New Jersey Assembly Republicans

Press release — Problematic public employees could no longer receive taxpayer-funded severance packages or performance bonuses under a proposal to be introduced by Assemblyman Ronald S. Dancer.

Ron Dancer

“Taxpayers should not have to pay problematic public employees to go away,” Dancer, R-Ocean, Burlington, Middlesex and Monmouth, said. “It’s too easy for public officials to throw piles of cash and other goodies at their problems. The only thing that does is create higher costs for taxpayers, ratepayers and tuition payers.”

Dancer’s legislation, which will be introduced soon, would limit compensation to terminated employees to their base salary. If the legislation were in place before the recent Rutgers University basketball scandal, it would have saved more than $1 million from the severance packages given to Athletic Director Tim Pernetti, Coach Mike Rice and lawyer John B. Wolf, based on data from media reports.

“There are more than one million better ways to use public dollars than on severance packages for public employees with questionable conduct on the job,” Dancer said. “The public deserves better use of its resources than these outrageous payment packages.”

read more

Press release —  Assemblywoman  BettyLou DeCroce (R- Morris/Passaic) says the state Department of Environmental  Protection’s ( DEP) flood buyout program must include homes in the Passaic River  Basin, not just South and Central Jersey.

According to published reports, the DEP plans to  unveil a plan in the next two to three weeks for buying out roughly 1,000  flood-prone homes.

DeCroce says that while the Jersey Shore and some  Central Jersey communities have garnered the lion’s share of government interest  and financing for flood relief, the problem remains acute in the river basin  area that encompasses Morris and Passaic counties.

BettyLou DeCroce

“Flooding in the Passaic River Basin long predates  Superstorm Sandy.  People in the basin have been enduring  worsening flood disasters for four decades. The state and federal governments  must focus more attention on this area before the next deluge wipes out more  homes and businesses,” said DeCroce.

The assemblywoman noted that extensive flooding in  the region not only destroys private property and creates hardships for  individuals, but also takes a toll on the regional economy, municipal services  and public infrastructure. Hurricane Irene losses totaled hundreds of millions  of dollars for individuals and business owners.

“The business and household income losses after  Hurricane Irene were extraordinary,” says DeCroce, a real estate  professional.  “People from throughout the region were driven  from their homes, businesses were forced to close and residents lost income. The  storm was an economic disaster.

“While I appreciate the government’s focus on areas  hit hard by Sandy, we cannot lose sight of the fact the people in the river  basins of North Jersey live with the constant threat of flooding with each heavy  rain or Nor’easter,” said DeCroce

“More state and federal resources need to be  dedicated to flood remediation and home buyouts in North Jersey.”

read more

Assembly Republican Sean Kean, R-Monmouth and Ocean, issued the following statement regarding Gov. Christie’s anti-violence recommendations which he outlined today:

Sean Kean

“Violence is a problem that has increasingly permeated our society like a cancer. The prudent proposals Governor Christie outlined today are necessary and practical if we are to be successful in protecting our citizens.

“Certainly mental health screening and treatment services must be part of the equation as must the regulation of video games as studies have shown a correlation between the games and aggressive behavior. The governor is to be commended for taking an inclusive, sensible approach to addressing this difficult issue.”

Kean is the sponsor of legislation to prevent minors from purchasing “mature” or “adults only” rated video games.

The first measure, A-3987, prohibits the sale of any video game with an ESRB rating (Entertainment Software Rating Board) of “mature” or “adults only” to a person under the age of 18. A violation carries a fine of up to $10,000 for a first offense and up to $20,000 for each subsequent offense.

The second bill, A-3988, minors would be permitted to purchase video games containing mature and adult content only if their parent or guardian is present during the purchase and gives their consent verbally or in writing at the time of the sale. Penalties for any violations are the same as with the first bill.

read more

Press release — Assembly Republican Budget Officer Declan O’Scanlon, R-Monmouth, issued the following statement on a call from Assembly Democrats to reform the higher education funding formula.

Declan O'Scanlon

“I agree with Assemblyman Schaer who said our system of funding education is antiquated and broken. I support the administration’s ongoing efforts to fix it,” O’Scanlon said. “Reforming education funding must also include public school education, which accounts for roughly one third of the state’s budget.

