Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco issued a response to Governor Murphy’s State of the State address. (SenateNJ.com)

“New Jersey is a great state because of our people. Governor Murphy presented an optimistic view in his address. He spoke about affordability, access to health care, education and public safety. The problem we have is that his actions must follow his words. The aggressive spending we have witnessed has resulted in a few clear warning signs regarding the state of the State. Things like our highest in the nation property taxes, one of the highest unemployment rates, highest outward migration and learning loss in our schools, among others.

New Jersey now stands at a crossroads. Do we continue aggressive spending patterns or do we learn to live within our means and improve the quality of life for all New Jerseyans. Republicans choose the latter. Unlike prior years, it does not appear that the State will be flush with cash this year. I hope we have not missed the opportunity to make the structural changes we need to truly make the State more affordable.”

Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco delivered the following remarks during the reorganization of the New Jersey Legislature earlier today. (SenateNJ)

Good afternoon everyone and thank you Mr. President.

Congratulations to you and Majority Leader Ruiz, on your reelection to your respective leadership positions.

Welcome to our new Senate members and to all of the Senators who are blessed with the opportunity to serve this grand body.

I also want to thank the Senate Republican Caucus for entrusting me with the responsibility of serving as the Republican Leader of such an intelligent, dedicated group of public servants.

Lastly, and most importantly, I want to thank my family; my wife Amy, my children, grandchildren, and all of the other Members’ families for supporting us in our service to this great state. We could not do this job without your support.

I look forward to working with all of you on a bipartisan basis to find the middle ground, and common sense solutions to the issues our constituents face on a daily basis.

I mention bipartisanship because it is important to give everyone a seat at the table when working to find the best solutions to New Jersey’s most pressing issues.

Issues like affordability, education, public safety, energy diversification, and affordable housing, to name a few.

I believe our state is at a crossroads.

Do we continue with the status quo or do we begin to vigorously address the pressing issues facing our state?

Do we continue with the aggressive spending patterns of the past or do we learn to live within our means and improve the quality of life for all New Jerseyans to make our state a place where we are proud to live, work, and raise a family?

When both sides work together in good faith and enact policies that represent our constituents’ needs, we can rest assured that we’ll be building a future for New Jersey that will be bigger, better, and bolder than ever before.

I believe there is no obstacle New Jersey can’t overcome.

We must be good stewards of taxpayer dollars and enact reforms to help struggling New Jerseyans with property taxes that all too often drive young families, hard-working individuals, and seniors out of the state.

We must administer a more equitable school funding formula so we can provide our school districts with the tools they so desperately need to succeed, and to address student learning loss from the pandemic.

We must reassure our communities that public safety is our highest priority; keeping crime down, standing with law enforcement and prosecutors to ensure that our neighborhoods and schools remain safe so parents and children have the peace of mind they rightly deserve.

We must protect ratepayers and our business community from major utility rate increases; ensuring responsible growth of our state’s renewable power infrastructure without sacrificing the reliability, resiliency, and affordability of our existing systems.

And we need a far better approach to affordable housing that avoids changing the character of our communities with massive overdevelopment while at the same time providing safe affordable housing under sound land use planning. Allowing municipalities to have the flexibility and autonomy to choose what works best for their communities will provide a far better result than what we have experienced in the past.

Our caucus has a lot to offer, and we will continue to lend our voices to the process as we want to be part of the solution to the many issues that face our state.

New Jersey can be a shining example of how bipartisanship leads to good governance.

But we must put our differences and disagreements aside and do the work that the people sent us here to do.

We want Trenton to work as partners with local leaders across all sectors of government to help facilitate economic growth and support hard-working taxpayers.

Being the minority party should not mean our vision or ideas are sidelined from having a meaningful impact on the future of New Jersey.

Republicans look forward to having a seat at the table and I look forward to continuing a great working relationship with the Senate President and the Governor, as partners in public service, to enable greater collaboration in order to best address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

All New Jerseyans want is transparency, thoughtfulness, and cooperation from this body of the Legislature.

