Senate Republicans Set Priorities for Responsible Budget Proposal Ahead of Governor’s Speech
With Governor Phil Murphy set to deliver the annual budget message next Tuesday to the Legislature, the Republican members of the Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee called for a budget proposal that restrains spending and prepares New Jersey for a possible recession, provides tax relief to families and businesses, represents fairness in how appropriations are determined, and protects school districts and property taxpayers from harmful cuts in State aid.

With Gov. Phil Murphy set to deliver the annual budget message next week to the Legislature, Senate Republicans laid out their priorities for a responsible state budget. (Pixabay)
Republicans offered comprehensive, thoughtful, and meaningful changes to the proposed budget last year to accomplish each of these goals that Democrats in the Legislature and Governor Murphy completely ignored. Instead, Democrats passed a budget that hoarded tax over-collections and went on an undisciplined, pork-fueled spending binge.
As Whale Deaths Rise, Senate Republicans Call for Temporary Halt to Wind Farm Survey Work
Senate Republicans are calling for Governor Phil Murphy to temporarily halt wind farm development work that might be linked to a sudden spike in whale deaths in the area.

Senate Republicans are calling for Gov. Phil Murphy to temporarily halt wind farm development work that might be linked to a sudden spike in whale deaths around the Jersey Shore. (Pixabay)
“Senate Republicans are deeply concerned by the surge of whale deaths that has occurred since December in the waters and on the beaches of the Jersey Shore and neighboring states,” said Senate Republican Leader Steven Oroho (R-24). “As many of my colleagues have pointed out, the only change in our waters recently has been the start of survey work for the construction of offshore wind farms. It seems like too big of a coincidence to ignore, especially when some of the impacted whales are endangered.”
Pennacchio/Bucco/Oroho Bill Providing $17 Million to Support Lakes Advances
Measure Would Help Fund Maintenance of Lake Hopatcong, Greenwood Lake, Other Lakes in Highlands & Pinelands
The Senate Environment and Energy Committee has advanced bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio, Senator Anthony Bucco, and Senator Steven Oroho to supply critical funding to maintain Lake Hopatcong, Greenwood Lake, and other lakes in the Highlands and Pinelands regions of New Jersey.

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Joe Pennacchio, Sen. Tony Bucco, and Sen. Steven Oroho to supply critical funding to maintain Lake Hopatcong, Greenwood Lake, and other lakes in the Highlands and Pinelands regions has been approved by the Senate Environment Committee. (SenateNJ.com)
“Our lakes are critical to the ecological and economic well-being of New Jersey, but they have been consistently underfunded by the State,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “This appropriation represents the most significant investment in Lake Hopatcong and Greenwood Lake in recent memory, if not ever. This one time infusion will ensure our lakes get the vital support they need.”
Oroho & Bucco Say Murphy’s Plan to Require Green Energy & EVs by 2035 is Extreme, Expensive & Totally Unrealistic
Senate Republican Leader Steven Oroho and Senator Anthony M. Bucco blasted Governor Phil Murphy’s announcement today that he is accelerating his green energy plans and will require the use of renewable energy and electric vehicles (EVs) by 2035.

Sen. Steven Oroho and Sen. Anthony M. Bucco blasted Governor Phil Murphy’s announcement that he is accelerating his green energy plans and will require the use of 100% renewable energy and electric vehicles by 2035. (©iStock)
“Governor Murphy’s green energy plan is extreme, expensive, and totally unrealistic,” said Oroho (R-24). “It seems the governor was serious when he said he wants to turn New Jersey into the California of the East Coast. Somebody should tell him that’s not a good thing when people and businesses are fleeing California in droves as the Golden State declines under liberal policy failures.”
Governor Signs Oroho Bill Allowing Special Events on Preserved Farmland
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Steven Oroho that would authorize special social events on preserved farmland was signed into law today by Governor Murphy.

Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Sen. Steven Oroho that would authorize special social events on preserved farmland was signed into law today by Gov. Murphy. (Pixabay)
“I am proud this legislation will be signed into law. Our heritage as the ‘Garden State’ goes back hundreds of years, and our farming tradition is still thriving in many families and communities throughout the state,” said Oroho (R-24). “In addition to growing fruits, vegetables, and grains, our farms can also be used for wedding ceremonies and many other special events. This bill, now law, will provide an economic benefit to farmers, preserve important farmland, and showcase New Jersey’s rich agricultural legacy.”
Senate Passes Oroho Bill Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Extortion
Legislation sponsored by Senator Steven Oroho (R-24) and Senator Fred Madden (D-4) that would establish the crime of sexual extortion to fight a growing trend that often victimizes minors was approved by the New Jersey Senate.

Sen. Steven Oroho’s bipartisan bill establishing the crime of sexual extortion to protect young victims was passed by the New Jersey Senate. (Pixabay)
“With the passage of this legislation, we are one step closer to identifying, convicting, and punishing perpetrators who engage in this despicable behavior,” said Oroho. “The legislature must continue to do everything within our power to protect our children from this heinous abuse.”
Oroho Will Not Seek Re-election to New Jersey Senate
Statement from Senator Steve Oroho (R-24) announcing that he will not be a candidate for re-election to the state Senate:
I recently announced my intention to seek reelection to the New Jersey State Senate, but circumstances have changed and I’ve made a personally difficult decision that I will not be a candidate for re-election. However, I am comfortable that I am making the right decision for my family and me.

Sen. Steve Oroho announced that he will not be a candidate for re-election to the state Senate. (SenateNJ.com)
It is hard for me to believe that I am now in my 16th year in the New Jersey Legislature, an honor I never anticipated, and my 22nd year in elected office. It is truly humbling.
I am also very much aware that when I first ran for the state Senate, if successful, I expected that I would serve no more than ten years, mainly because I believed in some sort of term limits. Having now served in different legislative roles, I have come to appreciate and understand that the opportunities and strategic knowledge that comes with legislative experience is very valuable.
Republican Budget Members Blast Murphy Administration Plans to Tax Cloud Computing & Software Subscription Services
Report from NJ Division of Taxation Comes Just Weeks After Gov. Murphy Pledged “Absolutely No New Taxes”
The Republican members of the Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee blasted a new report issued by the New Jersey Division of Taxation that calls for the taxation of cloud computing and software subscription services.
“The latest report from Taxation makes it clear that the Murphy administration is looking at new taxes on many Internet-based services,” said Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-13), the Republican Budget Officer. “So much for Governor Murphy’s recent statements that there would be ‘no new taxes.’ That certainly didn’t last long.”
VIDEO: What’s the Next Extreme Plan Democrats are COOKING UP for New Jerseyans?
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Oroho: New Jerseyans Can’t Afford More of Murphy’s Expensive Green Energy Extremism
Senate Republican Leader Steven Oroho responded to Governor Phil Murphy’s announcement that planning has begun for the next iteration of his Energy Master Plan by warning that New Jerseyans can’t afford his existing green energy roadmap.

Sen. Steven Oroho responded to Gov. Phil Murphy’s announcement that planning has begun for the next iteration of his Energy Master Plan by warning that New Jerseyans can’t afford his existing green energy roadmap. (©iStock)
“New Jersey can’t afford more of the expensive green energy extremism that Governor Murphy has been trying to impose on our families and businesses,” said Oroho (R-24). “If his next Energy Master Plan continues on the same course, New Jerseyans will lose affordable energy choices, pay higher energy bills, and be hit with costly mandates to convert our homes and businesses from gas to electric.”