New Jersey Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco criticized Governor Phil Murphy’s proposed budget cuts to ScreenNJ on Wednesday, calling the reductions “deeply troubling and frankly, irresponsible.” The program has provided free cancer screenings to over 110,000 residents since 2018, including 85,000 uninsured individuals.
ScreenNJ, a state-funded initiative focused on early cancer detection, faces reduced funding under the governor’s proposed budget. Bucco, a pediatric cancer survivor, said the cuts would endanger lives and undermine critical health services. “Those aren’t just numbers, they’re lives that have been potentially saved through early detection,” he said in a statement.
Bucco warned that the funding reduction could disrupt community partnerships and risk the loss of future grants that support screening programs. He urged the administration to preserve and expand access to life-saving healthcare services.
In 2021, Bucco sponsored S-3724, a bill signed into law that allocated $5 million to the New Jersey Pediatric Cancer Fund. He is also backing S-664, which would dedicate $10 million in tobacco tax revenue to the New Jersey Commission on Cancer Research, with half earmarked for pediatric cancer research.
Key points
- Gov. Murphy’s budget proposes cuts to ScreenNJ, a free cancer screening program
- Sen. Bucco says the cuts could endanger lives and compromise public health partnerships
- Bucco has supported legislation funding pediatric cancer research and screening access
Lawmakers weigh future of cancer screening and research funding in New Jersey
ScreenNJ has been a cornerstone of New Jersey’s cancer prevention efforts, offering free screenings to at-risk populations statewide. Advocates say budget support is critical to maintaining the program’s reach and impact.
Sen. Bucco’s ongoing legislative efforts reflect his focus on cancer prevention and research funding, particularly for pediatric patients. His latest proposal, S-664, aims to secure a consistent funding stream from tobacco tax revenues to bolster research initiatives.
The proposed budget and related healthcare funding measures are expected to be key issues in the upcoming legislative session.
Sen. Bucco warns that cuts to free cancer screenings could reverse years of progress in early detection and public health access.