Bucco Statement on Gov’s CV of ‘Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act’
Senator Anthony Bucco (R-25) issued the following statement on today’s State Senate vote to concur with Governor Murphy’s conditional veto of S-2293, the “Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act.”
Sen. Anthony Bucco issued the following statement on today’s State Senate vote to concur with Gov. Murphy’s conditional veto of S-2293, the Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act. (Flickr)
Bucco, a co-sponsor of S-2293, was instrumental in efforts to ensure funding for school security was included in the legislation. Governor Murphy’s CV significantly cut the amount of funding for school security in the version that was originally passed in July by the Legislature.
“Governor Murphy’s massive cut to the school security funding in the original version of our bipartisan legislation is a total lapse in judgment,” Senator Bucco said. “If the Governor is so concerned about keeping our schools safe from gun violence, then I question why he would mandate such a drastic cut in school security.
“A voter-approved bond act directly aids all New Jersey school administrations who are currently in the process of designing safe schools and security operations. The Governor’s decision to cut the funding we originally proposed could jeopardize all current and future school security and Vo-Tech projects. We must ensure every student has the opportunity to grow and succeed in a safe environment.”
Bucco Calls for Action on Pro-Business Legislation
As part of an ongoing effort to make New Jersey more business-friendly, Senator Anthony Bucco is calling for the passage of his legislation to require the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJLWD) to conduct exit interviews with companies that close their doors or relocate to another state.
As part of an ongoing effort to make NJ more business-friendly, Sen. Anthony Bucco is calling for the passage of his bill to conduct exit interviews with companies that close or relocate to another state. (©iStock)
“We already know, just based on anecdotal evidence, that too many local companies are shutting down entirely or relocating operations to a more business-friendly state. These are decisions that impact the lives of countless families. We have to do more to find out how we can keep job creators from leaving,” Senator Bucco (R-25) said. “By requiring an exit interview, we can discover the real reasons why companies are closing up shop, and implement policies that will encourage them to grow in New Jersey instead.”
New Bucco Bill Would Designate the Seeing Eye® Dog as NJ State Dog
Bill Honors Service Animals Trained by New Jersey Organization
Senator Anthony Bucco (R-Morris, Somerset) has introduced legislation that would designate the Seeing Eye® dog as the official New Jersey State Dog.
The Seeing Eye headquarters is located in Morristown. The organization has trained and matched more than 17,000 visually-impaired individuals with service animals.
Sen. Anthony Bucco’s bill would designate the Seeing Eye® dog as the official New Jersey State Dog. (Photo courtesy of The Seeing Eye)
“We often take for granted seeing a stop sign or the edge of a train platform, but for those who are visually-impaired, something so simple can become a critical or even life-threatening obstacle,” Bucco said. “Every day, Seeing Eye dogs are trained in Morris County to create safety, independence, and mobility for those in need. This legislation is a great way to honor all they have done for the thousands of people in need of a loving service animal in New Jersey.”
Oroho-Bucco-Sweeney Bill Would Boost Vo-Tech Education, Fund School Security
Measure Would Provide $1 Billion for Job Training, School Security, and Clean Water Infrastructure
The New Jersey State Senate has passed the Career and Technical Education and Security Bond Act sponsored by Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-Gloucester), Senator Steve Oroho (R-Morris, Sussex, Warren) and Senator Anthony Bucco (R-Morris and Somerset) that would provide funding for Vo-Tech expansion, school security, and clean water protection.
The Career and Technical Education and Security Bond Act would provide funding for Vo-Tech expansion, school security, and clean water protection. (SenateNJ.com)
“Our county vocational schools are currently unable to meet the needs of students and employers alike,” Oroho, a member of the bipartisan Senate Manufacturing Caucus said. “The overwhelming demand for these programs proves that many employers are actively looking for job candidates with technical training. With proper funding, I am confident that our County Vo-Tech schools will continue to create pathways to long-term employment for countless New Jersey residents.”
