Senate Republicans Propose FY 2024 Budget Plan with $6 Billion of New Tax Relief, More Debt Reduction, Spending Moderation & Greater Transparency
The Republican members of the Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee proposed more than $6 billion of new tax relief, $1 billion for debt reduction, and greater transparency and fairness in State spending in a detailed plan (click here for PDF) to amend Governor Murphy’s proposed FY 2024 State Budget. The proposal would grow the budget surplus to nearly $6.5 billion.
Senate Republicans have proposed a comprehensive budget plan with $6 billion of new tax relief, including $4.3 billion of “Give It Back” property tax relief for towns and counties. (www.GiveItBack.us)
“With a sizable budget surplus and billions more set aside in debt and pandemic relief funds, the State has unprecedented resources that the Murphy administration has failed to use effectively to meet New Jersey’s needs,” said Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-13), the Republican Budget Officer. “We have proposed a comprehensive and responsible budget plan that would increase property tax relief by $4.3 billion, prevent toll hikes and payroll tax increases, repay more State debt, impose meaningful spending restraints, and restore transparency and fairness to government spending.”
Bridgewater Township Partners with Senator Steinhardt and Assemblymen DiMaio and Peterson to Establish District 23 Office at Bridgewater Municipal Building
The Township of Bridgewater, New Jersey Senator Doug Steinhardt, Assemblyman John DiMaio, and Assemblyman Erik Peterson from New Jersey Legislative District 23 are pleased to announce an agreement to rent office space at the Bridgewater Municipal Building at 100 Commons Way. This partnership will create a local presence and provide residents with greater access to their State elected officials, staff, and resources.
Sen. Doug Steinhardt, Asm. John DiMaio, and Asm. Erik Peterson are partnering with Bridgewater Twp. to open a legislative district office to serve constituents at the Bridgewater Municipal Building. (SenateNJ.com)
Senator Steinhardt and Assemblymen DiMaio and Peterson are honored to partner with Mayor Moench and the Township of Bridgewater to service the district’s residents in a more local and accessible way.
Steinhardt Announces $2.6 Million in Transportation Grants for Warren County
Senator Doug Steinhardt announced today that $2.6 million will be allocated toward building the Phillipsburg Riverfront Heritage Trail and improving access to public roads throughout Warren County.
Sen. Doug Steinhardt announced today that $2.6 million will be allocated toward building the Phillipsburg Riverfront Heritage Trail and improving access to public roads throughout Warren County. (Pixabay)
“These grants will help fund the construction of a riverfront trail system that will provide unique heritage and recreation tourism opportunities and act as a springboard for Phillipsburg’s downtown revitalization efforts,” said Steinhardt (R-23). “For this remarkable project, I would like to thank Phillipsburg Councilman Randy Piazza who’s push for recreational rail to trail systems is a major reason for this project even getting off the ground. Without his consistent support, and that of his father, this project may have never become a reality.”
Oroho, O’Scanlon, Testa & Steinhardt Slam Murphy’s Mismanagement of Federal Stimulus Money
Senators Say Billions of Unspent COVID-19 Relief Funds at Risk of Biden Administration Claw Back.
Republican members of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee slammed Governor Murphy’s mismanagement of federal COVID block grant funding after reports surfaced that President Biden may support bipartisan efforts to rescind idle federal stimulus funds.
Senators O’Scanlon, Oroho, Testa, and Steinhardt slammed Governor Murphy’s mismanagement of federal COVID block grant funding after reports surfaced that the federal government may rescind idle federal stimulus funds. (Pixabay)
“Governor Murphy and Trenton Democrats have abused billions of taxpayer dollars and the federal government wants it back.” said Senate Republican Budget Officer Declan O’Scanlon (R-13). “For two years, the Murphy administration has let billions of dollars wither away in idle accounts while struggling homeowners and businesses were decimated by inflation. We should be putting this money to good use to help businesses and taxpayers, but Democrats have consistently rejected sensible Republican proposals to put money into the hands of those who need it most. Governor Murphy’s abdication of allocating funds is a slap in the face to New Jersey taxpayers.”
Steinhardt Bill Reigniting a Christmas Tree Tradition Advances
Legislation sponsored by Senator Doug Steinhardt that would restore a cherished post-Christmas tradition for New Jersey communities was approved by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.
Sen. Steinhardt’s bill that would restore a cherished post-Christmas tradition for New Jersey communities was approved by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee. (Pixabay)
“The open burning of Christmas trees was a cherished holiday tradition for many constituents before the events became over regulated and shut down,” said Steinhardt (R-23). “Annual Christmas tree bonfires were an economic driver for participating municipalities who often used these events to fundraise for local causes and organizations. This legislation would end the prohibition on municipal Christmas tree bonfires and allow communities to re-ignite this custom.”
