State Sen. Tony Bucco (R-Boonton) hit Gov. Phil Murphy for vetoing a bill that would have given $30 million to restaurants impacted by the state’s COVID-19 shutdowns.
“It’s unbelievable that Governor Murphy would veto targeted relief funds to cover losses that restaurants incurred to comply with his changing executive orders,” he said. “It’s a slap in the face to an industry that’s struggling to survive.”
The governor vetoed the bill because, days earlier, he announced $35 million in aid to restaurants from the same source.
“Following the recent announcement that an additional $100 million in CARES Act funding will be available to support New Jersey residents and businesses, including $35 million dedicated to food establishments, the goals of this bill have already been achieved,” he said in his veto statement.