that lets him pull the strings on campaign law enforcement.
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The controversial law erodes transparency and defangs the state’s independent campaign watchdog.
The law lets Governor Murphy appoint all new members to the Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) without oversight.
Bucco Offers Support as State and Local Officials Respond to West Milford Wildfire
Senator Anthony M. Bucco said he’s working with State and local officials to monitor a wildfire that has spread to 250 acres along a section of Route 23 in West Milford.
Sen. Anthony M. Bucco said he’s working with State and local officials to monitor a wildfire that has spread to 250 acres along a section of Route 23 in West Milford. (NJ Forest Fire Service/Facebook)
“I spoke with Mayor Dale, the State Fire Marshal, and officials at NJDOT this morning to ensure that there are effective lines of communication between State and local officials as the wildfire continues to burn in West Milford,” said Bucco (R-25). “Thanks to the diligent efforts of firefighters, I’m glad to report that progress is being made in containing the fire. As a result of those efforts, NJDOT has reopened Route 23 in the area. We’ll continue to monitor the situation and offer any assistance we can until this is fully resolved.”
Bucco Comments on Signing of Elections Transparency Act
Senator Anthony M. Bucco issued the following statement in response to Governor Phil Murphy’s signing of the Elections Transparency Act today:
Statement from Sen. Anthony M. Bucco on the signing of the Elections Transparency Act today. (SenateNJ.com)
“There’s nothing transparent about the Elections Transparency Act,” said Bucco (R-25). “The bill that Governor Murphy signed into law today takes a system that everyone trusts that has been in place for years and turns it on its head. Now that the governor has full control over ELEC and can stack the deck, the agency’s reputation as a fair and independent campaign watchdog is in serious jeopardy. People will suspect that every action taken by ELEC is politically motivated.”
Bucco Introduces Legislation to Crackdown on Underage Drinking in Public Places
Senator Anthony Bucco has introduced legislation that would impose stricter penalties for possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by underage individuals.
Sen. Tony Bucco has introduced legislation that would impose stricter penalties for possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by underage individuals. (©iStock)
“Following the changes to the juvenile justice laws, many law enforcement officers are being left with unclear direction as to what, if anything, they can do to combat some of the underage drinking offenses primarily in our shore communities, but also throughout the state,” said Bucco (R-25). “This new law will better guide police on the handling of these matters, and hopefully help to quell any issues before they arise.”
Bucco: With Murphy’s Energy Extremism on Full Display, There Were No Republican Votes to Confirm His BPU Nominees Today
Senator Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) issued the following comments after a pair of Governor Phil Murphy’s nominees to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) failed to gain Senate confirmation today:
A dead humpback whale in Seaside Park on March 2, 2023. It’s one of dozens of dead whales and dolphins that have washed up on area beaches while wind farm surveys are taking place in New Jersey coastal waters. (Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
“Governor Murphy dumped two BPU commissioners for having the gall to criticize his extreme Energy Master Plan. There were no Republican votes today to confirm replacements who would be nothing more than a rubber stamp for his dangerous and expensive energy policy.
Bucco Introduces Bill to Delay 4th Round of Affordable Housing Obligations Until 2028
Senator Anthony M. Bucco has introduced legislation that would delay the fourth round of fair share affordable housing obligations for municipalities from 2025 to 2028.
Sen. Anthony M. Bucco has introduced legislation that would delay the fourth round of fair share affordable housing obligations for municipalities from 2025 to 2028. (©iStock)
“The pandemic and related shutdowns and restrictions imposed by Governor Murphy had a major impact on the ability of municipalities to resolve their third-round affordable housing obligations,” said Bucco (R-25). “While towns are still trying to get back on track, the next round is quickly approaching. If we don’t implement a reasonable delay to the fourth round, we’re sure to end up with more confusion, litigation, and unnecessary costs for property taxpayers. This bill offers relief to our towns and much-needed time to keep working.”
