In response to proposed budget cuts by Governor Murphy affecting the ScreenNJ program, Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco has expressed concern. “Governor Murphy’s proposed budget cuts to ScreenNJ are deeply troubling and frankly, irresponsible,” said Sen. Bucco. He emphasized the importance of early cancer detection, noting that since 2018, the program has provided free screenings to over 110,000 New Jersey residents, including 85,000 uninsured individuals. “Those aren’t just numbers, they’re lives that have been potentially saved through early detection,” he added.
Bucco further highlighted his personal connection as a pediatric cancer survivor and stressed the potential negative impacts of cutting funding. “Cutting this funding not only puts vulnerable residents at even greater risk; it threatens vital community partnerships and jeopardizes future grants,” he stated.
Senator Bucco has been actively involved in legislation supporting cancer initiatives. In September 2021, his bill S-3724 was signed into law, allocating $5 million to the New Jersey Pediatric Cancer Fund. Additionally, he sponsors S-664, which aims to increase tax revenue from tobacco products directed towards cancer research in New Jersey.
