Ocean County Legislators: Murphy Didn’t ‘Work With’ Toms River on School Funding, He Cut District’s Aid by 25%
The 10th Legislative District lawmakers expressed shock over Governor Phil Murphy’s comments during the recent gubernatorial debate that he “already worked with Toms River” on school funding to address the school district’s concerns about massive cuts to State aid.
The 10th Legislative District lawmakers expressed shock over Governor Phil Murphy’s comments during the recent gubernatorial debate that he ‘already worked with Toms River’ on school funding to address the school district’s concerns about massive cuts to State aid. (SenateNJ.com)
“If ‘working with them’ means gutting Toms River’s State school aid like a fish, then I guess Governor Murphy is telling the truth,” said Senator Jim Holzapfel. “The Murphy administration slashed aid for Toms River schools by more than 14 percent this year alone. The Governor ripped away more than $8 million in funding, an especially devastating loss for a district that has already seen its annual educational support from Trenton reduced by more than $17 million – 25 percent – under Murphy.
10th District Legislators: Murphy Administration to Blame for Student Drivers Who Cannot Get Permits
Call it Another Example of Incompetent Leadership
For teens on the road to adulthood, getting their first driver’s license is a rite of passage, but problems with New Jersey’s Motor Vehicle Commission is making things difficult for thousands of young New Jerseyans.
The 10th District Legislators blame poor leadership by Governor Murphy for the thousands of student drivers who are unable to schedule appointments with MVC for learner’s permits and written tests. (SenateNJ.com)
Would-be drivers who want to apply for a permit or to take the written test are finding it almost impossible to schedule appointments, and lawmakers from the 10th Legislative District said it points to incompetency at MVC.
10th District Legislators Fault Democrats for Risking Jobs
Not One Democrat Has Signed on to Efforts to Stop Massive Tax on NJ Employers
Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano today lamented the absence of even a single Democrat legislator on a petition that would require a special legislative session to spare local employers from the punishing impact of an imminent tax increase to replenish New Jersey’s Unemployment Insurance Fund.
Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano lamented the absence of even a single Democrat legislator on a petition that would require a special legislative session to spare local employers from the punishing impact of an imminent tax increase to replenish NJ’s Unemployment Insurance Fund. (Pixabay)
“Not one single Democrat has been willing to break rank with the Governor and support the state’s Main Street businesses, mom-and-pop shops, and restaurants that have suffered every day since the pandemic emerged,” said Holzapfel. “Some of our Democrat colleagues issued press releases criticizing Murphy’s plan to restore the UI Fund on the backs of small employers, but they won’t step up to prevent a devastating tax hike that will assuredly force even more businesses to close their doors forever. The tax increase is coming, and it is time for the Democrats to put up or shut up. The State economy depends on it.”
Singer/Connors/Holzapfel/Thompson/O’Scanlon Call on NJ Homeland Security to Vet Incoming Afghan Refugees
Question Ability of Federal Officials in Kabul to Keep Local Communities Safe
Almost 10,000 Afghan refugees fleeing the turmoil in their homeland will be coming to New Jersey, and Senate Republicans are calling on New Jersey’s Department of Homeland Security and Preparedness to ensure they are thoroughly vetted.
In a letter to the director of New Jersey’s Homeland Security and Preparedness, Sens. Singer, Connors, Holzapfel, Thompson and O’Scanlon emphasized the need to vet and screen refugees coming to the state from Afghanistan. (Wikimedia Commons)
Senators Robert Singer, Chris Connors, Jim Holzapfel, Sam Thompson and Declan O’Scanlon today wrote to NJ Homeland Director Laurie R. Duran emphasizing the need to protect New Jersey residents from possible terrorists who may have circumvented checkpoints and federal screening on the ground in Kabul before boarding flights to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
Holzapfel, McGuckin and Catalano: Businesses Take Another Hit from Murphy as Payroll Tax Increases to Fund Unemployment
Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano are speaking out against Governor Murphy’s plan to replenish the unemployment insurance fund with a $250 million payroll tax hike on employers. The 10th District Legislators are criticizing the Governor for continuing to hurt businesses in the state.
