Oroho Bill Promoting NJ as Destination for Large Entertainment Events Signed
A new law sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho makes it easier for promoters to bring major sports and entertainment events to New Jersey, bolstering tourism and increasing revenue.
A new law sponsored by Sen. Steve Oroho makes it easier for promoters to bring major sports and entertainment events to NJ, bolstering tourism and increasing revenue. (©iStock)
“Tourism is big business for this state, but cumbersome permitting and regulations sometimes make it challenging to bring major events here,” said Oroho (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris). “We’ve seen the benefits of high-profile events like the Super Bowl and WrestleMania injecting millions of dollars into the economy. By cutting through the red tape, we can make New Jersey a go-to location for large-scale special events.”
Republican Bill Removing Obstacles to Land Preservation Becomes Law
Municipalities can preserve land they acquire through tax foreclosures under a new law signed today by Gov. Phil Murphy.
Sen. Steve Oroho and Assemblymen Parker Space and Hal Wirths sponsor the legislation (S1707/A2534) exempting towns from community fees on land acquired for open space.
Municipalities can preserve land they acquire through tax foreclosures under a newly enacted law sponsored by Sen. Steve Oroho and Assemblymen Parker Space and Hal Wirths. (SenateNJ.com)
“Municipalities that own foreclosed land, like Sandyston Township in our district, can protect open space and save money for property taxpayers under this new law,” said Oroho (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris). “We always look to work cooperatively with our towns when help is needed, and were pleased to do so again in getting this latest bill enacted into law.”
Oroho: Governor’s IRS Lawsuit Does Not Solve State’s High Tax Problem
Says Real Tax Relief Will Occur When Path To Progress Reforms Are Implemented
Senator Steven Oroho said that a lawsuit announced today by Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Gurbir Grewal against the Internal Revenue Service amounts to window dressing and won’t provide meaningful, long-term property tax relief to New Jersey families.
Sen. Steven Oroho said that the Governor’s lawsuit against the IRS won’t provide meaningful, long-term property tax relief to New Jersey families. (Pixabay)
“New Jersey homeowners are the most overtaxed residents in the United States,” Oroho said. “The lawsuit announced today does very little to address that. The better approach would be to fix the state’s underlying tax problems that make the SALT limitation an issue. Governor Murphy can help make the Garden State more competitive and accomplish real savings for taxpayers by getting behind the Path to Progress reforms that have bipartisan support in the Legislature.”
Oroho Bill to Extend Tuition Aid to Veterans’ Children & Spouses Heads to Governor
Legislation sponsored by Senator Steven Oroho to extend in-state tuition aid to veterans’ spouses, surviving spouses, and dependents has passed the New Jersey Senate.
Sen. Steven Oroho’s legislation would extend in-state tuition aid to veterans’ spouses, surviving spouses, and dependents. (©iStock)
“Our veterans make enormous sacrifices to protect the freedoms we all hold dear, and so do the children and spouses they leave behind. We have a responsibility to not only help those who have served our country, but to extend that same gesture of gratitude to their families as well,” Senator Oroho (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris) said.
“This bill will help our most patriotic residents pave a pathway for a brighter future. It’s the least we can do to honor all those who have served – and the families that serve alongside them here, in the state they are proud to call home,” Oroho added.
Pennacchio, Bucco & Oroho Support NJDEP’s Recommendation to Close Lake Hopatcong’s Public Beaches to Protect Public Safety
Three State Senators who represent areas surrounding Lake Hopatcong today announced their support for the NJ DEP’s recommendation that local health authorities close all public swimming beaches along the lake, due to a toxic and dangerous overgrowth of algae that could public health and safety in jeopardy.
Sens. Pennacchio, Bucco, and Oroho said they support the NJ DEP’s recommendation that local health authorities close all public swimming beaches along the lake, due to a toxic and dangerous overgrowth of algae that could public health and safety in jeopardy. (Lake Hopatcong Fund)
Recent water tests have shown that the bacteria level in Lake Hopatcong is more than double the level considered safe, according to a report by NJ.com. Bacteria in the algae blooms can cause skin rashes, and accidentally consuming lake water can lead to serious health reactions, including pneumonia, blisters, and gastrointestinal distress. Any fish caught in the lake are also currently unsafe to eat.
“Our number one priority must be to protect the public, and right now, Lake Hopatcong could be dangerous. I fully support the NJ DEP’s decision. There is no other choice. The public swimming beaches along the lake must be closed immediately,” Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) said. “We sponsored legislation to create the Lake Hopatcong Fund because we care deeply about this lake, as well as the people who live there, and the many who visit every year. It’s one of New Jersey’s crown jewels. We will work diligently with the NJ DEP to ensure we can clean up the lake and reopen public beach access as quickly as we can.”
