10th District Team Ready to Override Murphy’s Veto of Bill to Aid Stressed Restaurant Industry

The 10th District Legislators continue to stand in support of New Jersey’s restaurant industry and small business owners by announcing they are ready to override the Governor’s veto of legislation which allows restaurants and bars to establish expanded service amid the Governor’s mandated restrictions. Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano call on President Sweeney and Speak Coughlin for votes to be scheduled in both houses of the Legislature to override Governor Phil Murphy’s veto of legislation (A-4525).

“It’s blow after blow for restaurant owners who have tried every possible solution to stay open during this pandemic despite the Governor’s endless executive orders,” state Senator Holzapfel. “I join my colleagues in the Senate and my fellow 10th District Assemblymen to request that this bill, which was passed unanimously in both houses, be voted on to override the Governor’s veto.”

The members of the Senate Republican Caucus issued a letter to Senate President Steve Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin calling for votes to be scheduled in both legislative houses to override the Governor’s veto of A-4525. The lawmakers note that since the original bill initially passed unanimously in both houses, there would be no reason for Senate and Assembly Democrats not to post this bill for an override vote.

“The initial legislation was swiftly passed in both the Senate and Assembly and when it reached the Governor’s desk, he chose to kill the bill,” said Assemblyman McGuckin. “In this case, our legislative branch of government has an opportunity to reclaim this bill and provide necessary help to a struggling industry.”

The legislation is a temporary response to allow for expanded food and beverage service to outdoor spaces they own or lease, including patios, decks, yards, walkways, parking lots and sidewalks.

“In times of crisis, the Governor needs to make exceptions to prevent our local restaurants from closing their doors permanently,” concluded Assemblyman Catalano. “This isn’t just about the small business owner. This is about the service staff and the list of subsidiary industries that rely on restaurants and bars to survive. Our delegation is ready and willing to override this veto and provide hope to this bleeding industry.”