New Jersey Assembly Republicans

Assemblyman Dave Wolfe today said he will continue to fight for legislation he sponsors that will provide assistance to families of military personnel who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of an oversees deployment. The measure was unfortunately held today in the Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee.

The bill, A-384, creates a new “Support the Troops” specialty license plate with the proceeds earmarked for the families of New Jersey Army and Air National Guard personnel who are serving overseas.

“This measure is an excellent resource to help our troops and their families when the main breadwinner is called away from their place of employment to serve our country overseas,” said Wolfe, R-Ocean. “Although serving in a foreign land, they are still responsible for their household expenses and bills such as rent, mortgage and car payments, credit card bills, even paying their taxes. Unfortunately, many receive only a portion of their salaries from their places of employment while their bills continue to mount.

“I have worked for five years to get this legislation heard in committee. Unfortunately, it was held unexpectedly,” he continued. “I certainly hope the bill will be reconsidered at the committee’s next hearing for the sake of our military personnel and their families who would benefit greatly.”

The measure authorizes a “Support the Troops” specialty license plate in consultation with the Adjutant General of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs.

read more

Senator Jim Holzapfel / 732-840-9028

Assemblyman Dave Wolfe / 732-840-9028

Assemblyman Greg McGuckin / 732-840-9028

January 29, 2013

Sen. Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Dave Wolfe and Greg McGuckin, all R-Ocean, have introduced legislation that would prohibit a public utility from filing for a rate increase when a utility company’s authorized rate of return is being question by the Board of Public Utilities (BPU).

The lawmakers, who represent many of the hardest hit areas from Super Storm Sandy and the nor’easter which followed 10 days later, said the measure, S-2537/A-3698, is in response to Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) Company’s request for a $31.5 million rate hike while facing serious charges from state regulators who contend JCP&L earned nearly $90 million more than permitted by BPU in 2010. The utility is requesting the increase to cover costs incurred from Hurricane Irene and the October snowstorm, both in 2011.

At an Assembly Telecommunications & Utilities Committee hearing last month, McGuckin, a committee member, asked JCP&L’s president to withdraw its proposed increase until BPU determined if the company earned an excessive return in 2010. Since the company ignored the request, McGuckin said he and his colleagues have introduced legislation to address the issue.

“JCP&L customers hold their collective breath every time the rains fall and the winds blow, because, based on previous disastrous performances, they fear prolonged loss of their power,” said Holzapfel. “Its request for a rate hike is not only unfair, it’s offensive.”

“In light of suspicions that JCP&L overcharged ratepayers and following its disastrous response to the 2011 storms and continued poor performance in the aftermath of Sandy, the company’s request for a rate increase is unconscionable,” said McGuckin. “JCP&L should have used its 2010 profits to improve infrastructure and its response to major storms. It’s obvious that didn’t happen. Instead, they responded to Sandy with more misinformation and a lack of communication and preparation. While it is my hope that BPU will do the right thing and deny the request, this bill will ensure that ratepayers are protected from unwarranted increases in the future.”

“Far too many customers suffered much hardship as a result of going weeks without electricity in 2011 following Irene and the snowstorm and again after Sandy,” stated Wolfe. “Now those same ratepayers are being asked to pay more to an energy provider that is clearly unreliable. JCP&L has failed on several occasions to restore power in a timely manner to millions during widespread outages. Asking them to pay more for such deplorable service, especially when their earnings are in question is unthinkable.”

The bill would prohibit a public utility from filing a rate increase request when it has been directed by the BPU to file a base rate case to determine whether the utility company has exceeded its authorized rate of return or if it has been notified by BPU that it is under investigation for exceeding its authorized rate of return. It also would prohibit the BPU from considering, reviewing or approving such a request under the same circumstances.

If granted, JCP&L’s rate hike would take effect August 2013 and would result in a 1.4 percent increase in the average residential customer’s bill. The proposed increase does not include the half-billion dollar costs incurred from Sandy which the company is expected to recoup in the future with another rate hike proposal.

read more

Senator Jim Holzapfel / 732-840-9028

Assemblyman Dave Wolfe / 732-840-9028
Assemblyman Greg McGuckin / 732-840-9028

November 19, 2012

Sen. Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Dave Wolfe and Greg McGuckin, all R-10, introduced a package of bills today 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.

The first bill requires newly-constructed grocery stores, including supermarkets and convenience stores, to be equipped with automatic standby emergency power generators.

“As we’ve seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, access to food and other basic necessities was greatly compromised due to widespread and lengthy power outages,” said Holzapfel. “Having this measure in place will help ensure the public has ready access to food and other basic necessities during emergency situations.”

The second bill requires utility companies to locate electric distribution lines underground in areas affected by severe weather or natural disasters.

“Sandy and the snowstorm that followed caused unprecedented damage to New Jersey’s electrical system,” explained Wolfe. “In our district, which includes the barrier islands, we still have some residents without power. Such prolonged outages are more than an inconvenience. In many cases, they can be life threatening. They affect everything from the delivery of medical services to access to food and gasoline for our vehicles and generators. Installing power lines underground is a common sense solution to preventing future long-term power outages due to damaging winds, heavy snow and flooding.”