Steinhardt Sponsors Legislation to Improve Ovarian & Breast Cancer Screenings for Women
Senator Doug Steinhardt is sponsoring legislation that would improve access to ovarian and breast cancer screenings for women.
Sen. Doug Steinhardt is sponsoring legislation that would improve access to ovarian and breast cancer screenings for women. (©iStock)
“It’s shocking that insurance doesn’t always cover preventative screenings for some of the deadliest cancers in women even when recommended by their doctor,” said Steinhardt (R-23). “There shouldn’t be any situation in which a woman who is at risk of breast or ovarian cancer doesn’t have their test covered because of some arbitrary rule set by an insurer. If a doctor says a mammogram, pelvic exam, or other screening is necessary, it should be covered. If this bill is enacted, New Jersey would join Pennsylvania in being a leader in the fight for preventative cancer screenings for women.”
Steinhardt Hosts DOT Commissioner on Tour of Local Projects
Senator Doug Steinhardt welcomed Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti of the New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT) and other top department staff on a tour this week to review several transportation concerns in the 23rd Legislative District.
Left to right in Warren County: Hope Township Mayor Timothy McDonough; Assemblyman John DiMaio; Phillipsburg Councilman Randy Piazza Jr.; Warren County Commissioner Director Lori Ciesla; DOT Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti; Senator Doug Steinhardt; Warren County Administrator Alex Lazorisak; and Washington Borough Councilman Christopher Infinito. (SenateNJ.com)
“I was incredibly pleased to have the commissioner and key staff come to the district to see firsthand some of the local road projects that require the State’s attention and assistance,” said Steinhardt (R-23). “Having the commissioner and other top-level DOT representatives on-site to see the actual conditions, and be able to speak to local officials, helps in the planning and the resolution of these projects.”
Steinhardt Responds to Phillipsburg Shooting & Attorney General’s Misguided Response
Senator Doug Steinhardt responded to Attorney General Matt Platkin’s misguided response to a shooting related to domestic violence that occurred in Phillipsburg this weekend.
Sen. Doug Steinhardt responded to Attorney General Matt Platkin’s misguided response to a shooting related to domestic violence that occurred in Phillipsburg this weekend. (Pixabay)
“While the police are still investigating the incident in Phillipsburg this past weekend, we already know that the assailant used an illegally possessed handgun in the attack,” said Steinhardt (R-23) “As I’ve said many times previously, we are not doing enough to address the fact that most gun crimes are committed with crime guns by known criminals like Alkabir Boone. It’s hard to deal with gun crime when you let repeat gun offenders off the hook with slaps on the wrist, bail reform, probation, early release, and a kiss on the cheek. I’m disappointed that the Attorney General’s response wasn’t to address that failure to hold criminals accountable but to attack the 2nd Amendment rights of law-abiding New Jerseyans.”
Steinhardt Bills Support Expansion of Rural Broadband Internet Services
Senator Doug Steinhardt is sponsoring legislation that would help support the expansion of broadband internet services in underserved rural communities.
Sen. Doug Steinhardt is sponsoring legislation that would help support the expansion of broadband internet services in underserved rural communities. (©iStock)
“Rural communities are often an afterthought for the big telecom companies, leaving homeowners and businesses with few options for broadband service and slower speeds,” said Steinhardt (R-23). “When so much of modern life is dependent on high-speed internet, we need to be proactive in ensuring that our communities have access to these critical services. The new grant and loan programs that I’m sponsoring will support the expansion of rural broadband services in small communities that are often overlooked.”
Oroho, Testa & Steinhardt Slam Murphy’s Budget Cuts to Rural Municipal Aid
Senators Say $3 Million Cut in Open Space PILOT Aid Will Drive Property Tax Increases in Small Towns
Republican members of the Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee said millions of dollars in budget cuts to Open Space PILOT Aid in Governor Phil Murphy’s FY 2024 state budget proposal will drive property tax increases in more than 100 small rural communities across New Jersey.
Senate Republicans said millions of dollars in budget cuts to Open Space PILOT Aid in Gov. Phil Murphy’s FY 2024 state budget proposal will drive property tax increases in more than 100 small rural communities across New Jersey. (Pixabay)
“Small rural communities that are home to State lands are given Open Space PILOT aid to offset the impact of those properties being taken off their tax rolls,” said Senate Republican Leader Steven Oroho (R-24). “It may not seem like a lot of money, but it’s important tax relief to towns in the Highlands and Pinelands that have strict State-imposed limits on development that prevent economic growth that could help replace the lost funds. It’s another unnecessary swipe at rural towns that are already struggling to prevent property tax increases.”
