Oroho: Murphy’s Energy Master Plan for New Jersey is Costly Foolishness
The following editorial by Senator Steven Oroho (R-24) on the huge cost of Governor Phil Murphy’s Energy Master Plan was published by NorthJersey.com on December 15, 2021:
We all value our home products, many which are energy dependent. So, it’s in consumers best interests to get more educated about the true costs of Gov. Phil Murphy’s proposed Energy Master Plan, especially because their household budgets are about to take a sizable hit. The huge cost effect is real and will happen if residents don’t speak up.
In this NorthJersey.com editorial, Sen. Steven Oroho discusses the huge cost of Gov. Phil Murphy’s Energy Master Plan. (©iStock)
Cost estimates peg the plan’s financial impact at $52,500 per resident or $210,000 for an average family of four. New Jersey is dubiously known for its high cost of living and excessive taxes so residents can ill afford an additional financial burden of such magnitude.
On paper, the plan is a renewable energy utopia devoid of economic-based reality. It describes a wonderland of unlimited, renewable power heavily dependent on electric vehicles, windmills, and solar panels.
Oroho & O’Scanlon: We Don’t Need Vaccine Passports. They’re Based on Irrational Fears.
The following editorial by Senator Steven Oroho (R-24) and Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-13) on the irrational fear behind calls for vaccine passports was published by NJ.com on December 10, 2021:
Vaccine passports in New Jersey are unnecessary, based on irrational fear, and would offer little more than the illusion of safety. Forcing people to display proof of vaccination amounts to little more than pandemic theater that is ineffective at eliminating risk, as some may desire.
In an NJ.com editorial, Sen. Steven Oroho and Sen. Declan O’Scanlon say recent calls for vaccine passports to be imposed on New Jersey are based on irrational fears and would offer little more than an illusion of safety. (SenateNJ.com)
Our position is supported by a review of public health data, federal guidance on vaccinations, and the growing sentiment from health experts that COVID-19 is here to stay.
Oroho Bill Shielding Farmers from Nuisance Lawsuits Advances
Legislation sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho that would strengthen the legal protection of commercial farmers under the Right to Farm Act was endorsed today by the Senate Economic Growth Committee.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Steve Oroho that would strengthen the legal protection of commercial farmers under the Right to Farm Act was endorsed by the Senate Economic Growth Committee. (Pixabay)
The bipartisan bill (S-3838) would allow farmers to be awarded reimbursement for reasonable costs and attorney fees incurred from defending against bad faith complaints.
“Farmers are essential, and the law protects their right to work the land and raise livestock, but normal farm activities can lead to conflicts with residents who moved into homes near the agriculture land,” said Oroho (R-24). “Too often, neighbors offended by the normal farm noise and odors harass farmers through the courts. This bill would discourage bad faith litigation by allowing judges to compensate farmers for costs and attorney fees.”
Committee Approves Oroho Bill that Would Help Protect Farmland from Deer
Farmers throughout New Jersey may soon be able to apply for agricultural grants to help cover the cost of deer fencing thanks to bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Steven Oroho and advanced today by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.
Farmers may soon be able to apply for agricultural grants to help cover the cost of deer fencing thanks to bipartisan legislation sponsored by Sen. Steve Oroho and approved today by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee. (Pixabay)
“Damage to crops from deer has become a crippling problem for many New Jersey farmers,” said Oroho (R-24). “In some instances, producers have abandoned fields that are too vulnerable to deer damage, and others have transitioned away from produce and row crops to hay, just to lessen the impact. By issuing grants for fencing, my legislation will provide a practical and humane method of protecting crops.”
Republican-Sponsored Legislation Supporting Land Conservation, Preservation and Recreation Advances
The Senate Environment and Energy Committee today approved bills sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho, Senator Kristin Corrado and Senator Kip Bateman that will help preserve open space and contribute to the quality of life in New Jersey.
The Senate environment committee approved bills sponsored by Sen. Steve Oroho, Sen. Kristin Corrado and Sen. Kip Bateman that will help preserve open space and contribute to the quality of life in New Jersey. (SenateNJ.com)
The measures are part of a package of preservation bills all funded from constitutionally dedicated corporate business tax (CBT) revenues.