To this end, Senate Republicans will continue to provide the voice of reason in Trenton and fight for what we believe to be the commonsense solutions for the problems facing our constituents.

We look forward to a meaningful and productive legislative session, advocating for policies that will give our residents and the business community something to be proud of.

Thank you, and God bless you.

Sen. Anthony M. Bucco’s bill that supports victims of domestic violence by allowing plaintiffs to obtain police evidence to support their case was approved by the Senate. (Flickr)

Key components of A-5285/S-3708 include:

• Requiring copies of investigatory law enforcement records, such as photographs, footage from a body- or dash cam, 9-1-1 transcript or recording, and contents of their police report, to be made available upon request to a domestic violence victim or their legal representative;
• Mandating law enforcement agencies to provide copies of requested records within 10 calendar days of the victim’s request; and
• Releasing or unsealing expunged records at the request of an individual involved in a complaint related to domestic violence restraining order, weapons forfeiture, or temporary or final extreme risk protective order.

You can read the full version of the bill online.

To speak with Sen. Bucco about the legislation, please contact Chris Sivel, SRO Deputy Director of Communications at csivel@njleg.org.

Sen. Anthony M. Bucco’s bill that enables municipalities to extend the time to permanently finance the purchase of new firefighting apparatus was approved by the Senate. (SenateNJ.com)

Senator Bucco’s bill amends the Local Bond Law to extend the period of usefulness of newly purchased fire engines, apparatus, and equipment from 10- to 20 years.

Key components of A-5567/S-3807 include:

• Clarifying that the period of usefulness for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) below 15,000 pounds will remain at five years, consistent with current law.
• Removing an exclusion for passenger cars and station wagons, that are not powered by alternative fuel sources, by establishing a five-year period of usefulness when purchased as a new vehicle.
• Expanding coverage to encompass larger public work vehicles and heavy construction equipment for major repairs and enhancements to extend their period of usefulness by at least five years.

You can read the full version of the bill online.

To speak with Sen. Bucco about the legislation, please contact Chris Sivel, SRO Deputy Director of Communications at csivel@njleg.org.

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Joe Pennacchio and Sen. Tony Bucco that would provide course credits for high school students who become volunteer firefighters was approved today by the New Jersey Senate. (Pixabay)

“New Jersey is suffering from a severe shortage of first responders,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “By incentivizing high school students to become volunteer firefighters in their municipalities, students can earn credits to meet certain graduation requirements. This bill provides an innovative solution to reduce New Jersey’s firefighter shortage and promotes educational opportunities for students outside of the classroom.”

The legislation, S-3901, would permit students to be eligible for credits in health, safety, and physical education for successfully completing a course at a county fire academy, provided they meet certain criteria.

“Firefighting is a skilled profession that is necessary to ensure the safety of our communities,” Bucco added. “This bill enables students to receive their education while simultaneously serving as vital public servants.”

To receive credits, a student must be between 16 and 18 years old, complete an examination to become a junior firefighter, and must volunteer at their local fire department for a period of two years.

“Body-worn cameras have revolutionized police transparency but unfortunately, there are some bad actors who have abused the OPRA system to exploit young individuals in an effort to benefit financially,” said Sen. Bucco. “Footage from body-worn cameras, and OPRA requests as a whole, have a legitimate public interest and should be widely available for their intended use, not for YouTubers to get clicks.”

Bad actors have been taking advantage of the State’s open public records law to exploit young women on social media who have been recorded on body worn cameras during law enforcement encounters. The bill’s intent is to prevent such exploitation without limiting legitimate access to public records by the press or others.

Under the provisions of S4261, a person who has obtained a body worn camera recording pursuant to the open public records act and who is not a subject of the body worn camera recording is prohibited from disclosing the recording without the prior written consent of each subject of the body worn camera recording, unless the disclosure is for a legitimate public health or safety purpose, or for a compelling public interest.

You can read the full bill text here.

