June 28, 2002

HECKS SLAMS PRO SPORTS LEAGUE OFFICIALS FOR MEDDLING IN NEWARK ARENA DEAL

Assemblywoman Rose M. Heck today blasted the YankeeNets organizations for trotting out professional athletes and the commissioners of the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Basketball Association (NBA) to lobby for a new taxpayer-funded professional sports arena in Newark.

Heck said yesterday’s press conference with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, NBA Commissioner David Stern and several professional athletes would not ease the concerns of legislators and taxpayers regarding the Newark arena proposal.

"With all due respect to Commissioner Bettman, Commissioner Stern and the professional athletes who would play at the new arena, I do not have an obligation to help make the YankeeNets, the NBA, the NHL and high-priced professional athletes more wealthy," said Heck, R-Bergen. "My only obligation is to protect the interests of New Jersey taxpayers and the citizens of Bergen County."

Heck took issue with Commissioner Stern’s assertion during the press conference that the new arena would be a boost to the professional sports leagues and the state.

"I’m sure a new taxpayer-funded arena would provide a boost to the professional sports leagues, but we are not going to provide that boost by asking taxpayers to help foot the bill for a new facility," Heck said. "If Commissioner Stern thinks the new arena is such a great idea and good for the NBA, he should have shown up yesterday with a check to help pay for it.

"If some of these fat-cat professional sports executives and players lived in the real world they might understand a little better why it is wrong to ask hardworking men and women to pay for a facility that will make money for the YankeeNets and the professional sports leagues," Heck added. "Unlike professional sports figures and team owners, New Jersey taxpayers do not make millions of dollars a year and live in lavish mansions.

"They work extremely hard to provide for their families," Heck said. "Perhaps the people in the professional sports world do not have to worry about mortgage payments, car payments, saving money to send their children to college and making ends meet each month, but most New Jersey taxpayers certainly have these concerns.

"I would urge the professional sports commissioners and the athletes to put themselves in the shoes of the average working man and woman in the State of New Jersey and then decide whether to come to Trenton and ask them to help finance a new professional sports arena," Heck said. "It might give them a different view of the world."

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June 27, 2002

ASSEMBLY REPUBLICANS PROVIDE HELP FOR MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA AND THE PUBLIC CONFUSED BY McGREEVEY’S RHETORIC

As the deadline for approving a Fiscal Year 2003 budget approaches, some members of the media and the general public may be having trouble reconciling some of the past words they have heard from Governor McGreevey with some of the proposals he has sought to include in his spending plan.

In order to help clear up this confusion, the Assembly Republican office thought that it might be helpful to produce a translation of what Governor McGreevey’s words mean in actual practice. So after seeking the help of numerous language experts, and tirelessly matching Governor McGreevey’s past rhetoric with his current proposals, we have been able to develop a guide to help translate the true meaning of the Governor’s words.

We are pleased to introduce the first edition of the McGreevey-to-English Dictionary, additional copies of which are available as a service to the people of New Jersey, free-of-charge from the Assembly Republican Office.

Have you ever heard the Governor speaking about "Living within our means," and wondered, "Gee what does he mean by that?" Well we have your answer.

Simply go to Page One of the Dictionary and you will find that "Living within our means" in McGreevey-speak, actually means "Spending $2 billion we don’t have" in plain English.

You’ll find many more useful translations that we are sure will make your life easier. In the future, the Governor will still have the ability to confuse you, but at least not on these issues.

You can view the dictionary here (PDF document; Adobe Acrobat required).

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June 26, 2002

MALONE SAYS BUDGET PROCESS IS IN STATE OF CHAOS

Assembly Republican Budget Officer Joseph R. Malone today said the state budget process has become mired in a state of chaos and confusion as Democrat scrambles to reach an agreement on a spending plan.

"From day one this budget process has been like a three-ring circus with no ringmaster," said Malone, R-Burlington, Monmouth, Ocean, Mercer. "Here we are with just five days before the state must approve a balanced budget and we have yet to see a final spending plan, or some semblance of one, on the table for consideration.

"By far, this budget process has been the most chaotic and disorganized I have witnessed during my more than eight years in Trenton," added Malone, who is a former vice-chairman of the Assembly Budget Committee. "It’s clear Assembly Democrats are extremely concerned with the tax and spend proposals in this budget plan.

"After all, they will have to explain to the public why they increased spending by more than 9 percent in the midst of what the Governor has called a budget crisis. They will have to explain why they raised taxes, increased fees, added to the state debt and cut back on state aid to growing school districts in order to pay for the additional spending."

Malone said the Democrats have failed in their attempt to demonize Republicans for past budget practices and stumbled badly in trying to justify raising taxes for new spending initiatives.

"From day one, they have focused their attention on firing shots at Republicans and blaming us for all the state’s problems," Malone said. "But like the "Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight’, they always wind up shooting themselves in the foot.

"For 10 years, the Democrats sat back and had all the answers on budget issues," Malone continued. "They were certainly able to talk the talk for a long time, but now that they have to walk the walk they are tripping over themselves."