“We have spent many years fighting for Lake Hopatcong, because we understand how important this resource is to our region,” Senator Anthony Bucco (R-25) said. “Lake Hopatcong drives our local economy and generates tourism and economic revenue for the entire state. It’s a beloved destination for families throughout the country. The NJ DEP’s recommendation is the right call, and we will do everything we can to restore safety conditions as soon as possible.”
Oroho/Singleton/Addiego Bill Creating an Interactive Map of Foreclosed Properties Signed into Law
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senators Steven Oroho, Troy Singleton, and Dawn Marie Addiego to require the Department of Community Affairs to create a database and interactive map concerning residential properties under foreclosure was signed into law today by Governor Phil Murphy.
Sen. Steven Oroho’s bipartisan bill will require the Department of Community Affairs to create a database and interactive map concerning residential properties under foreclosure. (©iStock)
“New Jersey’s foreclosure rate is among the worst in the nation, but this is about so much more than empty houses. These are incredibly traumatic and stressful proceedings for everyone involved,” said Senator Oroho (R-Sussex/Warren/Morris.) “Foreclosures can also create public safety issues, and bring down property values throughout an entire neighborhood. By working together to tackle this crisis, we are improving the lives of our residents in need, and safeguarding New Jersey’s housing market and economic future.”
Oroho Bill to Permanently Establish NJ Hemp Program Passes Senate
Legislation sponsored by Senator Steven Oroho (R- Sussex, Warren, Morris) that would permanently enact a State program to permit hemp growth for industrial use has passed the New Jersey Senate.
Sen. Steven Oroho’s legislation that would permanently enact a State program to permit hemp growth for industrial use has passed the Senate. (SenateNJ.com)
“The Garden State should do all that it can to grow and cultivate the hemp industry,” Oroho said. “This versatile and profitable plant will encourage new business development and boost the state’s economy. With burdensome federal regulations removed, New Jersey famers can greatly benefit from this potential billion dollar industry.”
Senate Passes Oroho’s Update to ‘Criminal Injuries Compensation Act of 1971’
Legislation modernizes 1971 law in order to better support crime victims and surviving loved ones
The New Jersey Senate has passed legislation sponsored by Senator Steven Oroho (R-24) to update the “Criminal Injuries Compensation Act of 1971,” in order to ensure that crime victims or their surviving loved ones receive the compensation and support they deserve.
Sen. Steven Oroho’s updates the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act of 1971, in order to ensure that crime victims or their surviving loved ones receive the compensation and support they deserve. (©iStock)
The 1971 law created an agency designed to award funds to victims to help them recover. As a result, the right to receive compensation became the first right legally provided to crime victims in New Jersey. The compensation is intended to cover costs such as counseling, funeral expenses, attorney fees, medical bills, and ongoing costs for rehabbing a catastrophic injury.
A 2018 investigation conducted by NJ Advance Media found that the agency is failing to meet the needs of those whose lives are forever changed by violence. For example, crime victims often struggle to cope with delayed responses to their claim applications. Some victims reported that the funding they received was not sufficient to meet their needs, and many were not even aware that help from the state is available. The maximum amount a crime victim can receive in compensation has not been updated in nearly 20 years.
Oroho Statement on State Budget Bill
Senator Steven V. Oroho (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris), Senate Republican Budget Officer, issued the following statement in response to the State Legislature passing the State Budget Bill today:
Statement from Senate Republican Budget Officer Steven Oroho on the State budget. (SenateNJ.com)
“A State Budget without tax increases is important for our economic brand and a win for taxpayers. Republicans have advocated against the tax hikes as Governor Murphy proposed in his budget document and we appreciate the Legislative Leadership for stripping them out of the Budget Bill as passed today. I would hope we continue with such fiscal restraint and start taking legislative action immediately on the Path To Progress recommendations to help systematically control government costs.
Now Law: Oroho, Wirths & Space Bill Renames High Point State Park to Honor NJ Veterans
Senator Steven Oroho, Assemblyman Hal Wirths, and Assemblyman Parker Space’s (all R-Sussex, Warren, Morris) bipartisan legislation paying tribute to veterans by renaming Sussex County’s High Point State Park to “High Point State Park and New Jersey Veterans Memorial” has been signed into law. They said it’s a fitting tribute to the Garden State’s more than 400,000 veterans.
Oroho, Wirths, & Space’s legislation paying tribute to veterans by renaming Sussex County’s High Point State Park to “High Point State Park and New Jersey Veterans Memorial” has been signed into law. (©iStock)
“Renaming High Point State Park to honor New Jersey’s veterans is an appropriate memorial,” Oroho said. “My hope is that the park’s new name will serve as a reminder to all park-goers of the valiant sacrifices our military members make at home and abroad to preserve our nation’s freedom.”