The third piece of legislation establishes additional mandatory penalties for looting during a state of emergency. The bill calls for a mandatory six month prison term or six months of community service, as determined by the court, if a person commits burglary, robbery or theft during an emergency. The mandatory penalties would be in addition to penalties currently imposed for the same crimes.

“Disasters bring out the best in people as we’ve seen with the outpouring of help from so many – locally, regionally and from around the country. Unfortunately, it also brings out the worst in a few who have tried to take advantage of people at their most vulnerable time,” said McGuckin. “Looting is a reprehensible act and those who would rob and steal from people whose homes and businesses have been devastated need to know they will be severely punished.”

Holzapfel, Wolfe and McGuckin noted they requested the package of legislation in the days after the storm, however, immediately following the disaster they focused their time and attention in helping restore power to their constituents and getting people back onto the barrier islands so they can assess damage to their property and homes.

The three legislators are also calling for legislative leaders to post for an immediate vote legislation they have sponsored and introduced in both Houses that ensures operation of certain motor fuel storage, distribution and dispensing facilities during disasters and emergencies.

The current bill, S-210/A-400, was first introduced by Holzapfel in 2006.

“I have been trying for years to move this bill through committee, but was always told, ‘This isn’t Florida.’ Well, guess what? We’re now Florida,” said Holzapfel. “New Jersey was left virtually paralyzed by Superstorm Sandy. The governor had no choice but to impose gas rationing because so much of the state was left without power and the means to pump gas.

“The state must have the ability to access gasoline for government, medical, critical infrastructure personnel and other emergency responders as well as the general public during a declared state of emergency,” he continued. “I urge our legislative colleagues to move this bill through the legislative process as quickly as possible to ensure the safety and protection of all affected.”

read more

Assemblyman Dave Wolfe / 732-840-9028

March 15, 2012

Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Dave Wolfe that revises the NJ STARS and NJ STARS II program, which will result in savings to both the state and New Jersey colleges while preserving the program for eligible students, today received full Assembly approval.

“The high cost of a college education today makes it very difficult for individuals and their families to afford. Often, an offer of financial assistance is the deciding factor as to whether a student attends college in state or out,” said Wolfe, R-Ocean and Monmouth. “Since its inception, the NJ STARS program has been an invaluable scholarship program that not only has served as a life line to many students who otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend college, but it has helped us retain many of our state’s brightest students.

“While this program has served our students and colleges well, it has become cost prohibitive for the state and many institutions of higher learning,” he continued. “This measure strikes the right balance as it eases the financial burden on our state and colleges while still providing students with some measure of needed assistance. It’s imperative that we preserve this vital program.”

The bill, A-1176/S-874, will cover the cost of tuition for NJ STARS I recipients attending county colleges. For NJ STARS II, students at both public and private four-year colleges and universities will also be eligible for the program. Those who qualify would receive a uniform annual scholarship of $2,500, covered wholly by the state.

The legislation now heads to Gov. Christie for his signature.

read more

Assemblyman Dave Wolfe / 732-840-9028

March 15, 2012

Assemblyman Dave Wolfe, R-Ocean, issued the statement below following General Assembly approval today of a resolution (AR-61) that would give the Assembly Transportation, Public Works & Independent Authorities Committee subpoena power to investigate the finances of the Port Authority:

“Governors Christie and Cuomo have taken appropriate bipartisan action to scrutinize the operations of the Port Authority in an effort to improve accountability and transparency issues at the bi-state agency. The audit they ordered hasn’t been fully completed and New Jersey Democrats are already demanding subpoena power and calling for a federal probe.

“Leading the charge of this politically motivated power grab is the chairman of the Assembly Transportation, Public Works & Independent Authorities Committee, who just also happens to be the State Democratic Party Chairman. Is it any wonder the public has so little confidence in its elected leaders?”

read more

Assemblyman Dave Wolfe / 732-840-9028

March 5, 2012

Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Dave Wolfe that revises the NJ STARS and NJ STARS II program, which will result in savings to both the state and New Jersey colleges while preserving the program for eligible students, today unanimously cleared the Assembly Higher Education Committee.

“The high cost of a college education today makes it very difficult for individuals and their families to afford,” explained Wolfe, R-Ocean and Monmouth. “The NJ STARS program serves as a life line to many students who otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend college. At the same time, due to our economic realities, it has become cost prohibitive for the state and many institutions of higher learning.

“This bill strikes the right balance,” he continued. “It eases the financial burden on our state and colleges while still providing students with some measure of needed assistance.”

Under Wolfe’s bill, A-1176, NJ STARS I will cover the cost of tuition only. For NJ STARS II, students at both public and private colleges and universities will also be eligible for the program. Those who qualify would receive a uniform annual scholarship of $2,500, covered wholly by the state.

read more