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June 24, 2002

GREGG SAYS PUBLIC ADVOCATE BILL EXPANDS BUREAUCRACY; WILL LEAD TO HIGHER AUTO INSURANCE RATES

Assembly Appropriations Officer Guy R. Gregg charged that the Democrats’ initiative to re-establish the Office of Public Advocate will expand the state bureaucracy and cost taxpayers more money, but will make it easier for insurance companies to receive expedited rate hikes.

Gregg said Democrat amendments to the proposal remove the Public Advocate from the rate-increase process unless the request is more than 7 percent. This would enable insurance companies to file for an expedited 7 percent rate increase every year with no involvement from the Public Advocate.

"It is almost inconceivable that we would ask taxpayers to pay more for an expanded state bureaucracy that will leave them more vulnerable to expedited rate increases," said Gregg, R-Sussex, Hunterdon, Morris. "This legislation was bad in its original form and it’s even worse now in its amended form."

Gregg said insurance companies may utilize an expedited procedure for increasing their auto and homeowners insurance rates. Under the current expedited procedure process, an insurance company may increase their rates no more than 3 percent annually for auto insurance and no more than 5 percent annually for homeowners insurance.

"The expedited rate-increase procedure will remove the Public Advocate from the process unless the insurance company’s requested increase is more than 7 percent," Gregg said. "This new version of the Public Advocate will set a high threshold for Public Advocate intervention and leave consumers vulnerable to significant rate increases with no recourse. Creating a new level of bureaucracy that serves insurance companies more than it serves state residents is absolutely ludicrous."

Gregg said even though the measure was approved 45-35, he expected the bill would be vetoed by Governor McGreevey.

"When the Jim McGreevey was campaigning for Governor, he promised to address auto insurance," Gregg said. "If this is his first step in addressing the issue, New Jersey motorists are in for a lot of trouble.

"If the Governor remains true to his campaign promises, he will veto this measure," Gregg stated. "It flies in the face of his promise to open up the insurance rate-making process and provide greater protection for consumers."

One of McGreevey’s campaign press releases from last year stated: "Jim McGreevey wants to restore the Public Advocate to give New Jersey’s citizens a voice in Trenton. He will mandate that no auto insurance rate hike will receive approval unless the Public Advocate has participated in the process, so that the interests of our drivers are protected. Jim McGreevey will also ensure that the public will be allowed to become more involved in rate-increase hearings."

Gregg said McGreevey’s campaign pledge and the new Public Advocate bill are contradictory.

"Once again, the Democrats’ rhetoric is not supported by their actions," Gregg said. "This legislation is either a sellout to the insurance companies or another case of saying one thing to get elected and then doing another."

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June 24, 2002

HECK EXPRESSES CONCERN THAT PUBLIC ADVOCATE BILL HAS OPENED THE DOOR TO HIGHER INSURANCE RATES

Assemblywoman Rose Heck Monday voted against a Democrat sponsored public advocate bill that not only increases the size of state government by creating an office to carry out oversight functions already being performed by existing state offices, but one that also raises the maximum rate increase permitted of auto insurers.

In addition to many other problems with the public advocate bill, Heck, R-Bergen, said that it was "frightening" that Democrats have amended the bill to make it easier and faster for both the auto insurance industry and providers of home owners insurance to raise rates on consumers.

"Not only does this bill raise the maximum increase from three percent to seven percent, it does so without allowing for any input from the public, or from the public advocate," Heck said. "This administration promised to look out for the interests of our insured drivers, but now they are doing just the opposite."

Under the amendment to A-345, the maximum rate of increase permitted under an expedited process will increase from three to seven percent for auto insurers, and from five to seven percent for providers of homeowners insurance.

"It is ironic that this change, which could permit increased insurance rates, is part of the public advocate bill," Heck said. "Here the Democrats are adding a new layer of bureaucracy to supposedly look out for the interests of our residents, and the administration is using the bill to make it easier for auto insurers to raise rates without public input."

Heck said she was disappointed that for the second consecutive session her 38^th District colleague Assemblyman Ahearn failed to stand up for the interests of his constituents.

"This bill adds bureaucracy, increases insurance rates, and adds a minimum of $5 million of new spending at a time when we are facing a severe budget crunch," Heck said. "I wish Assemblyman Ahearn had joined me in opposing this proposal."

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June 24, 2002

DeCROCE TO CARABALLO: "BELIEVE IT OR NOT, TAXPAYERS MIGHT THINK A $5 MILLION SAVINGS IS A LOT OF MONEY"

Assembly Republican Conference Leader Alex DeCroce today said Democrat’s seem determined to further expand the size of the state bureaucracy and spend more money even as their Governor continues to talk about a "budget crisis of historic proportions."

DeCroce said he was referring to a Democrat plan to spend $5 million to re-establish the Office of Public Advocate. The original proposal called for a new $10 million appropriation, but that amount has since been reduced.

"Unfortunately, the protections offered to consumers also have been reduced in this legislation," DeCroce stated. "This legislation spends more taxpayer dollars and offers the public a lot less in return.

