Bucco Commends NJ Safe Haven Program After Infant is Rescued
The Statewide Network Saved Four Babies in 2020
The life of another vulnerable, innocent infant was spared last month when the child was surrendered to one of the state’s Safe Haven sites.
Sen. Anthony M. Bucco hailed New Jersey’s Safe Haven program for rescuing another newborn baby in December. It was the fourth time in 2020 that Safe Haven provided a lifeline for a New Jersey infant. (NJSafeHaven.org)
“During the holiday season, this was a Christmas miracle in real life,” said Senator Anthony M. Bucco, a long-time advocate for the compassionate program and sponsor of a law requiring public schools to provide instruction and promote awareness about the New Jersey Safe Haven Infant Protection Act.
Bucco Proposes Resolution to Help NJ’s Homeless and Domestic Violence Victims
Urges Feds to Prioritize Transitional Housing Programs to Help
The COVID pandemic’s continuing toll on the State’s economy has resulted in disconcerting increases in the number of homeless and reported domestic violence incidents. In response to the growing crisis, Senator Anthony M. Bucco has introduced a resolution to help find temporary housing for displaced individuals and families.
Sen. Anthony M. Bucco introduced a resolution to help find temporary housing for displaced individuals and families, including victims of domestic violence. (©iStock)
Bucco’s resolution (SCR-140) urges the United States Secretary for Housing and Urban Development to prioritize transitional housing for homeless individuals and families, including survivors of domestic violence.
Bucco Calls for Tax Incentive Bill to Include Help for Small Businesses & Nonprofits
Senate Democrats Block Effort to Help Main Street in Multi-Billion Dollar Legislation
During today’s meeting of the New Jersey Senate to consider legislation (S-3295) to reestablish a State tax incentive program, Senator Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) urged his colleagues to support an amendment to the bill that would include $300 million for emergency relief of small businesses and nonprofits struggling under the impact of COVID-19.
During today’s meeting of the New Jersey Senate to consider legislation to reestablish a State tax incentive program, Sen. Tony Bucco urged his colleagues to support an amendment to the bill that would include $300 million for emergency relief of small businesses and nonprofits struggling under the impact of COVID-19. (Pixabay)
Included below are Bucco’s remarks to the Senate prior to the amendment being blocked by the Democratic majority:
“The bill we are voting on today is far from perfect. However, in a state where our corporate business tax has been increased to more than 10%, to among the highest in the entire country, doing nothing is not an option. We simply won’t be competitive if we don’t pass something like this bill, even with all its imperfections.
Bucco Applauds Morris Co. Vaccination ‘Megasite’ for Health Care Workers
Health care workers in Morris County will have convenient access to the COVID vaccine at an inoculation center coming to Rockaway Township. It’s one of six “megasites” announced by the State today for distributing the vaccine.
Sen. Anthony M. Bucco welcomed the announcement that a COVID-19 vaccination site will soon open in Morris County, and health care workers are eligible for the shots during the first phase of the State’s plan. (DoD via Flickr)
Senator Anthony M. Bucco welcomed the facility, calling it an “important step in protecting the frontline heroes we all depend on, especially during this crisis.”
Bucco Bill Would Dedicate MVC Appointment Hours for Health Care Workers & First Responders During Pandemic
Senator Anthony M. Bucco has introduced legislation that would reserve certain hours at Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) locations for health care workers and first responders during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Sen. Anthony M. Bucco introduced legislation that would reserve certain hours at Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) locations for health care workers and first responders during the COVID-19 public health emergency. (Wikimedia)
“Our doctors, nurses, and EMTs are on the front lines every day leading the battle against this pandemic,” said Bucco (R-25). “This bill gives our health care workers and first responders access to dedicated appointment times at all MVC locations. It will significantly reduce their wait times and allow them to return to treating patients and saving lives.”
Bucco Bill to Cut Wait Times at MVC Becomes Law
New Drivers Who Passed Road Test Can Operate a Car for 60 Days While Waiting for Provisional License
Legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony M. Bucco to help alleviate long lines at New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission facilities across the state was signed into law Monday.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Anthony M. Bucco and signed by the Governor will help ease the lengthy lines and hours-long wait times at MVC offices. (SenateNJ.com)
Governor Murphy endorsed Bucco’s bill, A-4442/S-2755, allowing new drivers who passed their road tests to drive for 60 days while they are waiting to get their probationary drivers’ license.