Sen. Anthony M. Bucco’s bill that would require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to begin providing information about potholes in their annual report to the Legislature was passed by the New Jersey Senate. (Pixabay)

“Every day, New Jerseyans navigate a complex network of roadways to commute throughout our State. The Senate’s approval of my legislation takes an important step towards improving road safety and transportation transparency for New Jersey,” said Sen. Bucco (R-25). “This legislation would require the DOT to start providing information about pothole repairs and pothole damage claims in their annual report to the Legislature.”

Under current law, the Department of Transportation (DOT) is required to provide an annual report to the Governor and Legislature on New Jersey’s Roadway Pavement System. The DOT uses this report to identify, repair and maintain projects that were completed throughout the fiscal year. This report currently does not include information about potholes.

New Jersey is ranked among the worst states in the country for potholes.

Senator Bucco’s bill, S-2491, would:

• Require the DOT to begin including information about pothole repair projects and their cost in their annual report.
• Instruct the DOT to conduct a lifecycle analysis, in consultation with the Division of Risk Management, to report on the number of pothole damage claims submitted by commuters on State Roadways.
• Make all pothole repair and damage information available to the public.

“By obtaining pothole repair and damage claim data from the DOT, we can implement targeted solutions that enhance roadways throughout the Garden State,” Bucco concluded.

You can read the full version of the bill online.

To speak with Sen. Bucco about his bill and for additional background, please contact Chris Sivel, SRO Deputy Director of Communications at csivel@njleg.org.

“With this resolution, New Jersey commends the people of Israel for their remarkable achievements in building a new state and a pluralistic democratic society in the Middle East,” said Bucco (R-25). “It also reaffirms the bonds of friendship and cooperation which have existed between New Jersey and Israel for more than seven decades. In this legislation, New Jersey recommits to working with Israel in its quest for peace with its neighbors and the countries in the region.”

You can view the full bill, SJR-129, here.

For further comment or background from Sen. Bucco, please contact Jonathan Azzara in the SRO communications department.

Senator Anthony M. Bucco (right) speaking in support of his bill, S-3993, with Morris Township Mayor Mark Gyorfy (left). (SenateNJ.com)

“Maintaining vacant state-owned property often ties up state resources and can be an eye sore for local communities. By authorizing this sale, the township would be able to transform more than seven acres of vacant land into a welcoming community center to offer the township more youth and senior community programs,” said Bucco (R-25). “Through hard work and our strong partnership with local officials, we were able to save Morris Township hundreds of thousands of dollars on the purchase of this land. I am thankful for my colleagues in the Senate for passing this legislation, which is an important step towards helping Morris Township revitalize these neglected resources for its community.”

The State of New Jersey wants to sell a parcel of land to Morris Township that has been deemed surplus to the needs of the state. Under current law, State property worth more than $500,000 cannot be sold until legislation is enacted to authorize the sale.

The value of the property, which houses a vacant school run by the Department of Children and Families (DCF), was appraised at $580,000.

Senator Bucco’s bill, S-3993/A-5648 would:

• Authorize the State of New Jersey to sell the 7.8-acres of land to the Township of Morris, where the property is located.
• Obviate the State’s responsibility and cost of maintaining the land and structures located on the parcel.
• Generate $580,000 for the State while saving the township hundreds of thousands of dollars.
• Allow Morris Township to put the property to better public use by creating a community center that offers both youth and senior programs.

“Morris Township is taking a major step towards building a community center for residents of all ages to enjoy for decades,” said Mayor Gyorfy. “I am grateful for the strong partnership we have with Senator Bucco and for his tireless efforts to pass this legislation. With this bill’s passage, Morris Township will save hundreds of thousands of dollars when purchasing the old Jean St. school from the State. We are excited to get to work revitalizing the building and grounds for not just recreation programs and youth activities, but also for amenities dedicated to our community’s active seniors. I look forward to continuing to work with Senator Bucco, my colleagues on the Township Committee, and our federal, State and local partners to identify funding opportunities that will allow the Township to begin renovating this former schoolhouse in the coming years.”

You can read the full version of the bill online.