A major payroll tax increase on employers will jeopardize New Jersey jobs, said Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano. (SenateNJ.com)
“We are in this mess because of the Governor’s executive orders which delayed the reopening of many businesses and forced hundreds of thousands of pandemic unemployment claims to be filed,” Senator Holzapfel stated. “Our caucus urged Governor Murphy to divert $6.2 billion in federal American Rescue Plan aid to offset the unemployment payouts, however, our requests were ignored and now our business owners are stuck with the bill.”
Holzapfel, McGuckin & Catalano Praise Rescue & Relocation of Alfie the Swan
Senator Jim Holzapfel, Assemblyman Greg McGuckin, and Assemblyman John Catalano (all R-Ocean) praised the rescue and relocation yesterday of Alfie the swan from waterways in Brick to the Popcorn Park animal refuge in Forked River:
Holzapfel, McGuckin & Catalano praised the rescue and relocation yesterday of Alfie the swan from waterways in Brick to the Popcorn Park animal refuge in Forked River. (Irene Almeida)
“Alfie is beloved by many in our community and our legislative office has been working with both the NJDEP and the USDA to find a solution to prevent him from having to be euthanized.
“We are ecstatic that the USDA and Popcorn Park were able to work with us to successfully save Alfie.”
Holzapfel Bill to Help Seniors with Prescription Drug Costs Signed into Law
Legislation co-sponsored by Senator Jim Holzapfel to allow more seniors and residents with disabilities to qualify for assistance with prescription drug costs has been signed into law. The 10th District Legislator believes this law will ease the financial burdens of residents as prescription drug costs and inflation are on the rise.
Senior residents struggling with the high cost of prescription medicine will be helped by legislation sponsored by Sen. Jim Holzapfel and signed into law. (Flickr)
“The rise in prescription drug costs has weighed heavily on our senior residents who live on fixed incomes and cannot afford to live without their medications,” stated Senator Holzapfel. “We don’t want our residents to have to make the tough decision of paying for their prescription drugs or paying the electric bill this month. Now that this legislation is law it will provide much needed aid to our most vulnerable residents.”
10th District Legislators Oppose Pork-Filled Budget that Cuts Millions in Brick & Toms River School Aid
Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano opposed a State Budget put forward by Governor Murphy and Democrats in the Legislature that cuts millions in aid to schools in Brick and Toms River while funding hundreds of millions of dollars in unnecessary pork projects.
Sen. Jim Holzapfel, Asm. Greg McGuckin and Asm. John Catalano said the budget passed in Trenton today highlights the misplaced priorities of the Democrats and will drain some Ocean County schools of their rightfully deserved funding. (Pixabay)
The legislators highlighted the misplaced priorities of the Democrats’ budget plan that will drain certain Ocean County schools of their rightfully deserved funding. As the state begins to recover from the economic fallout of Governor Murphy’s extended shutdowns, the lawmakers believe that this excessive spending plan will create billions more in new taxes next year.
10th District Lawmakers: Murphy Needs a Plan for Revenue Windfall
Call for Full Funding for Suburban Schools that Have Suffered Significant Cuts
Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano of the 10th Legislative District released the following statement after revised state revenue figures indicated New Jersey will have an additional $5 billion in unexpected revenues for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1:
The Murphy Administration is sitting on $11.5 billion, and Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano want some of the money to fully fund school districts that have faced significant cuts in in Brick, Toms River, and Ocean County. (Wikimedia Commons)
“The Murphy Administration is holding a massive bundle of cash and, as usual, they aren’t discussing their plans with the Legislature or the public. This is yet another example of the Murphy Administration’s lack of transparency.
Senate Approves Holzapfel Bill Offering Free Beach Access to Veterans
Shore Municipalities Would Be Permitted to Waive the Fees
Legislation sponsored by Senator Jim Holzapfel and approved today by the Senate would allow shore towns to offer free or discounted beach access to veterans and their spouse and children.
United States military veterans would be eligible for free beach access in some New Jersey municipalities under Senator Jim Holzapfel’s legislation. (Wikimedia Commons)
“We want to welcome our veterans who were willing to risk their lives for our nation to our award-winning beaches,” said Holzapfel (R-10). “It is because of the dedication and commitment of our military men and women that we, as Americans, enjoy the freedoms we cherish.”
