Editorial: Without Reforms, State-Supported Residential Drug Treatment for Kids Will Vanish
The following editorial by Anthony M. Bucco and James P. Curtin was published by NJ.com on December 19, 2019:
New Jersey is ground zero for an opioid epidemic that is taking the lives of our children and young adults at a furious pace. Last year, more than 3,100 lives were lost to this crisis, which did not discriminate by race, wealth, or zip code. It’s hitting communities and children in every corner of the Garden State.
In this NJ.com editorial, Sen. Tony Bucco and James Curtin call for action by lawmakers to prevent the loss of New Jersey’s remaining state-funded residential treatment facilities for children with substance use disorders. (©iStock)
Given the toll this epidemic has already taken, you might think the state would be working quickly to expand in-patient, residential treatment programs that have proven to be effective in helping to address addiction in our youth, where substance use often begins.
Unfortunately, the opposite is the case, as recent reports by The Star-Ledger have shown. Instead of adding beds and expanding access to residential facilities that are licensed, funded, and regulated by the state for the treatment of adolescents suffering from substance use disorders, these dedicated treatment centers for children are rapidly going out of business across New Jersey.
Bucco Bill Promoting Insurance Jobs for Veterans Passes Senate
Legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony M. Bucco (R-Morris) to help honorably discharged veterans pursue career opportunities in the insurance industry was approved by the Senate.
Senator Anthony M. Bucco’s legislation to help honorably discharged veterans pursue career opportunities in the insurance industry was approved by the Senate. (©iStock)
The bill, S2930 would waive the initial insurance producer-licensing fee for veterans who have passed the licensing exam.
Bucco Derides Democrats for Forgetting About the Plight of New Jersey Families
Senator Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) criticized Trenton Democrats for advancing a political agenda that abandons taxpaying residents desperate for relief.
Sen. Anthony M. Bucco criticized Trenton Democrats for advancing a political agenda that abandons taxpaying residents desperate for relief. (SenateNJ.com)
“Today’s board list makes it crystal clear. Democrats have abandoned their responsibility to New Jersey’s over-burdened taxpayers. The emphasis in the Senate today makes it more costly to live here, makes the state more accommodating to law-breakers, and robs citizens of their religious freedom.
Bucco Measure Strengthens Historic Washington Association of NJ
Senator Anthony M. Bucco’s bill to revitalize the Washington Association of New Jersey (“WANJ”) with additional board members has cleared the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee.
The measure (A4370/S2919) allows the board of the association, chartered in 1874, to expand to 18 members.
Sen. Anthony M. Bucco’s bill would bolster one of the oldest historic organizations in the nation, the Washington Association of New Jersey. (SenateNJ.com)
“The addition of new leadership voices to this important association will help preserve the legacy of George Washington and the significant role New Jersey played in the Revolutionary War,” said Bucco (R-25). “The future of this association and its treasured historic sites rests on the shoulders of its dedicated volunteers. The effectiveness of WANJ’s mission can be broadened with new ideas and new talent to complement its existing core of committed members.”
Bucco Vows to Fight for Independent Contractors
Senator Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) released the following statement on the contentious independent contractor legislation (S4204) and proposed amendments.
Sen. Anthony M. Bucco said he will continue to fight for the interests of freelance workers who would be negatively impacted by legislation that is under discussion. (SenateNJ.com)
“This bill could have disastrous implications for many thousands of independent contractors who deserve the right to choose their own opportunities to earn money and support their families. I’m pleased the concerns voiced by so many independent workers appears to be having an impact on the legislative process.
Bucco Looking Forward to Serving with Aura Dunn in Legislature
Says Another Conservative, Female Voice Will Prevent Trenton from Becoming an Echo Chamber
Senator Anthony M. Bucco said he’s looking forward to serving with Aura Dunn in the New Jersey Legislature following her swearing-in today as an Assemblywoman for the 25th Legislative District.
Sen. Anthony M. Bucco said he’s looking forward to serving with Aura Dunn in the New Jersey Legislature following her swearing-in as an Assemblywoman for the 25th Legislative District. (SenateNJ.com)
“I’m excited to be joined by Aura Dunn in representing the 25th Legislative District in Trenton,” said Bucco (R-25). “With her years of hands-on experience in public policy and as Congressman Frelinghuysen’s district director, Aura knows the issues that matter most to the people we serve in Morris County and beyond. I have no doubt she’ll hit the ground running after her swearing-in today.”
Panel Clears Bucco Bill Absolving Businesses from Costly Fines for Minor Mistakes
Small businesses in New Jersey would be spared costly fines for innocuous paperwork filing errors under legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony M. Bucco and advanced today by the Senate Commerce Committee.
Sen. Bucco’s legislation would suspend fines for paperwork filing violations by small businesses. (©iStock)
Bucco’s bill (S2347) provides forgiveness of penalties for first-time filing violations by small companies, including administrative or civil fines from State agencies or regulatory authorities.
“Red tape and cumbersome regulation make it difficult to run a business in New Jersey,” said Bucco (R-25). “If a business makes an honest mistake with paperwork, there’s no need to drop a heavy fine on them. The State shouldn’t burden them for petty oversights.”
Bucco Bill Helping Widows with Name Change Advances
Senator Anthony M. Bucco’s bill to make it easier for widows to change back to their maiden name on their driver’s license cleared the Senate Transportation Committee today.
Sen. Anthony M. Bucco’s bill would allow spouses to provide the Motor Vehicle Commission with a marriage certificate and death certificate as proof to change back to their maiden name on their driver’s license. (NJMVC)
The legislation (S3421) would allow spouses to provide the Motor Vehicle Commission with a marriage certificate and death certificate as proof for the name change.
“After the loss of a spouse, grieving widows shouldn’t have to go to court just to change the name on their driver’s license,” said Bucco (R-25). “They have enough to worry about dealing with paperwork, legalities and financial issues associated with their loved one’s estate. This is a common-sense correction to what is an unnecessarily complex process.”
Bucco: Murphy’s State Bank is a Looming Disaster For Taxpayers
Senator Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) criticized Governor Phil Murphy’s move to establish a public bank, following reports that the governor signed an executive order to set up a fourteen-member implementation board:
Sen. Bucco criticized Gov. Murphy’s move to establish a public bank. (Wikimedia Commons)
“Governor Murphy has struggled to keep New Jersey’s finances in check without major tax increases. The creation of a state-run bank is a looming catastrophe for Garden State taxpayers.
Bucco Blasts Murphy’s Appetite for Spending
Senator Anthony M. Bucco released the following statement in response to a report that Governor Phil Murphy hired a new chef for the governor’s mansion for a $110,000 salary.
Sen. Bucco on Murphy hiring a chef on taxpayer money: “The governor doesn’t get it. People in New Jersey are struggling, but Murphy just keeps spending money that we don’t have.” (Pixabay)
“The governor doesn’t get it. People in New Jersey are struggling, but Murphy just keeps spending money that we don’t have.
“That’s hard to swallow, spending that kind of money on a cook. It’s a $40,000 raise over the cook he replaced, and it’s completely unnecessary. Murphy already saddled taxpayers with almost $900,000 in repairs to Drumthwacket. New Jersey families deserve better treatment from Trenton.”