“I thank some of our friends across the aisle for joining us in the realization that we need to behave responsibly and stop doing the same old things that didn’t work before,” O’Scanlon said. “Now, we need to take the next step and launch a bipartisan effort to replace Jon Corzine’s flawed education funding formula.”

####

read more

Press release — Assembly Republican Budget Committee member Anthony M. Bucco issued the following statement on Governor Christie’s budget proposal, which contains record levels of student assistance, and his administration’s focus on making colleges operate more efficiently:

Anthony Bucco

“Our commitment to Higher Education, students and tuition payers goes beyond record levels of direct aid to students that helps many afford college,” Bucco, R-Morris and Somerset, said. “Even more important is the focus on making colleges and universities operate more efficiently with the limited dollars we have. I commend Governor Christie’s administration for looking for ways to reduce costs such as working with high schools to better prepare students for college, exploring public/private partnership and using technology to maximize school facilities.

“This administration understands that we need new ways to deliver services with the scarce resources we have,” Bucco added.

The proposed Fiscal Year 2014 budget contains $405.1 million in student aid – the most in state history, which is an increase of $11.9 million, or 3 percent from the current year.

####

read more

Press release — Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon, R-Monmouth, issued the following statement applauding the steady, and accelerating reductions in New Jersey’s jobless rate:

Declan O'Scanlon

“This is great news – as is the fact that we are creating private sector jobs faster than at any time in the past 10 years.  The partisan reactions of Assemblyman Wisniewski and Senator Buono betray a level of delusion and arrogance remarkable even for them.

“Assemblyman Wisniewski’s suggestion today that the only way that jobs get created is through legislative action is indicative of the way he apparently thinks. Thank God Governor Christie understands that the best economic policy is sound, consistent, fiscally responsible, comprehensive policy across the board. Employers aren’t sitting around waiting for a package of “jobs” bills dreamed up in the depths of the Statehouse basement by the very people who created the mess that was NJ back when the Governor took over. Employers simply want to be left alone – keeping as much of the money their businesses generate so they can reinvest and grow faster. It apparently would shock Assemblyman Wisniewski to know that simple, consistent, good government with low taxes and fewer regulations IS a jobs program!

“It is incredible to watch the bellyaching by the very people responsible for driving N.J. into the deep hole it found itself in – and from which Governor Christie is now guiding us. Barbara Buono and John Wisniewski were in key leadership positions during the decade prior to Governor Christie’s taking over the reigns. Their policies led our state to the brink of bankruptcy. For them to even think of commenting – never mind negatively – about the current, rebounding state of New Jersey’s economy is the height of delusion. Of course, that makes it wildly entertaining, so I hope they don’t stop!”

####

read more

Press release — District 11 legislators Senator Jennifer Beck, Mary Pat Angelini and Caroline Casagrande (all R-Monmouth) joined Gov. Chris Christie in Long Branch today to continue working with small businesses owners who are struggling to recover from Superstorm Sandy.

“On behalf of local business owners and families, we are so appreciative of Gov. Christie’s leadership, as we continue to do everything possible to help them recover and reopen before the summer season kicks off,” Senator Beck said. “Our county coastline remains a vital resource for New Jersey’s economy, attracting tourists and serving as the livelihood of so many residents. Recovery here will be an integral part of ongoing private-sector job growth happening now in New Jersey.”

Gov. Christie met in Long Branch this afternoon with several restaurant and small business owners in the vicinity of the Monmouth County coast to better understand how the state can respond to their needs and concerns.

Mary Pat Angelini

“Not only is New Jersey’s economy on the rebound as today’s jobs data shows continued job creation, but Monmouth County is on track with its recovery from Super Storm Sandy,” said Assembly Republican Deputy Conference Leader Angelini. “Here in Long Branch, and all along the Shore, we are seeing signs of revitalization as we near the summer season. As our economy continues to strengthen and as nearly all of the businesses are open in the area, we need to stay the course by providing additional incentives. Now is the ideal time to implement the governor’s tax-cut proposal.”

Caroline Casagrande

“The governor’s visit to Long Branch shows his continued commitment to the businesses at the Jersey Shore” said Assemblywoman Casagrande. “Today’s jobs report shows another decline in the state’s unemployment rate, reaffirming that we are moving in the right direction to create private-sector jobs and grow the economy.”