"If the state was indeed in deep fiscal distress, it would make sense for the Governor and his Democrat colleagues to cut spending and scale back the size of state government," DeCroce added. "In this case, the Democrats declare a budget crisis and then proceed to move forward with a budget that increases spending by $2 billion and borrows more money for operating expenses. Then they complain and whine when Republicans opposes a plan that would spend more money to increase the size of state government.

"Well, you can’t have it both ways. You can’t declare a fiscal crisis and then justify an expansion of the state bureaucracy regardless if the price tag is $10 million or $5 million," DeCroce continued. "Assemblyman Caraballo doesn’t seem to think $5 million is a lot of money, but taxpayers may beg to differ on that point, especially when their taxes are being increased."

DeCroce said Caraballo’s cavalier approach to spending additional tax dollars during difficult fiscal times shows a lack of sensitivity to the state’s taxpayers.

"Don’t cut back on school aid to districts with increasing student populations and don’t scale back property tax relief for homeowners while proposing more government spending for the state bureaucracy," DeCroce said. "The duties and responsibilities outlined under the Public Advocate bill can and should be handled by existing state government agencies. I don’t think New Jersey citizens believe we need a bigger and more expansive state government. I would venture to say they would rather save the $5 million Assemblyman Carballo wants to spend."

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June 24, 2002

MALONE SAYS PUBLIC ADVOCATE WOULD BENEFIT INSURANCE COMPANIES BY ALLOWING AUTO RATE HIKES

Assembly Budget Officer Joseph R. Malone today urged residents to voice opposition to restoring the Department of the Public Advocate.

Malone said the measure would not only cost taxpayers more money in expanding the role of state government, but also would make it easier for insurance companies to receive expedited rate hikes.

"Governor McGreevey and his Democratic supporters in the Legislature are asking the public to pay more for an unnecessary office in the Governor’s Administration while leaving the public vulnerable to significant rate increases," said Malone, Assembly Republican Budget Officer, R-Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean. "While the sponsors of this legislation claim the Public Advocate will work for all New Jersey residents, the measure appears to benefit insurance companies."

Malone said insurance companies may utilize an expedited procedure for increasing their auto and homeowners insurance rates. Under the expedited procedure process, an insurance company may increase their rates no more than 3 percent for auto insurance and no more than 5 percent for homeowners insurance in any 12-month period.

Malone said under the measure, the expedited rate-increase procedure would remove the Public Advocate from the process unless the insurance company’s requested increase is more than 7 percent.

"When Governor McGreevey campaigned last fall, he promised that no automobile-insurance rate hike would receive approval unless the Public Advocate participated in the process. Unfortunately, the measure was amended so that if the rate hike is below 7 percent, the Public Advocate would not be involved at all," said Malone.

"Clearly the rhetoric surrounding the Public Advocate has been fashioned to mislead the public into believing they would have an independent agency to stand-up for their needs," said Malone. "Instead, the Public Advocate is nothing more than an additional layer of bureaucracy between the Governor and the people he serves.

"New Jersey already has the most powerful executive in the nation. Re-establishing the Office of Public Advocate, would not only expand the size and scope of the Governor’s office to unnecessary proportions, but it would do so at the expense of homeowners, automobile owners and every New Jersey taxpayer."

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June 21, 2002

REPUBLICANS SOLVE THE BUDGET SPENDING MYSTERY FOR GREENWALD

Assembly Democrat Budget Committee Chairman Lou Greenwald seemed dumbfounded, confused and downright perplexed yesterday when it was brought to his attention that the Governor’s proposed budget increases spending by nine percent.

So in the spirit of bipartisanship, we will help the novice chairman with the math so he can understand exactly what the Governor’s budget proposes.

The budget approved last year was $22.9 billion. With us so far Mr. Chairman? Good.

When you take into consideration $400 million in additional spending that has, or will occur, during Fiscal Year 2002 the number is $23.3 billion. Still with us?

The $23.3 billion number does not, however, take into account spending decreases implemented by former Acting Governor DiFrancesco or Governor McGreevey. According to Governor McGreevey’s budget publication, $1.676 billion in spending reductions and lapses will occur in Fiscal year 2002. We didn’t lose you yet did we?

Okay then.

The treasurer also told the Budget Committee that an additional $64 million in spending reductions will occur before the end of June. Sound familiar?

Now, based on the Governor’s budget publication, and the treasurer’s testimony, the adjusted Fiscal Year 2002 appropriation should be $21.58 billion. Following along?

So, when we take the Governor’s proposed $23.6 billion spending proposal and subtract the adjusted Fiscal Year 2002 appropriation of $21.58 billion from that number, we get a spending increase of a little more than $2 billion or 9.3 percent increase.

Mister Chairman, the mystery is solved -- unless of course you think your Governor is not being truthful with his figures.

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June 20, 2002

MALONE CALLS TOBACCO BOND DEAL A RISKY AND COSTLY SCHEME FOR NEW JERSEY TAXPAYERS

Assembly Republican Budget Officer Joseph R. Malone today warned that New Jersey would not only take a financial loss on the Democrats’ proposed bond deal, its taxpayers also would be placed at risk if the bond payments go up in smoke as a result of disruptions in lawsuit settlement income.