For further comment or background from Sen. Bucco, please contact Chris Sivel, SRO Deputy Director of Communications.

Sen. Anthony M. Bucco’s bill that would simplify the Electronic Permit Process Review System to expedite approvals for construction permits and inspections was passed by the New Jersey Senate. (Pixabay)

“The electronic permit system modernized the application submission process for construction permits and helped the State government start going digital,” said Bucco (R-25). “Unfortunately, construction projects still face unnecessary delays when government agencies are unable to process permits in a timely manner. This legislation would expedite the permit approval process by allowing signatures and relevant documents to be submitted electronically for construction projects.”

Current law requires the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to utilize the Electronic Permit Processing Review System to accept electronic submissions of applications for permits, inspections, and other materials necessary for the review process.

Senator Bucco’s bill, S-3551, would:

• Amend existing law to require the DCA’s Electronic Permit Processing Review System to also accept electronic signatures on materials submitted for review and approval.
• Mandate that the DCA also accept the reproduction of electronic stamps, seals, certification, and notarizations for submitted documents.

You can view the full version of the bill online.

For further comment or background from Sen. Bucco, please contact Chris Sivel, SRO Deputy Director of Communications.

Sen. Anthony Bucco’s bill that would authorize the creation of specialized license plates for New Jersey’s State animal was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee. (Pixabay)

“Horses have played a vital role in shaping New Jersey’s rich history in farming, transportation, and sport,” said Bucco (R-25). “As portrayed on the seal of New Jersey, horses are a symbol of power and strength. This legislation would further honor our State Animal with a specialized license plate and provide residents with a unique way to celebrate and support their ongoing contributions to the Garden State.”

Senator Bucco’s amended bill, A-203/S-2884, authorizes the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) to create a specialized license plate that commemorates New Jersey’s State animal, the horse.

The bill also specifies that taxpayer money will not be used to create the new license plates.

Fees collected by the NJMVC for the State Animal license plates would be appropriated annually to the Department of Agriculture to support health and well-being programs for horses, as well as programs that provide therapeutic rides for individuals with special needs.

Sen. Anthony Bucco’s bill that would require the DOT to begin providing information about potholes on State roads in their annual Roadway Pavement System report was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee. (Pixabay)

“Every day, New Jerseyans navigate a complex network of roadways to commute throughout our State. It is imperative that our roads are maintained for the safety of our commuters,” said Bucco (R-25). “Unfortunately, New Jersey faces a significant problem with potholes along our State roads. My legislation would help improve State road maintenance by requiring the DOT to begin providing information about pothole repairs and pothole damage claims in their annual report to the Legislature.”

Under current law, the Department of Transportation (DOT) is required to provide an annual report to the Governor and Legislature on New Jersey’s Roadway Pavement System. The DOT uses this report to identify, repair and maintain projects that were completed throughout the fiscal year. This report currently does not include information about potholes.

New Jersey, however, is ranked among the worst states in the country for potholes.

Senator Bucco’s bill, S-2491, would require the DOT to begin including information about pothole repair projects and their cost in their annual report. The DOT would also be required to conduct a lifecycle cost analysis, in consultation with the Division of Risk Management, to report on the number of pothole damage claims submitted by commuters on State roadways.

This information would also be made available to the public as required by the legislation.

“This bill takes an important step towards improving road safety and transportation transparency,” Bucco added. “By obtaining pothole repair and damage claim data from the DOT, the Legislature can work towards implementing targeted solutions that enhance roadways throughout the Garden State.”

Sen. Anthony M. Bucco said Governor Murphy must keep his promise and allow the Corporate Business Tax (CBT) Surcharge to sunset at the end of 2023. (Pixabay)

“It is very important that Governor Murphy stays true to his word and allows the CBT surtax to finally expire. This unnecessary tax has hurt businesses and contributed to New Jersey’s worst-in-the-nation business tax climate,” said Bucco (R-25). “At this point, businesses are operating under the expectation that this surtax will expire at the end of this year. It would be extremely irresponsible for Governor Murphy to break his promise.”