“Protecting undeveloped land in the most densely populated state in the nation is a priority for residents across the state,” said Oroho (R-24). “The voters have expressed their desire to commit some of the business tax revenue to ensure our state remains a desirable place to call home. These bills affirm that the money is invested wisely and delivers the outcomes New Jersey residents expect.”
Oroho Bill Protecting New Jerseyans from Electric Shock Advances
Bill Would Prohibit Gov Agencies from Mandating Electric Heat in Homes
Legislation sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho and approved today by the Community and Urban Affairs Committee would unplug any attempt by state agencies to mandate the use of electric heating in buildings and homes.
A Senate committee approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Steve Oroho that would unplug any attempt by state agencies to mandate the use of electric heating in New Jersey homes. (Pixabay)
The bipartisan bill, S-4133, allows agencies to offer incentives for installing electric heat or electric water heaters, but specifically bans the Department of Community Affairs, the Department of Environmental Protection, the Board of Public Utilities, and any other state agency from adopting rules requiring the electric transition.
Panel Advances Oroho Bill Helping Investments in Small Corporations Pay Off
Legislation sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho that would encourage business investment and job creation in New Jersey was approved today by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Steve Oroho that would encourage business investment and job creation in New Jersey was approved by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. (Pixabay)
Oroho’s bill, S-4127, would allow New Jersey gross income tax deductions for certain capital gains from the sale of qualified small business stock that was held for more than five years.
“With this bill, we will incentivize investment in small and mid-size businesses with more favorable capital gains tax treatment on state filings,” said Oroho (R-24). “We would see the development of new businesses, corporate expansion, and the formation of job opportunities that will more than make up for any revenue for the state.”
Advanced: Oroho Bill Cuts Red Tape to Help Disabled Veterans
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Steven Oroho that would allow permanently disabled veterans to submit less paperwork to the MVC for certain benefits was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee.
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Sen. Steve Oroho that would allow permanently disabled veterans to submit less paperwork to the MVC for certain benefits was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee. (©iStock)
“Our disabled veterans should not have to go through unnecessary red tape to secure basic benefits from the Motor Vehicle Commission,” said Oroho (R-24). “Under my legislation, permanently disabled veterans who apply for special benefits through the MVC will only need to submit proof of their disability with their first application—not on renewal applications. This will not only improve efficiency at the MVC, which is certainly needed, but it will allow our veterans to enjoy all of the benefits they so rightly earned in a timely manner.”
Oroho, Testa Appalled by Murphy’s Latest Attack on Law-Abiding Gun Owners
Senate Republicans Steve Oroho and Mike Testa chided Governor Phil Murphy for his assault on gun rights during a morning press event in Metuchen.
Noting that New Jersey’s firearms laws are already among the most strict in the nation, Senate Republicans Steve Oroho and Mike Testa chided Gov. Phil Murphy for his assault on gun rights during a morning press event in Metuchen. (Wikimedia Commons)
“Governor Murphy continues to disregard the constitutional rights of legal gun owners,” said Oroho (R-24). “The Governor’s rush to push through his anti-gun agenda in the lame duck session is a political ploy to curry favor with his progressive base. It’s a direct attack on responsible, registered firearms owners, sportsmen, and their constitutional rights.”
Republicans File Legal Challenge to Block Policy Restricting Access to New Jersey Statehouse
Senate and Assembly Republicans have filed an action in New Jersey Superior Court (click here for PDF) to block enforcement of a policy imposed by the Murphy administration and Democrats in the Legislature that restricts access to the Statehouse for both the public and legislators.
Senate and Assembly Republicans have filed an action in New Jersey Superior Court to block enforcement of a policy imposed by the Murphy administration and Democrats in the Legislature that restricts access to the Statehouse for both the public and legislators. (SenateNJ.com)
“We’re petitioning the Court for emergent relief to block enforcement of an exclusionary policy that we believe is unconstitutional and undemocratic,” said Senator Steven Oroho, the incoming Senate Republican leader. “With the policy taking effect today, we felt compelled to take action to ensure continued public access to the Statehouse and the legislative process.”