"This was a risky scheme when it was first proposed by the administration and it’s still a risky scheme today," said Malone, R-Burlington, Ocean, Monmouth, Mercer. "By borrowing against the state’s tobacco lawsuit settlement, the Democrats are ensuring that New Jersey may only receive about 29 cents on a dollar with the issuance of tobacco bonds.

"You don’t have to be a public accountant to ascertain that this is a bad financial deal for the State of New Jersey and its taxpayers," Malone added. "When you also consider the potential risk to taxpayers in the event there is a default on payment to bond holders, it becomes an even worse deal."

Malone also expressed concern with using a massive infusion of one-shot revenues for operating expenses in the state budget.

"Once those one-shot revenues are used up, they have to be replaced by another revenue source, or the programs funded by those monies will have to be eliminated," Malone stated. "The very short-term benefit is not worth the long-term financial loss to the state or the risk to taxpayers.

"The Democrats may feel comfortable rolling the dice and hoping it comes up a lucky seven, but I don’t believe we should be gambling with taxpayer dollars," Malone said. "No matter how the Democrats try to put a positive spin on this legislation, it is a losing proposition for New Jersey."

Despite objections from Malone and other Republican legislators, the Democrats voted 42-34-1 to approve the tobacco bond measure.

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June 20, 2002

KEAN QUESTIONS RISKY TOBACCO SETTLEMENT LEGISLATION THAT WOULD BALANCE BUDGET

Assemblyman Tom Kean, Jr. questioned the McGreevey administration’s tobacco settlement legislation, up for a vote in the General Assembly today, that would not only place the state at risk, but also would deprive the state of a future revenue source.

The bill, A-2502, would establish the Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation, which would be charged with selling all or part of the state’s interest in the Master Settlement against national tobacco companies, and issuing revenue bonds to the state.

"This is really just a one-shot deal," said Kean, R-Essex, Morris, Somerset, Union. "If this legislation is enacted, almost $300 million annually of potential revenue will be gone. Even if this risky scheme helps to balance the budget this year, where will that $300 million-a-year be made up in future budgets, and how will areas such as health care and school construction get the stable source funding that the $300 million previously covered? This is not a wise thing to do, and the state will pay a price down the road."

The Master Tobacco Settlement was reached in 1998, after 46 states collectively sued the tobacco companies on behalf of taxpayers in order to recover money spent on smokers’ healthcare. Under the settlement, states will receive $206 billion from tobacco companies to fund anti-smoking campaigns, reimburse states for Medicaid expenses, and fund programs to help smokers quit, among other requirements.

"What concerns me about this legislation is the associated risk," Kean continued. "The administration has said that the state is technically immune to liability, but if there is a default on interest payments, the state probably has a moral obligation to repay that debt.

"McGreevey pledged to stop irresponsible borrowing, but one of the first initiatives presented is this – to stop the gap by issuing bonds," said Kean . "This strikes me as neither responsible nor prudent."

In spite of Kean’s objections and those from other Republican legislators, the bill was approved by a 42-34-1 vote.

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June 20, 2002

AHEARN DELIVERS DEATH TAX VOTE

DEMOCRATS BURY NEW JERSEY FAMILIES WITH NEW DEATH TAX

Assemblywoman Rose Heck Thursday voted against a Democrat sponsored proposal to impose a new Death Tax on New Jersey families, and condemned her 38^th District colleague Assemblyman Matt Ahearn’s actions in supporting the proposal.

"The Death Tax has a devastating impact on many small family-owned businesses and farms in New Jersey," Heck, R-Bergen, said. "Because of this law, many of the families who own these businesses and farms will not be able to pass them on to future generations because the tax burden will be much too high."

The bill on Thursday’s agenda, A-2302, seeks to end the link between New Jersey’s Estate Tax and the federal tax now in the process of being repealed. This legislation would place the exclusion limit for taxable estates in New Jersey at $675,000, despite the fact that the federal limit has been increased to $1 million and will increase to $3.5 million by 2009.

"At a time when President Bush and Republicans in Congress are seeking to make the federal estate tax repeal permanent, it is unfortunate that Democrats in New Jersey are doing just the opposite, increasing the tax burden on our families," Heck said.

Heck expressed disappointment that it was a member representing her district, Assemblyman Matt Ahearn, who cast the decisive 41^st vote needed for the new Death Tax bill to be approved.

"I am disappointed that Assemblyman Ahearn would succumb to pressure from his party leadership and ignore the needs of Bergen County families by casting the deciding vote on this piece of legislation," Heck said. "Voting for this death tax showed a total lack of concern for the taxpayers of New Jersey and the residents of our district."

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June 20, 2002

AHEARN AND SARLO CAST DECIDING VOTES ON BILL DESIGNED TO ADVANCE NEWARK ARENA PROPOSAL

BILL WOULD PROVIDE NEWARK WITH FUNDING MECHANISM FOR ARENA

Bergen County Democrat Assemblymen Matt Ahearn and Paul Sarlo cast the deciding votes Thursday as the General Assembly approved legislation designed to help advance Governor McGreevey’s proposal for a new sports arena in downtown Newark.

