Archive for Author: mriser

Missing Dems cause tense moment during whirlwind Assembly session

TRENTON, N.J. – Aides were caught casting votes for missing Democrat lawmakers during a four-hour Assembly session on Wednesday that passed a massive $50.6 billion budget, a controversial gun-control package, and abortion bills fast tracked over three days. Many passed with only a few more votes than the 41...

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Budget signing signifies a worse-off New Jersey, says Assembly GOP Leader

TRENTON, N.J. – Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio has been critical of the budget, and again pointed out that the state budget is full of tax relief gimmicks and unsustainable spending as Gov. Phil Murphy signed the $50.6 billion fiscal year 2023 budget. “Governor Murphy likes to say this...

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N.J. Black Heritage Trail bill goes to governor’s desk

TRENTON, N.J. – The Assembly on Wednesday unanimously passed a bipartisan bill creating a Black Heritage Trail in New Jersey. The bill, which directs the New Jersey Historical Commission to identify Black heritage sites throughout the state, now goes to the governor’s desk for his signature. Sponsors of the...

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Republicans test Dems’ commitment to affordability by calling for bigger, permanent and immediate tax breaks

TRENTON, N.J. – Did Democrats really heed the call for a more affordable New Jersey after the November election? It seems unlikely as Democrats rebuffed Assembly Republican attempts on Wednesday to provide immediate, expansive and permanent tax relief for struggling families in the state’s massive $50.6 billion budget. “I...

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Assembly Republicans oppose Democrats’ massive $50.6 billion state spending plan

TRENTON, N.J. – The state’s massive $50.6 billion fiscal year 2023 budget represents missed opportunities for real tax reform and relief, backroom deals, big government spending, and one-time gimmicks say Republicans before casting their no votes from the Assembly floor on Wednesday. Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio: WATCH: GOP...

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Dems’ opaqueness made clear when GOP moves amendments in Assembly Budget Committee

TRENTON, N.J. – Despite Democrats in the Assembly Budget Committee on Monday moving legislation without publicly available text, they voted down Republican amendments to two bills because at least one member objected to a so-called lack of transparency. As per protocol, Republicans distributed amendments to the school supplies sales...

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Cape May lawmakers push for Coast Guard license plate

TRENTON, N.J. – Cape May County lawmakers Assemblymen Erik Simonsen and Antwan McClellan introduced a bill to create a special license plate honoring members of the U.S. Coast Guard. Cape May, New Jersey is home to the only U.S. Coast Guard Recruit Training Center in America, making it the...

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Murphy’s knee-jerk reaction to Supreme Court ruling on concealed carry shows differences, says Assembly GOP Leader

TRENTON, N.J. – Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio said Gov. Phil Murphy’s response, directing state departments and agencies to identify and designate gun free zones and regulate how firearms are transported, shows clear differences in his rhetoric on criminals and law-abiding citizens. “Democrats don’t appear to trust honest law-abiding...

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Bill banning body armor possession could have consequences for veterans and schoolchildren

TRENTON, N.J. – Republican members of the Assembly Appropriations Committee slammed Democrats for moving a bill banning body armor possession that could carry criminal consequences for veterans and prohibit parents from buying bulletproof backpacks. Assemblyman Brian Bergen (R-Morris), holding up his U.S. Army-issued body armor he wore as an...

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