Legislation Easing Burden on Small Business Advances
Bucco/Webber/DeCroce Bill Would Spare Small Startups from Workers’ Comp Laws
The pandemic has created the most challenging business environment in memory, and as many as one of every three businesses have closed their doors. Legislation approved today in the Assembly Labor Committee will provide some relief for solo entrepreneurs and small companies struggling to hang on.
Sen. Bucco, Asm. Webber and Asw. DeCroce sponsor legislation revising the state’s workers compensation law, and exempting some small businesses from the requirement to obtain workers’ compensation insurance. (SenateNJ.com)
Senator Anthony M. Bucco sponsors S-967, which revises the state’s workers compensation law, making it easier for the smallest businesses to meet expenses. The bill, approved by the Senate in February, exempts certain partnerships from being required to obtain workers’ compensation insurance
Bucco & Cardinale Question Horizon Restructuring Legislation During Commerce Committee
Senator Anthony M. Bucco and Senator Gerry Cardinale expressed serious concerns during today’s meeting of the Senate Commerce Committee that legislation (S-3218) to restructure Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey could pose a risk for ratepayers and be inequitable for policyholders and property taxpayers.
Sen. Tony Bucco and Sen. Gerry Cardinale expressed concerns during a meeting of the Senate Commerce Committee that legislation to restructure Horizon could pose a risk for ratepayers and be inequitable for policyholders and property taxpayers. (Pixabay)
“I have serious concerns that any failures in the for-profit operations that would be allowed by this legislation would impact Horizon’s ability to meet its core non-profit mission of serving ratepayers who would be stuck with the tab for any losses,” said Bucco (R-25). “I’m also concerned that there are no restrictions on how the State could spend the initial $600 million payment from Horizon or the smaller payments in future years. That money will end up going into the State’s General Fund and it will disappear with nothing to show for it.”
Republican Senators Express Concerns for Taxpayers & Ratepayers in Letter to Murphy on Horizon Legislation
Senators Anthony Bucco (R-25) and Gerry Cardinale (R-39), members of the Senate Commerce Committee, and Senate Republican Budget Officer Steven Oroho (R-24) sent a letter to Governor Phil Murphy today (click here for PDF) expressing concerns for taxpayers and ratepayers and seeking information related to legislation that would restructure Horizon Blue Cross Shield of New Jersey, the largest health insurer in the state.
Republican senators sent a letter to Gov. Phil Murphy today expressing concerns for taxpayers and ratepayers and seeking information related to legislation that would restructure Horizon Blue Cross Shield of New Jersey, the largest health insurer in the state. (SenateNJ.com)
The full text of the letter is below:
Dear Governor Murphy,
We are writing you to express our fundamental concerns with, and many questions about, legislation that, among other provisions, will quickly drain $600 million in reserves from the state’s largest health insurer to prop up the State’s upcoming election year budget. This legislation will have significant impacts on the care provided to, and premiums charged on behalf of, millions of New Jersey citizens that receive health benefits through local governments, small businesses, and other employers struggling through the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been reported that your office has been intricately involved in drafting the legislation and amendments reportedly being advanced next week. Therefore, it is imperative that your administration respond to our concerns and address the questions that pertain to how your administration will implement the bill, prior to scheduled committee votes Monday and Tuesday — despite no legislators having seen the final version of what will be considered.
Bucco Applauds Opening of CCM’s Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Center
Says New Facility Will Assist With Workforce Development & Boost NJ Economy
Senator Anthony M. Bucco said the new Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center at the County College of Morris (CCM) will provide both students and workers with advanced technical skills that are in demand by industry and keep high-paying jobs from leaving New Jersey.
Sen. Tony Bucco said the new Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center at the County College of Morris will provide both students and workers with advanced technical skills that are in demand by industry and keep high-paying jobs from leaving New Jersey. (CCM via Twitter)
“We’ve heard repeatedly from major employers that they can’t find enough qualified workers to fill skilled technical jobs in New Jersey,” said Bucco (R-25). “I’m glad to see CCM making an investment in its new Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center, which will provide both students and experienced workers the opportunity to learn the skills that are in high demand by industry. By ensuring this pipeline of talent, we can prevent high-paying research and manufacturing jobs from being moved out of New Jersey.”
