Bucco Comments on Oroho’s Decision to Not Run Again
Senator Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) issued the following statement following Senate Republican Leader Steven Oroho’s announcement that he will not seek re-election:

Statement from Sen. Anthony Bucco on Sen. Steven Oroho’s decision not to seek re-election. (SenateNJ.com)
“I am saddened by Senator Oroho’s decision to not run again, but I understand his desire to focus on his family and grandchildren.
“He is a great leader for our caucus and party, and a great friend to me personally. I wish him the best.”
Committee Clears 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 approved today by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

Legislation sponsored by Sens. Jean Stanfield and Anthony Bucco designating April 14 of each year as “Military Child Appreciation Day” was approved today by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee. (©iStock)
“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. My legislation will formally recognize these young American heroes for their daily sacrifices and the distinctive challenges they must overcome.”
Bucco: It’s No Shock Murphy is Delaying Hearings on His Expensive Green Energy Plan
Senator Anthony M. Bucco said it’s no shock that Governor Phil Murphy is pushing back hearings on his increasingly unpopular Energy Master Plan until “later in the year.”

Sen. Anthony M. Bucco said it’s no shock that Gov. Phil Murphy is pushing back hearings on his increasingly unpopular Energy Master Plan until ‘later in the year.’ (SenateNJ.com)
“Let’s be clear that ‘later in the year’ means after Election Day,” said Bucco (R-25). “Trenton Democrats are scared that New Jerseyans might learn before November how much their energy bills will rise and how expensive it’ll be to convert their homes and businesses from gas to electric under Murphy’s extreme green energy plan. People deserve the truth.”
Bucco Bill that Would Help Economically Disadvantaged College Students Clears Committee
Senator Anthony M. Bucco’s legislation that would ensure economically disadvantaged college students could get help buying groceries from the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) if they qualify for assistance under the New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF), was advanced today by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Tony Bucco that would help economically disadvantaged college students buy groceries through the federal SNAP Program was advanced by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. (Pixbay)
“We want to prevent college students from being forced to choose between course work and 20+ hours at a part-time job. That is inconsistent with the EOF’s purpose of helping residents attend college,” said Bucco (R-25). “This bill protects students from employment requirements that result in many young people facing a choice between SNAP benefits and earning the grades they need to succeed in school and earn their degrees.”
Bucco Legislation Honoring New Jersey Military Veteran “Warren E. Wilhide Sr.” Approved by Committee
Legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony M. Bucco that designates the Harter Road Interchange of Interstate Highway Route 287 as the Warren E. Wilhide Interchange was approved by the Transportation Committee.

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Tony Bucco designating a portion of Interstate Highway 287 after Warren E. Wilhide Sr. was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee. (SenateNJ.com)
“As a long-time resident of Morris Township, United States Army Veteran Warren E. Wilhide Sr. was well-known for his dedication to serving others,” said Bucco (R-25). “Mr. Wilhide’s service in the military and in his community epitomized what it means to be a leader. My legislation will formally commemorate his legacy by designating a portion of Route 287 in his honor.”
Bucco Responds to Gov. Murphy State of the State Address With a Simple Question: Are You Better Off Today?
Senator Anthony Bucco responded to the Governor’s State of the State address by questioning the Governor’s seemly tone-deaf portrayal of strength while New Jerseyans suffer the burdens of high inflation, increased taxes, rising crime, and soaring energy costs.

Sen. Anthony Bucco responded to the Governor’s State of the State address by questioning the Governor’s seemly tone-deaf portrayal of strength.
“Since taking office in 2018, Governor Murphy has weakened New Jersey with higher taxes and increased spending, which has only worsened the financial burden of families across the state,” said Bucco (R-25). “There’s no doubt New Jersey families are worse off today than they were five years ago as their pocketbooks have been decimated by soaring energy costs, growing tax bills, and record-high inflation.”
Bucco Says “I Told You So” After Federal Judge Blocks Enforcement of New Concealed Carry Restrictions Imposed by Democrats
Senator Anthony M. Bucco responded after a federal judge blocked enforcement of new concealed carry restrictions that were advanced by New Jersey Democrats and signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy last month.

Sen. Tony Bucco responded after a federal judge blocked enforcement of new concealed carry restrictions that were advanced by New Jersey Democrats and signed into law by Gov. Phil Murphy last month. (©iStock)
“We knew the law was likely unconstitutional since it copied major portions of a New York law that has already suffered serious setbacks in federal court,” said Bucco (R-25). “Despite all of our warnings, Governor Murphy and Trenton Democrats plowed ahead and enacted an obviously flawed proposal. Yet again, the Legislature will have to revisit one of their bad laws to fix the mess they created.”
Bucco Laments Unwillingness of Democrats to Work With Republicans to Ensure Safe, Reasonable & Constitutional Concealed Carry of Firearms
Senator Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) issued the following statement in response to new gun restrictions (A-4769/S-3214) signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy today:

Sen. Tony Bucco spoke during a Senate floor debate on December 19, 2022 against unconstitutional and extreme new restrictions and requirements that would be placed on law-abiding firearm owners through legislation proposed by New Jersey Democrats. (YouTube/NJ Senate Republicans)
“It’s a shame the Democratic Majority would not work with Republicans to ensure that the concealed carry of firearms can be managed in a safe, reasonable, and constitutional way.
“Instead, they modeled after an extreme and clearly unconstitutional New York law that federal judges have already ruled against with new insurance requirements that may be impossible to meet.
“It’s an overreaching attempt by Democrats to see how far they can go in rolling back the Supreme Court’s Bruen decision while imposing even greater restrictions on law-abiding firearm owners than ever before.”
VIDEO: Bucco Speaks Against Unconstitutional & Extreme New Gun Restrictions
Senator Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) spoke against unconstitutional and extreme new restrictions and requirements that would be placed on law-abiding gun owners through legislation proposed by New Jersey Democrats.
Click here to watch the video.
During a floor debate on A-4769/S-3214 in the New Jersey Senate on December 19, 2022, Bucco said several provisions of the law are likely unconstitutional.
Panel Clears Bucco Bill Increasing Penalties for Car Thieves
With incidents of auto theft continuing to escalate at an alarming rate across the state, the Senate Judiciary Committee endorsed legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony M. Bucco targeting repeat offenders and the leaders of car theft rings.

With incidents of auto theft continuing to escalate at an alarming rate across the state, the Senate Judiciary Committee endorsed legislation sponsored by Sen. Anthony M. Bucco targeting repeat offenders and the leaders of car theft rings. (Flickr)
“Almost 15,000 vehicles have been stolen already this year, and the numbers continue to skyrocket,” said Bucco (R-25). “Clearly, our police and prosecutors have their hands tied under existing laws when it comes to dealing with motor vehicle thefts.