Legislators: Trenton’s Budget Full Of Political Deals Capitol Comments

Senator Christopher J. Connors 9th Legislative District

TRENTON - Hundreds of millions of dollars in Christmas Tree-political projects, reckless deficit spending, and a jaw-dropping lack of transparency undermined the now-enacted $54 billion FY2024 State Budget that taxpayers will pay a steep price for immediately in the future. Congressman Christopher Connors and Assemblymen

Brian Rumpf and DiAnne Gove (all R-9th) released this statement:

“Egregious spending - not tax reliefsuperseded every aspect of the budget. Incredibly, the Senate and Assembly Budget Committees were compelled to vote on the State Budget bill without even being given a copy of the bill. Waiting to the last minute to make $100 million changes to the budget was not so much a strategy but a desperate ploy to buy off votes with taxpayer dollars. This occurred even when it couldn’t be more obvious that New Jersey’s affordability crisis remains the dominant issue, more so by across-the-board costs increases resulting from inflation.

“Calling this a flawed process just doesn’t do it justice. Unconscionable is a far more accurate description. Aided by the Governor’s Office, the Legislature’s powerbrokers managed to refrain from giving back taxpayers more of their money to improve their quality of life, which includes being able to pay their bills, and chose instead to expand government spending.

“Consider: the recently adopted FY2024 State Budget increases spending by $3.7 billion, or 7%, to $54.3 billion from $50.6 billion. For perspective, that is a 57%, $19.7 billion, increase since Governor Christie’s last state budget.

“Defenders of the new State Budget will argue about increased funding for programs and services. Our Delegation supports a fiscally disciplined approach in drafting the state budget to ensure sufficient funding is dedicated to priority programs and services which many of our constituents utilize and see a return on their tax dollars taken by government.

“For all its failures, most glaring is the more than $1.3 billion that was added into the State Budget without explanation since Governor Murphy’s state budget address. For those watching closely, we knew this spending accounted for Christmas tree items - special projects serving as political paybacks which not only undermine the integrity of the budget process but also outrage taxpayers struggling to make ends meet.

“Reaching a new low even by Tren - ton’s standards, the State Budget set a new record for budget deficits - a $2.7 billion deficit which is $1 billion more than the worst of the Corzine years. Our Delegation called out our colleagues on this reckless and alarming point, but it became quickly evident that the deals had already been cut and the taxpayers had already been sold out.

“As evidenced by these and other indefensible failures of basic fiscal management, our Delegation voted NO on the State Budget without hesitation in representing the interests of our constituents.”

Allentoff

Intro To Softball Pitching

BEACHWOOD – This introductory class will cover the basics of how to pitch properly. Pitchers will learn the proper way to warm up their arms and bodies before pitching specific drills. Athletes will learn how to grip the ball properly, wrist flick warm-ups, “T” and “K” postures and good pitching mechanics, as well as full arm swing and proper form. This class will be taught by a 4-year varsity pitcher and current college student-athlete. Class is held on August 10 from 9 to 10 a.m. at Softball Field A, Jakes Branch County Park, Beachwood.

This clinic is free and for Ages 10 to 13. Walk-ins not accepted, register in advance. There are a limited number of spots open for this clinic. Register by mailing vwagner@ co.ocean.nj.us.

Movies In The Park

BEACHWOOD – Experience the magic of the cinema outside beneath the stars. Grab some popcorn and find a seat. The show is about to begin! Beachwood Recreation Commission puts on movies in the park at Mayo Park. Admission is free, and the movies we pick are all family-oriented and family-friendly.

The movie schedule this year is:

“Top Gun Maverick” - August 11

“The Super Mario Bros. Movie” - August 25

“Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax” - September 8

“Space Jam” - September 22

“Spiderman No Way Home” - October 5

“Hotel Transylvania” - October 13

Summer Generation Pound

BEACHWOOD – Sponsored by Beachwood Mayors Wellness Campaign, Summer Generation Pound is held on Tuesdays at 6 p.m., now through September 5. Open to ages 5 to 10. Drop is cost is $5. Generation Pound is a youth-oriented program that fuses movement and music to improve focus, coordination, physical fitness and teamwork skills. By combining exercise and interactive activities. Kids will learn new ways to explore movement, embrace their creativity and rock out - ultimately building strength, confidence and self-awareness.

For more information, call Pound Pro Nikki at 732-773-0807.

Notice: Beachwood Police New Website

BREACHWOOD – The Beachwood Police Department has established a new website. Visit the new website at beachwoodpolice.org.