TRENTON – New Jersey State Senator Michael Testa has had enough of out-of-control crime in the Garden State, where criminals are being coddled by Governor Phil Murphy and Democrat lawmakers.
New Jersey has long been considered one of the safest states in America as a whole. Now, that could change as Democrats and Murphy continue to roll out soft-on-crime policies statewide. Those policies embolden and empower criminals and criminal enterprises who seek to exploit the criminal justice reform measures enacted by the governor and the Democrat state legislators.
A rising rate of car thefts, carjacking and crime is taking over New Jersey as car thieves from inner cities are making their way in droves to suburban communities to steal cars.
Testa met with local and county officials in Cape May County and announced he has introduced a series of bills meant to take a tough stance against crime across New Jersey.
“The meeting was in response to skyrocketing crime across the state and the late summer mayhem that shattered the carefree Saturday night atmosphere in Wildwood on September 24, resulting in two deaths and countless motor vehicle crashes and property damage,” Testa said.
“We all realize the situation is critical and something must be done to restore law and order to New Jersey’s streets and neighborhoods,” said Testa (R-1). “Unfortunately, the lawlessness we have seen play out in South Jersey and elsewhere is the result of the Murphy Administration’s mind-boggling pro-criminal agenda.
“In word and in action, the Governor has been supportive of the law-breakers and dismissive of the concerns of the bipartisan majority of residents who follow the rules, respect the police, and demand their elected officials to help keep them safe, not place them in harm’s way,” Testa continued.
Testa said local officials across the Jersey Shore are more than frustrated.
“They see growing crime numbers disrupting life in their municipalities, and they want to do something about it,” Testa said. “Right now, the best thing we can do is get Trenton out of the way and let the local police and State Police do the jobs they are trained to do – enforce the law and protect residents.”
The first-term lawmaker blamed the administration of Governor Phil Murphy for his soft-on-crime policies and directives that hinder law enforcement.
“The Governor’s Administration has done the opposite. From opening the doors and letting the convicted criminals out, to tying the hands of the police and prohibiting them from detaining minors with marijuana or alcohol, Trenton has emboldened the bad-actors and handcuffed the good guys,” the Senator stated.
Testa also blamed Murphy for the wildfire of car thefts across the state, saying his revolving door justice system encourages criminals and criminal enterprises to do business statewide.
“The crime bosses behind the theft rings realize they can engage minors to do the dirty work, with little to no risk of repercussions. They teach kids the skills needed for a life of crime, and if the kids do get busted, they know they will be released in no time and back on the job stealing cars and bringing in dirty money,” Testa said. “Is it any wonder towns local police are feeling abandoned and powerless?”
Testa announced a new crime bill that is likely to be ignored by the Democrat controlled legislative bodies in New Jersey.
“We have dozens of anti-crime bills ready for legislative action, but the Democrat majority has been slow to post these bills for votes,” Testa said. “New Jersey residents are tired of the foot-dragging and the laissez-faire attitude toward criminals. Safe streets are not a partisan luxury. They are something all Garden State families desire.”