The Assembly Thursday approved S-533 with 42 votes. Had both Sarlo and Ahearn voted against the proposal, the bill would have fallen short of the 41 votes needed to get a piece of legislation through the General Assembly.

Under this bill Newark will be permitted to contract with an incorporated non-profit association for the provision of water supply services or wastewater treatment services, and to lease any real property or capital improvement or interests therein.

It is anticipated that Newark may use the $100 to 300 million in revenue generated by this proposal to fund its portion of the Newark Arena deal offered by Governor McGreevey. Additionally, the nonprofit would be able to bond for the water and sewer improvements needed to support the new arena in Newark.

Democrats rejected an amendment offered by Republican Assemblyman Larry Chatzidakis that would have specified that none of this revenue could be used for the financing of costs associated with a sports and entertainment facility.

Ironically, earlier in the day, Sarlo and Ahearn held a press conference stating that they would not support the Newark Arena if it will harm the taxpayers of Bergen County. However, by voting for S-533, they provided Newark with a key tool necessary to fund its proposed new arena – an arena that would effectively kill the Continental Airlines arena and damage the Bergen County economy.

This was the second time today that Ahearn put the interests of his party leadership ahead of those of Bergen County residents. Earlier Thursday Ahearn cast the deciding 41^st vote for a new Death Tax in New Jersey.

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June 17, 2002

PENNACCHIO ASKS HOW McGREEVEY CAN FIND FUNDS FOR CAMDEN WHEN HE HAS NO MONEY FOR SCHOOL AID OR RURAL POLICE

Assemblyman Joseph Pennacchio Monday questioned where Governor McGreevey will find $175 million for a proposed Camden revitalization plan at a time when he has cut watershed protection funding, frozen state education aid and is pushing forward with a plan to revoke State Police protection for rural towns.

"I find it curious that every time one of Governor McGreevey’s political allies needs help, there is money available in the budget," Pennacchio, R-Morris and Passaic, said. "However, he can’t seem to find funding for such vital services like watershed protection, rural police protection and education funding,"

McGreevey announced plans last Thursday to pump $175 million of taxpayer money into a Camden revitalization project. The legislation implementing that plan was approved by the Assembly Appropriations Committee Monday.

Pennacchio said Camden already receives a tremendous amount of municipal and school aid from New Jersey taxpayers, and that ultimately it is up to local officials in Camden to do better with the funding they currently receive.

"In past years we have seen numerous examples of waste and mismanagement in Camden with three of the last five mayors being indicted," Pennacchio said. "Given the large amount of state assistance the city already receives, I have to believe if the local government could cut down on waste and corruption they would be able to implement their own revitalization plan."

"Everyone recognizes Camden is a city that needs help," Pennacchio said. "But to provide $175 million in funding for a revitalization project at a time when the Governor’s budget is putting basic services such as police protection in jeopardy, is outrageous."

Pennacchio said he also finds it ironic that the Governor is proposing $175 million in economic development aid to Camden while proposing to implement a business tax hike of nearly $1 billion which may threaten economic development throughout the state.

"If the Governor’s business tax proposal goes through, it may not just be Camden that will be in need of economic revitalization, it might be the entire state," Pennacchio said.

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June 17, 2002

GREGG, CORODEMUS BLAST PUBLIC ADVOCATE BILL

Assembly Appropriations Officer Guy R. Gregg and Assemblyman Steve Corodemus today urged Democrats to abandon plans to expand the state bureaucracy by restoring the Department of the Public Advocate.

"The Governor has repeatedly stated that New Jersey is facing an economic crisis, yet here he is supporting legislation that would not only increase the size of state government, but cost taxpayers millions of dollars as well," said Gregg, R-Sussex, Hunterdon, Morris. "Instead of looking for money-saving cuts as he promised, Jim McGreevey is spending more money. Rather than trying to expand state government, the Democrats should focus on putting money back into taxpayers’ wallets, rather than into state government coffers.

"It’s like moving deck chairs on the Titanic, only this time, we’re making the taxpayers pay for the chairs," Gregg added.

Corodemus said the state already has the State Commission on Investigation, the Inspector General and the Division of the Rate Payer Advocate to act as watchdogs over state agencies – the task McGreevey says the Department of the Public Advocate will ultimately fulfill.

"When Jim McGreevey ran for Governor, he campaigned on changing the way Trenton works," said Corodemus, R-Monmouth. "Reinstating this office would do nothing more than add another layer of bureaucracy to the Governor’s Administration, and in our current ‘budget crisis,’ that is the last thing New Jersey needs.

"If the Governor is truly concerned about New Jersey taxpayers, he will put this redundant measure on the back-burner and focus on saving, not wasting, state dollars."

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June 13, 2002

ASSEMBLY REPUBLICAN POLICY COMMITTEE TAKES UP FIGHT FOR MIDDLE-INCOME SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Kicking off its examination of the financial plight of middle-income school districts, the Assembly Republican Policy Committee held its first public hearing this evening at Raritan High School in Hazlet.