Senate Republicans Call for Structural Budget Reforms
Senate Republicans sent a letter today to Governor Phil Murphy, Senate President Steve Sweeney, and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin calling for structural budget reforms.
Senate Republicans sent a letter to Gov. Phil Murphy, Senate President Sweeney, and Assembly Speaker Coughlin calling for structural budget reforms. (SenateNJ.com)
Bucco Bill Cuts Costs by Bringing Government into 21st Century Advances
Paperless Government Aims to Increase Efficiency
The Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee has advanced bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony Bucco (R-25) that would encourage the modernization of local governments and provide opportunities to cut back on property tax bills.
Sen. Bucco’s bill would encourage the modernization of local governments and provide opportunities to cut back on property taxes. (SenateNJ)
“Allowing towns to replace expensive postal mailings with email for more types of correspondence can produce real savings, which translates into property tax relief,” Senator Bucco said. “People already are going paperless to get their cable and utility bills, so there’s no reason local governments can’t follow this example and pass the savings to the local taxpayer.”
Bucco/Corrado Legislation to Expand School Employee Background Checks Passes Senate
Increased Scrutiny Will Protect Students from Abuse and Assault
The New Jersey Senate passed legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony Bucco (R-25) and Senator Kristin Corrado (R-40) that would require all public school employees to undergo a Child Abuse Record Information (CARI) background check.
Legislation sponsored by Senators Bucco and Corrado would require all public school employees to undergo a Child Abuse Record Information (CARI) background check (SenateNJ.com.com)
“We pray and hope our schools are safe from predators,” Senator Bucco stated. “However, under New Jersey’s current laws, we just don’t know. It is time to protect our students and require additional background checks for all school staff members. This common-sense approach will help us stop predators from having access to our students.”
Senate Passes Pennacchio/Bucco Bill to Benefit Local Farmers
Measure Will Create Entrepreneurship at Local Farm Markets
The State Senate has passed legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) and Senator Anthony Bucco (R-25) that would support the growth of local farm markets and enhance their offerings to customers by removing regulatory hurdles when vendors sell baked goods.
Legislation by Senators Pennacchio and Bucco would support the growth of local farm markets and inspire entrepreneurship. (WikiCommons)
“New Jersey’s current law requiring vendors at local farm markets to individually weigh and wrap items, such as cookies and muffins, puts our farmers at a disadvantage,” Pennacchio stated. “These requirements often cause our farmers to second guess whether to sell baked goods at their locations, possibly deterring local business. It is time to place our farm markets on the same playing field as bakeries which aren’t subject to this unreasonable restriction.”
Bucco Bill Honoring New Jersey Residents Entering Service Academies
The Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee advanced legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony Bucco (R-Morris and Somerset) which would require New Jersey’s Adjutant General to issue the State flag to residents enrolled in a federal service academy.
Sen. Anthony Bucco’s bill would require the Adjutant General to issue the State flag to residents enrolled in a federal service academy. (©iStock)
“It’s no small thing to make a commitment to enter one of our nation’s esteemed service academies,” Bucco stated. “It’s fitting for us to recognize the accomplished young men and women who dedicate themselves to careers serving and protecting our state and nation.”
Bucco /Corrado Bill to Protect Students by Expanding Background Checks for All School Employees Passes Committee
Legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony Bucco (R-25) and Senator Kristin Corrado (R-40) that would require all public school employees to undergo a Child Abuse Record Information (CARI) background check has passed the Senate Education Committee.
Legislation sponsored by Senator Bucco and Senator Corrado would require CARI background checks for all public school employees. (©iStock)
“How many of our teachers, camp counselors, cafeteria workers, and school employees have histories of child abuse?” Senator Bucco asked. “The scary truth is that under New Jersey’s current laws, we just don’t know. We should learn the answer to that question before something bad happens. We must require all school employees who have regular contact with students to undergo CARI checks.”
