Connors, Rumpf & Gove: Slippery Budget Deal Cut Homestead Rebate Payment in Half
Responding to complaints from irate homeowners, Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove are providing background as to why their Homestead Rebates are half of what they were promised when the current budget passed:
Connors, Rumpf & Gove explain why homeowners will only receive a portion of the Homestead Benefit they are owed under Gov. Phil Murphy’s proposed FY 2019 state budget. (SenateNJ.com)
“During last year’s State Budget negotiations, a slippery deal was struck to fund only half the Homestead Benefit Program in the current Budget and delaying the other half of the payment until the start of a new fiscal year, which would begin this July.
“Wanting no part of this deal, our delegation voted against the State Budget in view of the fact that many of our constituents rely heavily on property tax relief programs, such as the Homestead Rebate, to be able to afford to remain in their homes. Worse, there was only an agreement – but no guarantee – that additional funding would be included in the following State Budget to compensate slighted homeowners for the half of the Homestead Rebate they didn’t receive.
Connors, Rumpf & Gove Hail Signing of Law to Prevent Offshore Drilling in State Waters
Coastal legislators Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove are hailing the signing into law of legislation A-839/S-258, which will prohibit offshore exploration, development and production drilling for oil or natural gas in State waters, State tidal waters and submerged lands in State waters.
Connors, Rumpf & Gove hail the signing of legislation which will prohibit offshore exploration, development and production drilling for oil or natural gas in State waters. (Flickr)
Senator Connors, Assemblyman Rumpf and Assemblywoman Gove all joined as cosponsors of A-839/S-258 which was introduced by the First Legislative District delegation.
Connors, Rumpf & Gove: Pro-Illegal Alien Bills Disenfranchise Rights of Legal Citizens
Consistent with their long-standing position on illegal immigration, Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove sharply criticized the New Jersey Legislature for passing legislation (S-699) to provide illegal aliens with taxpayer-funded tuition assistance.
Connors, Rumpf & Gove sharply criticized the New Jersey Legislature for passing legislation to provide illegal aliens with taxpayer-funded tuition assistance. (SenateNJ.com)
The 9th District legislators voted against the tuition assistance bill as well as the legislative resolution (SCR-55) which opposes a question on the 2020 census form that would ask whether a person is a citizen.
Connors, Rumpf & Gove Reject Giving Illegal Aliens State Tuition Assistance
Fulfilling their oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law, Senator Christopher J. Connors (R-9) voted against providing illegal aliens with state tuition assistance. Both Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove announced their intention to also vote no if the Assembly considers the legislation.
9th district lawmakers Connors, Rumpf, and Gove oppose legislation that would allow illegal aliens to qualify for state tuition assistance. (SenateNJ.com)
The members of the 9th District delegation made the following statement in response to the State Senate’s passage of S-699, which would allow illegal aliens who meet certain criteria to qualify for State student financial aid programs:
“There is a general consensus that New Jersey does not provide sufficient tuition aid to legal taxpaying residents but now, somehow, Trenton can find the money to give to people who are in our country illegally to pay for college?
“Rewarding persons for breaking the law disenfranchises law-abiding citizens. It’s no wonder people are leaving the state in droves that is, of course, except for the illegal aliens coming to New Jersey where, as a sanctuary state in the making, they are entitled to government benefits.
Connors-Rumpf-Gove Move to Protect Veteran Property Tax Exemption Status for Homes Destroyed by Natural Disasters
Legislation introduced by Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove that would continue the tax exempt status of property owned by a 100 percent disabled veteran whose home has been destroyed by flood, storm event, natural cause, or other act of God was approved by the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee.
Legislation by Connors, Rumpf & Gove would continue the tax exempt status of property owned by a 100 percent disabled veteran whose home has been destroyed by flood, storm event, natural cause, or other act of God. (U.S. Air Force/Master Sgt. Mark C. Olsen)
Under current law, 100 percent disabled veterans of this State may claim a full local property tax exemption on their dwelling homes and the ground upon which the respective dwellings are located. In the event of a natural disaster, such as a storm or flood that destroys the dwelling, the property becomes taxable because it is no longer usable as the owner’s residence. The delegation’s legislation would continue the tax exempt status that the prior dwelling house and land enjoyed before its destruction, so long as substantial, ongoing construction is undertaken within four years of the destruction.
