Latest News from Garden State Times

Bucco: IRS Adjusts Federal Tax Brackets for Inflation as NJ Hesitates

By Garden State Times | Nov 16, 2023

Senator Anthony M. Bucco has urged New Jersey lawmakers to take action following the Internal Revenue Service's announcement of changes to federal income tax brackets to counter inflation. Bucco emphasized the importance of addressing tax bracket creep at the state level in New Jersey, as reported by NJ Spotlight.In a statement, Bucco highlighted the disparity between federal and state tax bracket adjustments, stating, "The action by the IRS to raise the income thresholds for federal tax brackets was a reminder that New Jersey is one of just a few states that doesn’t...

VA Purchase Loans in New Jersey average $419,956 for Q3 2023

By Garden State Times | Nov 15, 2023

The average VA Purchase Loan amount for New Jersey in the third quarter of fiscal year 2023 was $419,956, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

New Jersey election results show mixed outcomes for small business advocates

By Garden State Times | Nov 14, 2023

NFIB members and small business owners in New Jersey showed strong support for candidates favoring Main Street interests during the recent state legislative elections.

Week ending Sept. 16: 141 deaths among Hispanic people in New Jersey

By Garden State Times | Nov 12, 2023

There were 141 Hispanic people who died in New Jersey in the week ending Sept. 16, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Polistina Bill Clarifying Regional Municipal Courts’ Jurisdiction Clears Senate

By Garden State Times | Nov 12, 2023

On Nov 12, 2023, Senator Vince Polistina’s (R-02) bill regarding regional municipal court jurisdiction over State Police and other external matters was successfully passed by the New Jersey Senate."The goal of the pilot program is to make the courts more efficient and cut down on governmental waste," stated Sen. Polistina.S4040, the bill in question, aims to address the issue of central municipal courts handling cases without corresponding revenue, which has proven to be burdensome and costly. The legislation clarifies that regional municipal courts will no longer be...

New Jersey continues to have 3 colleges that still mandate “COVID” mRNA injection

By Garden State Times | Nov 9, 2023

There are still three colleges in New Jersey that continue to require “COVID” mRNA injections for students to attend their classes.

Bucco Unanimously Re-Elected as Senate Republican Caucus Leader

By Garden State Times | Nov 9, 2023

Senator Bucco has been re-elected as the Senate Republican Caucus Leader, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to continue leading his colleagues. He stated, "It is an honor to serve with an amazing group of distinguished and dedicated public servants."In preparation for the upcoming 221st Legislature, Senator Bucco announced the Senate Republican leadership team. The team includes Deputy Republican Leader Senator Bob Singer, Deputy Republican Leader Senator Joe Pennacchio, Conference Leader Senator Holly Schepisi, Whip Senator Michael Testa, Budget Officer...

CDC reports 131 deaths among New Jersey Hispanics in week ending Sept. 9

By Garden State Times | Nov 5, 2023

There were 131 Hispanic people who died in New Jersey in the week ending Sept. 9, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Bucco & Testa: Murphy and Democrats Criticized for Money Squandered By Orsted

By Garden State Times | Nov 3, 2023

Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco and Senator Michael Testa have criticized Governor Murphy and Trenton Democrats for their handling of funds related to Orsted, a foreign wind developer. Bucco emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “Governor Murphy and Trenton Democrats must account for all the money that has been squandered on their failed extreme energy policy.” He further remarked, “It’s like Governor Murphy is playing checkers while Orsted is playing chess.”According to reports, Orsted recently withdrew their compliance filing with the New Jersey...

Bucco & Testa: Murphy’s Knowledge of Orsted Decision Calls For Speculation

By Garden State Times | Nov 2, 2023

Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco and Senator Michael Testa issued a joint statement expressing concern over Governor Murphy's administration's handling of information regarding Orsted's decision to withdraw from offshore wind projects. The legislators criticized the lack of transparency displayed by the administration, noting that they were informed about Orsted's decision a week before the official announcement was made.Bucco and Testa highlighted their unease with the situation, stating, "It is very disturbing that the Murphy administration knew about Orsted’s...

ICYMI: Testa Statement on Ørsted Withdrawing from Offshore Wind Project

By Garden State Times | Nov 1, 2023

Senator Michael Testa has expressed deep concerns following the recent announcement of Ørsted's withdrawal from New Jersey’s offshore wind project. Testa (R-1) emphasized the potential impacts on various industries and the need for transparency in the dealings surrounding the project.Testa remarked, "I was always extremely concerned about what this project meant to our precious marine life, to our commercial fishing industry, to our recreational fishing industry, and what it also meant to our tourism industry." He further added, "I also always questioned whether this was...

NFIB encourages small businesses to vote in upcoming New Jersey election

By Garden State Times | Nov 1, 2023

As the New Jersey general election approaches, small business owners are encouraged to make their voices heard by voting for candidates who support pro-small-business policies.