Oroho/Bucco Bill Assists Businesses Who Employ Military Members
Tax Credit Offered For When Employees Are Called Up to Active Duty
Legislation sponsored by Senators Steve Oroho (R-24) and Anthony Bucco (R-25) that provides tax credits to businesses who have employees that are called up for active duty military service was passed by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee today.
“Some employers may be hesitant to hire and invest in the training of an individual who serves in the National Guard or a reserve component of the armed forces because they may be concerned that a leave of absence will provide an undue financial hardship to their business, ”
Oroho-McHose-Chiusano: Some In Elizabeth Are Finding Out There Is No Such Thing As A Free Lunch
State Senator Steve Oroho, Assemblywoman Alison McHose and Assemblyman Gary Chiusano, all R-24, said that today’s news report on the arrest of Elizabeth School Board President Marie Munn on charges of third degree theft by deception and third degree tampering with public records or information related to the free lunch program is not terribly surprising given the lack of credible answers she provided when questioned. In addition to Ms. Munn’s arrest, the ex-wife of school principal Carlos Lucio; and Peter Abitanto, husband of Marlene Abitanto, the district’s supervisor of custodians, also face similar charges. If found guilty, each of the accused faces up to five years in prison.
Oroho, McHose and Chiusano said much more is involved in this issue than the fraudulent applications submitted to participate in the free lunch program. A State Auditor report issued in June that sampled 10 school districts indicated that state aid is increased between $4, 700 and $5, 700 for each student enrolled in the lunch program. The audit also found that 37 percent of students in the program were ineligible.
Oroho Honored By ‘Legislator of the Year’ Awards
Two Groups Honor Senator for His Work on Economic Development and Job Creation
The New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce and the New Jersey Society for Environmental, Economic Development (NJ SEED) have both named Senator Steve Oroho (R-Sussex, Morris, Hunterdon) as their Legislator of the Year. The two groups selected Oroho for his legislative efforts to make New Jersey more competitive economically and collaborative work to help grow the economy and fuel job creation.
“The State Chamber of Commerce and NJ SEED are strong advocates for issues that are critical to New Jersey residents, including job creation and economic development,” Oroho stated. “I appreciate the positive work both of these organizations do and am honored to be recognized for my efforts in the State Legislature to improve the quality of life for every New Jersey resident.”
Oroho, McHose & Chiusano: More Than a Meal Is Involved in Elizabeth School Lunch Scandal
State Senator Steve Oroho, Assemblywoman Alison McHose and Assemblyman Gary Chiusano, all R-24, said that much more than a meal is involved in the investigation of Elizabeth school district employees who reportedly improperly enrolled their children in the subsidized free lunch program.
In addition to the recent suspension of a school principal and the head of custodians, the Star Ledger reported on Wednesday that New Jersey’s Department of Agriculture indicated it was anticipating a subpoena from the Attorney General’s office regarding the students participating in the free lunch program in Elizabeth. That news was confirmed by the paper on Thursday.
Oroho, McHose & Chiusano Applaud Extension of Moratorium on COAH Fee, Press for Complete Repeal
Moratorium on Affordable Housing Fee Extended
The extension of a statewide moratorium of a fee assessed on commercial development is another step toward fixing the Democrats’ affordable housing policy enacted in 2008, Senator Steve Oroho and Assembly members Alison Littell McHose and Gary Chiusano, all R-24, said today.
As part of the Democrats’ COAH law, which further stymied economic development without creating affordable housing, Democrats imposed a 2.5 percent fee on commercial development. But just one year later, Democrats admitted their costly mistake by putting a moratorium on those fees.
Acting Gov. Kim Guadagno today signed bipartisan legislation extending that deadline until 2013.
Oroho: Continued NJ Job Growth a Positive Sign
Employment Report Shows Six Straight Months of Private Sector Job Growth in New Jersey
Senator Steve Oroho (R-24) said that a string of positive employment reports showing sustained private sector job growth in New Jersey is proof that the common-sense approach to budgeting and tax policy employed by the Christie Administration is yielding results.
“Governor Christie and Republicans in the Legislature have maintained that the best way to create jobs in New Jersey is to lower the cost of government and create a stable environment for businesses that want to grow here,” said Oroho. “Our approach, which is working, stands in stark contrast to the massive increases in taxes and spending under past Democrat administrations that drove businesses and jobs from the Garden State in the last decade.”
McHose-Oroho Bill Requiring State Agencies To Feature “Jersey Fresh” Products Is Signed Into Law
State Agencies Serving Food Would Have to Feature and Encourage Use of “Jersey Fresh” Products
State agencies now have to feature and promote “Jersey Fresh” products in their eateries under a law signed today by Governor Christie that was sponsored by Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose and Senator Steve Oroho.
“Serving homegrown produce or baked goods at our state facilities sends a positive message about our state, supports local economies and helps preserve New Jersey’s farming heritage,” McHose, R-24, said. “When people eat at a New Jersey facility, they should have no doubt they’re in the Garden State with plenty of menu options featuring Jersey peaches, corn and tomatoes to choose from.”
Oroho’s Farmland Preservation Bills Signed Into Law
Over $60 Million in Voter-Approved Funding to Help Local Communities Preserve Open Space
Two bills sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho (R-Sussex, Morris, Hunterdon) that help local governments purchase farmland for preservation purposes were signed into law today.
“These lands are integral to maintaining the beauty and character of our state, maintaining jobs in the farming and agri-tourism sectors as well as supplying healthy, locally grown food options for families, ” Oroho stated. “This legislation will protect valuable open space while ensuring property owners receive fair market value for their land.”
O’Toole, Oroho: MVC Budget Hearing a Campaign Event
Calling today’s Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee field hearing regarding long-standing technology issues at the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission little more than a campaign event, Republican committee members Kevin O’Toole (R- Essex), and Steve Oroho (R- Sussex) issued the following statements:
Senator Kevin O’Toole (R- Essex):
“The idea that problems resulting from MVC’s computer systems have miraculously sprung up in less than two years under the Christie Administration is laughable on its face. Today’s hearing, held in a swing legislative district rather than Trenton despite no public testimony being taken, is little more than a campaign event held for the benefit of area legislators’ re-election campaigns. Today’s hearing was great political theater. However, this hearing accomplished nothing in the line of problem solving.”
Oroho: Oversight of Temporary Transitional Aid Essential for Program’s Success
“Oversight Language Initially Removed in Democrat Sponsored Budget”
Senator Steve Oroho (R-Sussex, Morris, Hunterdon), a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement today following Governor Christie’s announcement that he would support full funding of temporary, transitional aid in the FY 2012 Budget as long as appropriate oversight of the program is restored. Senator Oroho is the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 3009 that would strengthen, by state statute, the State’s oversight of municipalities that receive additional aid:
“State aid must be awarded equitably, whether through the Transitional Aid Program, education aid or regular municipal aid. Given our current financial circumstances we need to make sure every tax dollar is spent effectively and efficiently.