"Through its decisions in Abbott v. Burke, the State Supreme Court has created a three-tier education system in New Jersey that has both ends squeezing the middle," commented Assemblyman Thomas H. Kean, Jr., R-Union, Essex, Morris, Somerset and Chairman of the Policy Committee. "When the Supreme Court decided to increase per pupil spending in the state’s 30 poorest school districts to be equal to the amount spent in our wealthiest districts, it consciously avoided dealing with the impact this decision would have on the quality of education in the middle income districts. The Court’s disregard for these communities has led to increased property taxes and cuts in education programs that are reaching crisis proportion," Kean added.

Assembly Kean was joined at the hearing by Assemblyman Samuel D. Thompson, Assemblyman Joseph Azzolina and Assemblyman Michael J. Doherty.

Thompson, R-Monmouth, Middlesex, who represents Hazlet and the surrounding communities said, "The current school funding mechanisms and formulas are grossly unfair to middle-income school districts."

"I represent all three types of districts - Abbott, wealthy and middle-income - but regardless of geography and wealth, every child deserves a world-class education, and this should be the overriding principle in funding our schools," said Azzolina R-Monmouth, Middlesex, who also represents Hazlet. "Unfortunately, the Court prefers to pit communities against each other and has slanted the playing field by supporting one side."

"Every time the wealthy districts increase spending, the State must match that spending in the 30 poorest districts. The money has to come from somewhere, and ultimately, that source is the pocket of the middle- income districts," said Doherty R-Warren, Hunterdon. "The problem is being exacerbated this year by the Governor’s decision to flat fund state school aid, which fails to address growing enrollments in suburban districts and actually decreases per pupil aid."

Kean said the Policy Committee will hold hearings throughout the state to solicit input from parents and educators, with the aim of drafting legislation to address the needs of middle income school districts.

For information on upcoming hearings, please call the Assembly Republican Office at 609-292-5339.

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June 13, 2002

DiGAETANO AND HECK CONDEMN ASSEMBLY VOTE FOR NEW SOCCER STADIUM

Assembly Republican Leader Paul DiGaetano and Assemblywoman Rose Heck said Thursday that Bergen County Democrats in the Assembly abandoned their constituents by not opposing legislation facilitating a new Metro-Stars soccer stadium in Harrison.

The bill, A-2352, which would authorize the creation of sports and entertainment districts in Harrison was approved by the full General Assembly Thursday. The bill is specifically tailored to allow Harrison to create such a district for a new MetroStars soccer stadium, which would draw the team out of Giants Stadium in the Meadowlands.

"This bill is not only bad for the residents of Bergen County, but also for the taxpayers of New Jersey," DiGaetano, R-Essex, Passaic and Bergen, said. "Under this proposal the state will lose the tax revenue already being generated by the Metro-Stars at the Meadowlands. This means the taxpayers will be directly financing this project."

"This bill, along with the efforts to shut down the Continental Airlines Arena will have a devastating impact on the Meadowlands Sports complex," Heck, R-Bergen, said. "This sports complex is a vital component of the Bergen County economy and these proposals are a direct attack on the residents of Bergen County."

"This bill could not have been approved if all the members of the Bergen County delegation stood together in opposition," DiGaetano said. "I’m sorry that some of my colleagues on the Democrat side of the aisle choose to stand with their party leadership instead of with the residents of Bergen County."

"Right now the Meadowlands is a world-class sports complex," Heck said. "The only thing the complex lacks is adequate mass transportation access, and I have proposed legislation to address that problem. There is simply no reason why the Nets, the Devils, or the MetroStars should need to move out of these facilities."

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June 13, 2002

O’TOOLE ANGERED BY GOVERNOR’S USE OF TAX DOLLARS TO MISLEAD THE PUBLIC ON STATE LAYOFFS

Assemblyman Kevin J. O’Toole today charged Governor Jim McGreevey with using public tax dollars to fund a public relations campaign that deliberately misinforms and misleads New Jersey citizens about the number of reductions to the state work force.

"If it isn’t bad enough that the Governor is deliberately misleading the general public by telling them he has reduced the size of the state work force, he is using their money to spread this fabrication statewide," said O’Toole, R-Bergen, Passaic, Essex, and a member of the Assembly Budget Committee. "When the commissioner of personnel appeared before the Assembly Budget Committee, she was questioned about the Governor’s claim that 600 state positions were eliminated. At that time, the commissioner admitted that the 600 layoff figure was inaccurate.

"Unfortunately, that has not stopped the Governor from utilizing the number as part of his budget spin and rhetoric," O’Toole added. "The Governor owes the citizens of New Jersey an apology for knowingly disseminating false information to the general public at taxpayer expense."

According to media reports, nearly two million homeowners across the state recently received a letter from the Governor along with their NJSAVER rebate applications. McGreevey wrote in the letter that he has "already reduced the size of the state work force by 600 positions."

When it was pointed out that Personnel Department records show the number of state positions is only down 344 since last December, a McGreevey spokeswoman replied said, "it is a very fluid process."

