10th District Legislators Call on Congress to Pass Sandy Aid Package
Call for Swift Passage of $51 Billion Aid Bill for Recovery & Rebuilding Efforts
New Jersey legislators representing a section of the Jersey Shore that was among the hardest hit areas by Hurricane Sandy have called on the leadership of the United States House of Representatives to act swiftly to pass a long-delayed aid package that is necessary for recovery and rebuilding efforts.
Senator Jim Holzapfel, Assemblyman Dave Wolfe and Assemblyman Greg McGuckin of the 10th Legislative District sent a letter to House Speaker John Boehner and Majority Leader Eric Cantor asking them to take immediate action on passing the remainder of the $60 billion aid package that has already been approved by the United States Senate.
“The months-long delay in approving a disaster aid package for victims of Hurricane Sandy is absolutely shameful,” said Holzapfel. “As Governor Christie previously said, disaster funding has never been subject to the kind of petty political squabbling that has denied New Jersey residents the recovery assistance they desperately need. It’s time for Speaker Boehner to do the right thing and work to get the package passed immediately.”
Holzapfel, Wolfe & McGuckin Introduce Package of Storm-Related Bills
Legislation Designed to Protect Food Supplies, Prevent Power Outages & Looting
Sen. Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Dave Wolfe and Greg McGuckin, all R-10, have introduced a package of bills designed to better prepare the state and protect residents during future state of emergency declarations and prolonged power outages.
The 10th Legislative District lawmakers represent many of the hardest hit areas from Superstorm Sandy and the nor’easter which followed 10 days later. The three measures will protect food supplies, help prevent power outages and increase penalties for looting.
Senate Approves Holzapfel & Singer Legislation Funding Five Year Transportation Capital Program
The New Jersey Senate has approved legislation (S-2020) sponsored by Senator James W. Holzapfel (R-10) and Senator Robert Singer (R-30) that authorizes the investment of $8 billion over five years in transportation infrastructure funding pursuant to Governor Christie’s Transportation Capital Program.
“The Governor’s transportation funding plan will allow us to continue critical investments in infrastructure without having to resort to a gas tax increase that people cannot afford,” said Holzapfel. “Unlike his predecessor who nearly bankrupted the Transportation Trust Fund, Governor Christie is working to reduce our reliance on borrowing and will transition transportation funding to a sustainable pay-as-you-go model over the proposed five-year plan.”
Holzapfel & Singer Submit Legislation Funding Five-Year Transportation Capital Program
Senator James W. Holzapfel (R-10) and Senator Robert Singer (R-30) have submitted legislation authorizing investment of $8 billion over five years in transportation infrastructure funding pursuant to Governor Christie’s Transportation Capital Program.
“The Governor has come up with a plan that is fiscally responsible, invests in our infrastructure, and accepts the reality that taxpayers cannot afford higher gas taxes,” said Holzapfel. “This plan meets the emergent needs of New Jersey’s transportation system while reducing the reliance on borrowing that nearly bankrupted the Transportation Trust Fund under Governor Corzine.”
10th District Legislators Support Cardiac Surgery at Community Medical Center in Ocean County
Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and Dave Wolfe of the 10th Legislative District are calling on the State of New Jersey to approve cardiac surgery services at Community Medical Center in Toms River.
“The State of New Jersey has an obligation to swiftly approve cardiac surgery at Community Medical Center to meet the need of Ocean County residents,” said Senator Holzapfel. “The elderly in our community are being jeopardized by unnecessary delays and risks associated with traveling far from home to an out of county hospital. These patients could be treated safely and sooner right here at Community Medical Center.”
Holzapfel, Wolfe & McGuckin Introduce Bill to Give Tax Credits to E-ZPass Commuters
Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Dave Wolfe and Greg McGuckin, representing New Jersey’s 10th District, have introduced a bill which would provide an income tax credit for tolls paid on state roads via E-ZPass. Under the bill, a taxpayer whose toll expenses exceed $1,000 per year would be eligible for a $1000 credit on their New Jersey income taxes.
“With this bill we are trying to put money back into the wallets of commuters who have seen relentless toll increases,” said Senator Holzapfel. “By providing commuters with a means to offset a portion of their commuting costs, our bill recognizes that these taxpayers are paying more than their fair share for transportation and economic development projects, while encouraging commuters to use E-Zpass.”
10th District Legislators Introduce Bill to Prevent Breeding and Sale of Sick Pets from Puppy and Kitten Mills
The Legislators of the 10th District, Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Dave Wolfe and Greg McGuckin have introduced the “Healthy Puppies and Kittens Assurance Act” which establishes requirements and places strict regulations on pet stores who sell animals from puppy and kitten mill breeders.
“By requiring registration of breeders, providing purchasers with information about their future pet and imposing heavy penalties on violators, individuals and pet shops will be encouraged to purchase their cat or dog from a reputable breeder,” said Senator Holzapfel. “This would eliminate the market for selling cats or dogs from puppy mills with poor and unhealthy conditions.”
Holzapfel Supports Governor’s Call for Constitutional Amendment on Bail Reform
Senator Jim Holzapfel (R-10), a member of the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee, announced his support for Governor Chris Christie’s proposal to modify the right to bail through an amendment to the New Jersey Constitution. Holzapfel, a former county prosecutor, has long supported reforms to prevent violent criminals from having the opportunity to continue preying on the public.
“Anyone who has worked in law enforcement or the courts knows that we have a virtual revolving door for violent offenders who are arrested, charged and released back to the streets where they often commit more crimes before they reach trial,” said Holzapfel. “Governor Christie is 100 percent right that we need to provide judges the discretion to deny bail to those who are most likely to threaten public safety before trial.”
10th District Legislators Introduce Bills to Help Restore the Barnegat Bay
Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Dave Wolfe and Greg McGuckin of the 10th Legislative District have introduced multiple pieces of legislation in an effort to restore the Barnegat Bay.
“Throughout the year the Barnegat Bay is enjoyed by local residents and tourists especially during the summer months when the bay sees an increase of boaters and bathers. The pollution in the bay is detrimental to our state’s economic, aesthetic and recreational value. We must preserve the bay to keep it clean for future generations to enjoy,” said Senator Holzapfel.
New 10th District Team Sworn Into New Jersey Legislature
Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Dave Wolfe and Greg McGuckin were officially sworn into office in Trenton on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 as the representatives of the 10th Legislative District.
“I am honored that the people of the 10th Legislative District have chosen me to represent them in the Legislature,” said Senator Holzapfel. “I look forward to the opportunity to do what is in the best interest of our community and the State of New Jersey. I know that Andy Ciesla, Dave Wolfe and I have always put our constituents first. That is who elects us and that is who we work for.”
