Connors, Rumpf & Gove Introduce Bill to Create Fund for Volunteer Fire Companies
9th District Delegation Bill Would Appropriate $10 Million for Volunteer Fire Company Fund
Senator Christopher Connors, Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, and Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove have introduced legislation to support the financial needs of volunteer fire companies. The 9th District delegation’s legislation would establish the “Volunteer Fire Company Assistance Program” along with a special non-lapsing State fund that would receive an initial appropriation of $10 million to support the operations and sustainability of volunteer fire companies.

Sen. Christopher Connors, Asm. Brian Rumpf, and Asw. DiAnne Gove have introduced legislation to support the financial needs of volunteer fire companies. (Pixabay)
The concept for the delegation’s legislation is strongly supported by the Borough of Pine Beach’s governing body. The governing body of Waretown has also stated its support for the establishment of a fund to support volunteer fire companies.
9th District Delegation: Trenton Doesn’t Get that the Cost of Living is too High for Residents
As the FY2024 State Budget hearings wind to a close, Senator Christopher Connors, Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, and Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove are calling on the Murphy Administration and their legislative colleagues to make tax relief and corresponding government spending cuts priorities to best serve the interests of taxpayers.

As the FY2024 State Budget hearings wind to a close, District 9 lawmakers are calling on the Murphy Administration and their legislative colleagues to make tax relief and corresponding government spending cuts priorities. (Pixabay)
The 9th District Delegation issued the following statement:
“Unrelenting inflation has only exasperated the high cost of living in New Jersey that has the unenviable distinction of the highest property taxes in the nation. The State Budget is the state’s controlling document and, therefore, needs to be the centerpiece of fiscal reform and providing the financial security taxpayers desperately need.
Connors, Rumpf & Gove Oppose Offshore Wind Turbines at Virtual Hearing
Senator Christopher Connors, Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, and Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove (all R-Ocean) expressed their opposition to offshore wind turbines during an independent hearing on whale and dolphin deaths that was held virtually today by New Jersey Senate Republicans.

Sen. Christopher Connors, Asm. Brian Rumpf, and Asw. DiAnne Gove expressed their opposition to offshore wind turbines during an independent hearing on whale and dolphin deaths that was held virtually by N.J. Senate Republicans. (Pixabay)
The following testimony was submitted into the record on behalf of the legislators:
As coastal legislators, we call on the federal government to leave our oceans alone.
Massive wind turbines drilled into the ocean floor will wreak havoc on the fragile wildlife habitats and marine life that stand to be subjected to this extremely disruptive process.
Rumpf: Indefensible that Trenton Wants to Increase Funding for Inmates But Refuses to Restore School Funding Cuts
During a hearing of the Assembly Budget Committee, Assemblyman Brian Rumpf challenged the Murphy administration on its proposed budget that would increase funding for inmates while Trenton refuses to fully restore funding to targeted school districts.

During a hearing of the Assembly Budget Committee, Assemblyman Brian Rumpf challenged the Murphy administration on its proposed budget that would increase funding for inmates while Trenton refuses to fully restore funding to targeted school districts. (Pixabay)
Assemblyman Rumpf, who serves on the Assembly Budget Committee, directed his line of questioning to New Jersey Department of Corrections Commissioner Victoria L. Kuhn, Esq., who recently testified before the committee.
“I speak on behalf of my 9th District legislative colleagues Senator Chris Connors and Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove when I say that our children and educational professionals, as well as all taxpayers for that matter, deserve priority over increasing pay for inmates’ jobs,” said Assemblyman Rumpf. “More infuriating is that nearly 7,600 prisoners were released during COVID yet the Murphy Administration is calling for an increase in funding for the Department of Corrections, including a $2.6 million increase for inmate wages for a total of $157.3 million.”
Connors, Rumpf & Gove Vote “YES” on School Funding Bill to Support Districts Hit With Catastrophic Cuts
9th District Legislators Praise the Efforts of their Constituents for Engaging in the Legislative Process
In representing the interests of their constituents, Senator Christopher Connors, Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, and Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove voted “YES” on legislation (S-3732) to restore 66% of the funding to 168 school districts that otherwise would have their aid cut under the state school funding formula and Governor Murphy’s proposed budget for the 2023-2024 school year.