"The only thing fluid in this case seems to be the Governor’s use of the facts. They seem to fluctuate on almost a daily basis to suit his political needs," O’Toole said. "My parents always told me to never use the ‘L word,’ but this Governor certainly seems to be engaging in behavior that can easily be described as less than truthful.

" It is ironic that the Governor who promised to give voters ‘straight talk’ has a real problem keeping his facts straight," O’Toole stated. "New Jersey citizens deserve better."

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June 11, 2002

DiGAETANO QUESTIONS GOALS AND MOTIVES OF DEMOCRAT TASK FORCE ON FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

Assembly Republican Leader Paul DiGaetano today questioned the goals and motives of the Democrat’s new "bipartisan" task force after the panel’s membership was stacked with majority members.

DiGaetano outlined his concerns about the task force’s bipartisanship in a letter to Assembly Speaker Albio Sires.

In the letter, DiGaetano questioned whether the Democrats’ Task Force on Fiscal Responsibility was created for purely political purposes, or intended to serve as a legitimate means to further enhance sound fiscal policy.

DiGaetano said the fact that the task force was using its first committee meeting to launch a public relations effort aimed at boosting the prospects of a Newark arena project that is clearly lacking public support raised immediate questions.

"With all of the state’s financial troubles, I find it interesting that the task force’s first meeting will focus on the current and future financial outlook of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority," said DiGaetano, R-Essex, Bergen, Passaic. "On its surface, this meeting looks like a thinly veiled attempt to help the Democrats’ justify the Newark arena proposal in the wake of eroding public support.

"Independent data clearly shows the public does not support a new professional sports arena in Newark, but the Democrats appear determined to press forward with the project anyway," DiGaetano said. "During the past several weeks, the Democrats have tried to line up support for the Newark arena project because it was failing to win support among the general public. Now this task force appears poised to try and make a rational case for spending taxpayer dollars to build a new professional sports arena for George Steinbrenner and the YankeeNets sports entertainment empire."

The task force, which is scheduled to meet Wednesday, has invited George Zoffinger, president and chief executive officer of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, to discuss the agency’s fiscal outlook with the task force.

"It would appear that the Newark arena is an extremely high priority for the Democrat leadership," DiGaetano said. "The focus should be on the Governor’s proposed budget -- a spending plan that increases taxes, spending and debt. If this task force plans to focus on fiscal responsibility, it should question the wisdom of committing state dollars to build an arena that the public clearly does not want."

DiGaetano said he was skeptical of the task force’s intentions and goals from the beginning after the Democrats held a press conference announcing the new ‘bipartisan task force’.

"Ironically, Republicans were never asked to participate in the press conference," DiGaetano stated. "Seventeen or so Democrats conducting a press conference did not seem like a very bipartisan beginning.

"It seems very clear that this task force will be used for political purposes and to deflect attention away from Governor McGreevey’s fiscal and economic policies," DiGaetano continued. "My belief is this task force, as constituted, will be more concerned with politics than crafting sound public policy."

Below is the text of DiGaetano's letter.

June 11, 2002

Hon. Albio Sires
Speaker
New Jersey General Assembly
State House-PO Box 098
Trenton, New Jersey 08625

Dear Speaker Sires:

I am in receipt of your letter of May 30 regarding the creation of the Assembly Task Force on Fiscal Responsibility. While I support the idea of examining how events beyond our control have negatively impacted our state budget, and identifying steps we can take to neutralize these problems in the future, I am extremely disappointed at what appears to be an effort on the part of the majority to politicize this process from the very creation of this panel.

In announcing the Task Force, you invited more than a dozen members of the Assembly Democrat caucus to join you, but no Republicans. This left me with serious concerns about just how bipartisan this Task Force would be in conducting its business.

Now my concerns have been confirmed by your decision to stack this Task Force with six Democrats, and only three Republicans. I find it somewhat disingenuous that you would portray this as a bipartisan effort, but then pack the Task Force with twice as many members from the Democrat side of the aisle.

In your letter you say this effort will not be about ‘fixing blame.’ With all due respect, your decision to move forward unilaterally with the creation of this Task Force without any input from the minority, and your decision to make this a Democrat dominated committee, ensures that the entire process will be conducted with a partisan spin.

Under protest of how this process has been conducted up to this moment, I will appoint three members, Assemblymen Guy Gregg, Mike Doherty and Paul D’Amato, in an effort to demonstrate the long-standing commitment of our caucus to fiscal responsibility. If there is truly a commitment to a bipartisan effort, I would urge you to reconstitute this committee to permit equal representation from both parties, and to make us equal partners in this effort.

Sincerely,

Paul DiGaetano
Republican Leader
New Jersey General Assembly

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June 10, 2002

NEW DESIGN AND ADDRESS FOR ASSEMBLY REPUBLICAN OFFICE WEBSITE UNVEILED

The Assembly Republican Office today unveiled an updated design and name-change for its legislative website. The changes are part of an effort to make the website easier to find and to navigate when searching for legislative information about the Assembly Republican caucus.

In the summer of the 2000 the Assembly Republican Office launched its website with the name NJIDEA.com, in an effort to provide legislative information about the activities of the Republican Assembly caucus and to solicit opinions and ideas from citizens throughout New Jersey.