####

read more

Press release — Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon, R-Monmouth, issued the following statement in response to the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s announcement that they would not add new red-light cameras (RLCs) to the list of authorized red light camera intersections:

Declan O'Scanlon

“This is very welcome news. Before you can put a bus in reverse you have to stop it and stopping the proliferation of these insidious RLCs is a step towards their eventual elimination.

“I commend the Department for making this decision, it is the right thing to do. If they were to continue to turn on new cameras it would be a clear indication that the only goal of this program is money because, as the DOT explained in its release, there just wouldn’t be time to compile any usable data before the pilot program expires.

“We know these cameras do not improve safety. The data is indisputable. Every objective study on this equipment demonstrates that. Subsequently, many jurisdictions are choosing to eliminate the cameras altogether. But the camera companies continue to relentlessly push for more cameras – clearly demonstrating that their only motivation is stealing more money from NJ residents. It is long past the time that New Jersey join the bandwagon and end this failed program.”

####

read more

Press release – In a letter to the Chairmen of both the Senate and Assembly Judiciary Committees, Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf, and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove have formally requested committee consideration of their legislation that would require the court to consider the results of a domestic violence assessment before dissolving a final restraining order when the defendant has two or more restraining orders against him.

The 9^th District Delegation’s legislation, S-185/A-648, would establish a “domestic violence assessment” as an assessment performed by a psychiatrist, licensed psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, or licensed professional counselor with the goal of determining the likelihood that the offender will commit future acts of violence, abuse, or other unacceptable behavior that could pose a threat to the victim, the victim’s family, the victim’s property, or other person identified as being at risk. The defendant would be responsible for the cost of the assessment, which would be considered confidential.

“This legislation was developed to prevent restraining orders from being dissolved by the courts when the defendant may still pose a danger to the victim who has sought protection under the law for their own safety or that of a loved one,” said Senator Connors. “To more effectively protect victims of domestic violence, the legislation would codify factors currently considered by the court in determining whether a defendant, who has applied to dissolve a final order, has established requisite good cause. These factors include, but are not limited to, whether the victim voluntarily consents to dissolve the final order or if the victim fears the defendant. Other key factors that would be considered include the number of times the defendant has been convicted of contempt for violating the final order and whether the defendant has been involved in other violent acts with other persons.”

Brian Rumpf

“Statistics clearly show that domestic violence is still pervasive in our society, despite the considerable efforts of law enforcement and social programs staffed by dedicated personnel,” said Assemblyman Rumpf. “According to the annual report on domestic violence in New Jersey, there were 70,311 domestic violence offenses reported by the police in 2011. While this represented a five percent decrease from the previous year, murders increased by five percent to 40 in 2011 as compared to 38 in 2010. Equally alarming, children were involved or present during 31 percent of all domestic violence offenses occurring in 2011. When considering the number of domestic violence incidents reported each year, while at the same time bearing in mind those incidents which go unreported, the benefits are obvious for requiring defendants to undergo a domestic violence assessment.”

DiAnne Gove

Assemblywoman Gove remarked, “Our justice system would be able to more effectively protect victims of domestic violence if the courts were provided with the findings from a domestic violence assessment of a defendant who has had two or more restraining orders filed against him. For instance, the assessment could determine if a pattern of abusive and dangerous behavior has been established. If so, the court would be in a more informed position to determine if a victim would be placed at greater risk should the restraining order they filed against the defendant be lifted.”

An overview of domestic violence services in the state can be found on the official website of New Jersey State Department of Children and Families at the following link: http://www.state.nj.us/dcf/women/domestic/. Included on the Department’s website is the Community Program Directory, which is provides a listing of services by county.

###

read more

Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick, R-Union, Somerset and Morris, issued the following statement on the latest jobs data released today by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) which shows the state’s unemployment rate fell to 9 percent, down 0.3 percentage points from February:

Jon Bramnick

“New Jersey’s economy continues to rebound. Businesses are again creating jobs because they have confidence that our state is on the right track. Now is the time for tax relief. The governor’s proposed tax cut for residents will further enhance the state’s economic momentum and create more opportunities for growth.”

The data shows private sector employers added 10,400 workers in March. During the past year from March 2012 to March 2013, New Jersey’s private sector employers have added 44,600 jobs. Since February 2010, which was the recessionary low point for private sector employment, private sector employment has increased by 127,800 jobs.

read more