Connors, Rumpf, and Gove voted ‘YES’ on legislation to restore 66% of the funding to 168 school districts that would otherwise be cut under Governor Murphy’s proposed budget for the 2023-2024 school year. (Flickr)
Connors, Rumpf, and Gove voted against the current school funding law (S-2/A-2) which was enacted in 2018, recognizing not only that catastrophic cuts would be imposed on constituent school districts, but also that the state’s school funding would become even more politicized to the detriment of thousands of students, education professionals, parents, and taxpayers.
Committee Advances Connors-Rumpf-Gove Veterans’ Housing Legislation
The Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee approved legislation today (S-171) introduced by Senator Christopher Connors that would permit a portion of municipal development trust funds to be spent on housing affordability assistance to veterans.

The Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee advanced legislation sponsored by Connors, Rumpf & Gove that would permit a portion of municipal development trust funds to be spent on housing affordability assistance to veterans. (©iStock)
Assemblyman Brian Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove are the prime sponsors of the Assembly companion version, A-745, which is awaiting consideration by the Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
Connors, Rumpf & Gove to Introduce Legislation Requiring Schools to Report All Assaults Resulting in Injury to Police
In response to incidents involving the tragic death of Central Regional High School student Adriana Kuch, Senator Christopher Connors, Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, and Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove intend to introduce legislation that would require school officials to immediately report to the police any assault that results in the injury of a student.

In response to incidents involving the tragic death of Central Regional High School student Adriana Kuch, Sen. Christopher Connors, Asm. Brian Rumpf, and Asw. DiAnne Gove intend to introduce legislation that would require school officials to immediately report to the police any assault that results in the injury of a student. (Flickr)
The 9th District delegation issued the following remarks:
“Immediately following the death of Adriana Kuch, our delegation reached out to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office to gain a better understanding of the incident and to put us in a more informed position to determine if amending existing state law is necessary and appropriate.
Senator Christopher Connors Will Not Seek Re-Election
Today, 9th District Legislator Senator Christopher Connors announced that he will not seek re-election to the State Legislature. Connors issued the following statement regarding this decision:

Sen. Christopher Connors announced today that he will not seek re-election to the State Legislature. (SenateNJ.com)
“It has been the greatest honor of my professional life to serve the people of the 9th Legislative District. I have always held a strong commitment to serving the community and have always thought of my constituents as my extended family.
“However, after thoughtful consideration, I have decided not to seek re-election to the State Legislature after 33 years of service. This was certainly a difficult decision, but I feel in my heart that this is the right time to step aside, especially as running for re-election would require serving a four-year term.
Connors Participates in Refueling Flight with New Jersey Air National Guard
Senator Christopher Connors participated in an orientation flight on a KC-135R Stratotanker with the New Jersey Air National Guard at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

Sen. Chris Connors participated in an orientation flight on a KC-135R Stratotanker with the New Jersey Air National Guard at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. (New Jersey National Guard )
“It was a privilege to be able to participate in the refueling exercise with the New Jersey Air National Guard,” said Connors (R-9). “To have the opportunity to be in the Stratotanker itself, and witness firsthand as it refuels a nearby jet, was nothing short of impressive. I would like to thank all of the incredible servicemen and women who organized this exercise and allowed us to get an inside look at some of the dangerous, complex, but necessary work the National Guard engages in every day.”
Connors, Rumpf & Gove Vote Against Murphy-Democrat $50 Billion State Budget
9th District Delegation: Budget Goes Big on Spending, Small on Tax Relief
Senator Christopher Connors, Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, and Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove voted “NO” on the FY2023 State Budget which was approved on Wednesday by the New Jersey Legislature. They said legislators and the public were denied sufficient time to review the state’s massive $50 billion spending plan, which was released late Monday night by Democrats.

Sen. Christopher Connors, Asm. Brian Rumpf, and Asw. DiAnne Gove voted against the budget and said legislators and the public were denied sufficient time to review massive $50B spending plan. (Wikimedia Commons)
This year, Assemblyman Rumpf joined the Assembly Budget Committee and consistently testified in favor of limited government as a sustainable means of providing immediate tax relief and funding the state’s core obligations.