Oroho Legislation Aiding Service Members Return to NJ Advanced
The Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee advanced legislation sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho establishing a task force to identify and address issues facing service members returning from Iraq or Afghanistan.
Sen. Steven Oroho’s legislation establishes a task force to identify and address issues facing service members returning from Iraq or Afghanistan. (Flickr)
“As many as 44 percent of veterans returning from wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have reported having trouble returning to civilian life,” said Oroho. “From PTSD, to dealing with other injuries or medical conditions to finding employment to simply relating to everyday life and family relations these men and women face an array of formidable and long-lasting challenges and demand a strong network of supports.
Committee Adopts Oroho Legislation Fulfilling State’s BEIP Obligations to Businesses
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho (R-24) to allow businesses that were due to receive grants under the state’s Business Employment Incentive Program to now receive an equal tax credit in value was advanced by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
Sen. Steven Oroho’s legislation would allow businesses that were due to receive BEIP grants to instead receive a tax credit of equal value. (SenateNJ.com)
“Many businesses that signed deals with the state under BEIP to move to New Jersey or expand operations here have never received the full amount of incentives the State committed to provide in order to stimulate job growth,” said Oroho. “It’s critical for the continued operation of these businesses and the reputation of the state’s economic incentive programs that these obligations be fulfilled. As in any transaction, you’re only as good as your word.”
Oroho Statement Supporting Proposed Overhaul of New Jersey Water Quality Management Rules
Senator Steven Oroho, (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris) expressed his support for sensible changes to state water quality management regulations that will no longer hinder reasonable economic growth yet maintain key environmental standards.
Sen. Steven Oroho expressed support for changes to state water quality management regulations that will allow economic growth while maintaining key environmental standards. (Pixabay)
“The water quality management plan drafted by the previous administration forced municipalities to adopt extremely complex and overly broad regulations that put local planning agencies at odds with the DEP,” Senator Oroho said. “We cannot continue to enforce a ‘one-size-fits-all’ set of mandates. Our communities must have the flexibility to develop clear and consistent land-use plans that recognize zoning and environmental impacts that are unique to each municipality.”
Oroho Bill Creating Fishing Buddy License Signed Into Law
Legislation sponsored by Senator Steven Oroho that creates an annual New Jersey “Fishing Buddy License” and amends current law for all around sportsman and fishing licenses was signed into law.
The new law sponsored by Sen. Steven Oroho’s creates an annual New Jersey ‘Fishing Buddy License,’ available for half the cost of a regular fishing license. (NJDEP)
The law, S-2567, allows residents and nonresidents 16 years or older to apply for a fishing buddy license when an application for a fishing license is made at the same time by another person, resident or nonresident, who has not bought a New Jersey fishing license since 2010. The buddy license authorizes its holder to fish only, and costs half the regular fee of a fishing license. The legislation is also sponsored by Senate President Steve Sweeney.
“This is an exciting effort to introduce more residents, visitors and their families to the many fantastic year-round fishing opportunities that exist across New Jersey,” said Oroho (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris). “Generating more interest in fishing through these incentives will also provide a boost to businesses supporting the industry in communities across the state.”
Oroho Legislation Simplifying Process of Adding a Veteran’s Status on Driver’s License Signed Into Law
Legislation sponsored by Senator Steven Oroho simplifying the process for veterans to receive a veteran designation on their driver’s license was signed into law by Governor Chris Christie.
Sen. Oroho’s legislation simplifies the process for those with military service to add their their status as a veteran to their New Jersey driver’s license. (NJMVC)
“For the thousands of veterans that have already gone through the process of receiving an ID card from their county this legislation will now simplify the process of adding their status as a veteran to their license,” said Oroho (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris). “This special designation on a driver’s license is a well-deserved symbol of a veteran’s life of patriotism, heroism and sacrifice. Now that this legislation has been signed into law I hope more veterans will seek out this worthy distinction on their license and be able to receive the recognition and appreciation they have earned.”