Connors, Rumpf & Gove: How Can You Even Consider Letting Felons and Prisoners Vote and Receive Tuition Aid?
The 9th District legislative delegation is questioning how the State Legislature can even entertain the notion of letting convicted and imprisoned felons vote in elections and qualify to receive tuition assistance at taxpayer expense.
Connors, Rumpf, and Gove questioned how the NJ Legislature could consider bills that would allow prisoners and convicted felons to influence public policy and provide benefits at the expense of taxpayers who follow the rules. (Pixabay)
Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove issued a joint statement following the Democrats’ introduction of two legislative proposals which would direct more taxpayer dollars to convicted felons, at the expense of other needs and services.
Rumpf Re-Appointed to State Beach Erosion Commission
The 9th District legislative delegation announced that Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf has been re-appointed to the State Beach Erosion Commission. The Speaker of the General Assembly recently re-appointed the Assemblyman with the start of the new 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Asm. Brian E. Rumpf has been re-appointed to the State Beach Erosion Commission. (FEMA)
“I accepted this appointment as a coastal legislator with the understanding that protecting our beaches is a significant issue for my constituency and that serving on the Commission would place me in a position to more effectively represent their interests,” added Assemblyman Rumpf.
Gove Appointed to Casino Revenue Fund Advisory Commission
Commission Reviews Programs for Seniors & Persons With Disabilities
9th Legislative District Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove has been appointed to serve on the Casino Revenue Fund Advisory Commission.
Asw. DiAnne Gove of the 9th Legislative District has been appointed to serve on the Casino Revenue Fund Advisory Commission. (Flickr)
The Casino Revenue Fund was established under the 1977 law and constitutional amendment permitting casino gambling in Atlantic City. Revenue generated by casino gross receipts is deposited into the Fund for programs assisting seniors and persons with disabilities. The Casino Revenue Fund Advisory Commission was legislated in 1992 to provide recommendations to the State Legislature concerning the Casino Revenue Fund utilization.
“Ensuring that revenue is being utilized in the most effective manner possible is an obligation we must fulfill for those seniors and persons with disabilities who depend on Casino Revenue-funded programs,” said Assemblywoman Gove. “Such critical programs include Transportation Assistance for Senior Citizens and Disabled Residents, PAAD and the Statewide Birth Defects Registry.
Connors, Rumpf & Gove Join Legislative Effort to Stop Offshore Drilling in State Waters
Want NJ to Receive Same Exemption as Florida
Coastal legislators Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf, and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove have requested to join as cosponsors on companion legislation A-839 and S-258 which would prohibit offshore drilling for oil or natural gas in State waters. The measure would also prohibit the leasing of tidal or submerged lands in State waters for the purposes of oil or natural gas exploration, development, or production.
Connors, Rumpf, and Gove are joining as co-sponsors of legislation which would prohibit offshore drilling for oil or natural gas in New Jersey waters. (Flickr)
The companion measures were introduced by Senator Jeff Van Drew, Assemblyman Bruce Land, and Assemblyman Bob Andrzejczak of the 1st Legislative District.
Connors, Rumpf and Gove made the following remarks regarding their sponsorship action:
“As coastal legislators, our delegation has a longstanding record of vehemently opposing offshore drilling off our state’s coast. Safeguarding our state’s environment and economic viability should be the priority – not lining the pockets of corporate executives.
Connors, Rumpf & Gove: Barnegat Bay Must Remain State Environmental Priority
Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove want State policy under the new Administration to continue to reflect the critical need for protecting Barnegat Bay.
Connors, Rumpf, and Gove want New Jersey’s environmental policy under the new Administration to continue to reflect the critical need for protecting Barnegat Bay. (Wikimedia Commons)
“Protecting Barnegat Bay was elevated to a top state environmental priority several years ago, and rightfully so. Notwithstanding the tremendous progress already made, especially in terms of raising awareness of key factors impacting the Bay, a continual commitment is necessary to improve water quality, safeguard wildlife habitats and reduce pollution.