According to recent reports, many Democrats have proposed extending the tax for various purposes even as State spending has increased 60%.

The Tax Foundation ranked New Jersey as the worst state for businesses in their 2024 State Business Tax Climate Index. According to their report, New Jersey has the highest-rate corporate income taxes, one of the highest-rate individual income taxes, and one of the highest property tax burdens in the nation. Neighboring states like Delaware (21) and Pennsylvania (31) ranked significantly higher than New Jersey.

“Allowing the CBT surtax to expire should be the first step in improving our tax climate. There is certainly more work that needs to be done to improve New Jersey’s image as a preferred place to do business and to make the State more competitive with our neighboring states,” Bucco concluded.

Seventeen dams and inland waters projects will receive an increase in funding for repairs thanks to legislation sponsored by Sen. Tony Bucco and approved today by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee. (Pixabay)

“I’m glad that over $28M will be invested to fund projects in these municipalities. These critical dam repairs will preserve and protect our local environment, which is critical to our quality of life,” said Bucco (R-25). “This funding will also protect the flow of clean drinking water to communities throughout the state, support recreational activities, and provide habitats for fish and wildlife.”

Bucco’s legislation, S-3258, appropriates $28,670,924 in 2003 and 1992 bond act monies for loans for dam restoration and repair projects and inland waters projects.

Under the bill, $5.2M dollars will be invested to fund projects in Morris and Passaic counties, including projects in West Milford and Jefferson Township:

• High Crest Lake Dam: $1,250,000
• Mount Glen Dam: $3,000,000
• Upper & Lower Farm Crest Dams: $350,000
• High Crest Lake: $500,000
• Swannanoa Lake Dam: $100,000

Overall, the funds from the 2003 bond act will provide loans to thirteen projects: High Crest Lake Dam; Mount Glen Dam; Lake Winona Dam; Cooper River Pkwy. Dam; Giffords Mill Dam; Upper & Lower Farm Crest; Lake Plymouth Dam; Braddock Mill Lake Dam; Fawn Lake Dam; Camp Karney Dam; Pine Mill Lake Dam; Holiday Pond Dam; and High Crest Lake.

The funds from the 1992 bond act will provide four loans for the following projects: Mountain Creek Lake Dam; Silver Lake Dam; Lake Garrison Dam; and Swannanoa Lake Dam.

As the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced changes to federal income tax brackets to protect workers from inflation, Senator Anthony M. Bucco called for New Jersey lawmakers to advance his legislation to prevent tax bracket creep at the state level for New Jerseyans.

Sen. Anthony M. Bucco called for New Jersey lawmakers to advance his legislation to prevent tax bracket creep at the state level for New Jerseyans. (©iStock)

“The action by the IRS to raise the income thresholds for federal tax brackets was a reminder that New Jersey is one of just a few states that doesn’t annually index our tax brackets for inflation,” said Bucco (R-25). “Unfortunately, legislation that would address this issue for state taxpayers has stalled in Trenton. If Democrats fail to take action on the tax relief I have proposed, more New Jersey families will find themselves with higher state tax bills and smaller paychecks because of inflation.”

Tax bracket creep resulting from New Jersey’s static tax rates can leave families poorer from one year to the next when cost-of-living allowances that are intended to cover inflation push workers into a higher tax bracket.

According to a new report by Rutgers University’s Center for Women & Work (CWW), all New Jersey families are still suffering from the effects of inflation, especially minority households, who often have lower average incomes and are more sensitive to price increases.

Bucco’s legislation, S-676, would index New Jersey’s gross income tax brackets annually for inflation, as has been done by the federal government for over 40 years and by most other states.

“Failure to compensate for inflation will significantly impact poorer families and small business owners with lower levels of income,” added Bucco. “All New Jersey families that are living day to day and paycheck to paycheck deserve relief. I urge my colleagues in the Legislature and the Murphy administration to work with us during lame duck to finally solve this problem for taxpayers.”