Oroho Bill Reinstating Certain Driving Privileges for Teens Working on Farms Signed Into Law
Legislation sponsored by Senator Steven Oroho (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris) reestablishing certain driving privileges for teenagers working on a farm in New Jersey was signed into law by Governor Chris Christie.
Legislation sponsored by Senator Oroho reestablishing certain driving privileges for teenagers working on a farm in New Jersey was signed into law. (Wikimedia Commons)
Under the legislation, A-535/S-2547, 16-year-olds working on a farm will again be eligible to obtain a special agricultural driver’s license allowing them to drive by themselves during daylight hours while operating a farm vehicle and doing farm-related business. To be eligible the teen would need to complete an approved behind-the-wheel driver training course.
“Teenagers growing up on a farm are often heavily involved in the family business from an early age and their ability to operate farm equipment and vehicles is a key part of the farming operation,” said Oroho. “Today’s bill signing reinstates important driving privileges that for decades were a great benefit to many farm families. Allowing 16-year-olds to again be able to operate a farm vehicle by themselves to drive from one field to another or deliver produce or pick up supplies will increase the role they can play on the farm and the productivity of the business as a whole.”
Oroho Bills Protecting Honeybee population, Strengthening Beekeeping Industry Signed Into Law
Legislation sponsored by Senator Steven Oroho designed to protect and grow the state’s commercial and recreational bee industry was signed into law by Acting Governor Kim Guadagno.
Legislation sponsored by Senator Steven Oroho designed to protect and grow the state’s commercial and recreational bee industry was signed into law by Acting Governor Kim Guadagno. (SenateNJ.com)
“Bees play a crucial role in the food chain and New Jersey’s agriculture industry as a whole,” said Oroho. “With honey bee populations hit hard by disease in recent years, beekeepers’ efforts to manage and maintain bee populations have become increasingly important. These new laws recognize that importance by making it easier for commercial and hobbyist beekeepers to operate throughout New Jersey.”
One of the bills signed into law today, S-1328/A-1294, extends “Right to Farm” protections to commercial beekeepers to protect them from restrictive municipal ordinances and public and private nuisance complaints. Under the “Right to Farm Act” complaints against agricultural operations are referred to county agricultural boards rather than municipal courts, eliminating the burden of lengthy and expensive litigation.
Oroho: Restoring State’s Horse Racing Industry Starts With Expansion of Gaming
Following the announced closure of one of the state’s preeminent horse racing training facilities, Senator Oroho today reiterated his call for a referendum to expand gaming beyond Atlantic City. Last week it was announced that after 36 years in business Showplace Farms in Millstone would be closing in October.
Sen. Oroho said an expansion of gaming beyond Atlantic City would help boost the state’s horse racing industry and related businesses. (Flickr)
“It’s no secret the equine industry in New Jersey has been struggling as racetracks here have to compete with larger purses in neighboring states that are fueled by casinos,” said Oroho (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris). “To give the breeders, trainers and boarding facilities across New Jersey a fighting chance we have to even the playing field and that starts by opening up gaming across the state. The fact that the announced closure of Showplace Farms came soon after it became clear the legislature had run out of time to put the referendum on the ballot this November should be a wake up call.
Senate Adopts Oroho Measure Supporting Establishment of First Outpatient Clinic for Veterans in Sussex County
The full Senate adopted legislation sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho supporting the establishment of the first Sussex County-based outpatient medical clinic for veterans.
An outpatient clinic maintained by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. (VA)
“Sussex and Warren counties are the only two counties in the state without a veterans’ outpatient clinic and for many veterans living in this area the closest in-state clinic is more than 40 miles away in Morris Plains,” said Oroho (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris). “The lack of access to local medical care for veterans is a major obstacle and a serious concern. Establishing a local clinic in Sussex County will make it far easier for the tens of thousands of veterans living here to get the care that they need and deserve.”