While the mission of the website remains the same – to provide legislative information and to allow constituents to contact the Assembly Republican leadership online – this week the site has been given a new name, www.njassemblyrepublicans.com, and a new look.

Citizens and members of the media will be able to find a variety of information on the website including press releases, weekly news updates, recent columns written by members, the legislative calendar, upcoming events featuring members of the Republican Assembly caucus and links to other state and federal government websites.

The website will also include a new feature designed to monitor Governor McGreevey and whether his words match his actions. The Governor McGreevey "Flip-Flop" page chronicles the ever-changing policy positions espoused by our Governor.

The McGreevey Flip-Flop page can be accessed by  clicking here.

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June 7, 2002

McGREEVEY ADMINISTRATION CONTINUES TO REWARD KEY POLITICAL SUPPORTERS, THIS TIME ON TOBACCO BOND

Continuing to prove the hollowness of his rhetoric about changing the way government operates, Governor McGreevey has again rewarded his political allies, this time by providing a contract for handling his proposed tobacco bond deal to two companies with ties to key Democrat leaders.

In its Friday edition, The Bond Buyer, reports that New Jersey has selected Commerce Capitol Markets Inc., and Salomon Smith Barney Inc., to serve as the joint book-runners on McGreevey’s plan to balance the budget by collecting $1.1 billion from the state’s tobacco settlement funds.

Among the politically connected who will benefit from this deal are Camden County Democrat leader George Norcross III, who sits on the board of Commerce, and one of Salomon’s senior bankers on the deal Timothy Egan, who is the son of Democrat Assemblyman Joseph V. Egan.

Ironically, the announcement by state officials that Commerce and Salomon were selected comes at the same time that the State Senate is approving measures designed to overhaul the state’s contract procurement system in order to reduce political influence in the awarding of contracts.

According to The Star-Ledger, at the Senate State Government Committee hearing where these reform bills were approved Thursday, the Democrat bill sponsor State Senator Gary Furnari said, "The whole idea of having political insiders being able to influence how contracts are awarded will not happen in the state of New Jersey."

To ensure that this is the case with the tobacco bond deal, we would suggest that the McGreevey administration voluntarily comply with the criteria set forth in the reform bills. This would include a full disclosure of any lobbying work or contributions that were made on behalf of these bidders.

A full disclosure of information regarding the competing bids for this contract would also help to confirm whether politics played a role in the selection of these two politically connected companies.

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June 6, 2002

DiGAETANO OPPOSES BILL CALLING FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW SOCCER STADIUM FOR METROSTARS

Assembly Republican Leader Paul DiGaetano today said he would oppose legislation that would create a sports and entertainment district in Hudson County to help finance the construction of a new soccer stadium for the MetroStars.

A Democrat-sponsored measure, A-2352, that would authorize the creation of a sports entertainment district in the Hudson County municipality of Harrison was released from the Assembly Appropriations Committee by a vote of 7-4 . The vote to release the bill was strictly along party lines.

DiGaetano said the bill is another attempt to systematically dismantle the Meadowlands Sports Complex in Bergen County and move the professional sports venues to Essex and Hudson counties.

"This is another proposal that will hurt Bergen County and the Meadowlands Sports Complex," said DiGaetano, R-Bergen, Essex, Passaic. ""It is unfortunate that little thought seems to have been given about the adverse impact these moves would have on Bergen County and its citizens.

"Unless someone steps forward and offers a compelling reason why public dollars should be used to build a new sports arena in and a new soccer stadium, I will continue to oppose these measures," DiGaetano added.

DiGaetano also expressed concern about New Jersey getting involved in new stadium and arena building projects at a time when the state’s fiscal condition is deteriorating.

"Revenues continue to lag behind expectations, our bond rating was just decreased again and the Governor has proposed a budget that calls for more taxes, more spending and more debt," DiGaetano said. "Is this really a good time to commit state dollars and resources to building new professional sports facilities?

"The Governor and Democrat leadership in the Legislature should be focusing their attention on the state budget and not worry about building a new arena for George Steinbrenner’s YankeeNets organization or a new soccer stadium for the MetroStars," DiGaetano said. "New Jersey certainly has more pressing issues to address in the near future."

DiGaetano also questioned why the Newark arena proposal is still on the table when a majority of New Jersey voters oppose it.

A recent Fairleigh Dickinson University-PublicMind poll indicated that more than half of the people surveyed think it is a bad idea for the New Jersey Nets and the New Jersey Devils to move from the Meadowlands Sports complex to Newark.

Last month, a poll conducted by The Record showed that nearly twice as many New Jersey residents would rather see the Nets and Devils play at the Meadowlands Sports Complex than at a new arena in Newark.

"I know the Governor is very poll-conscious, which is why I am baffled by his insistence that the Newark arena project moves forward at some point," DiGaetano stated. "It seems as if the McGreevey Administration and the Democrat leadership in the Legislature plan to force this arena project down the throat of the general public whether the people want it or not. It’s not a good plan for the general public."

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June 5, 2002

DiGAETANO FEARS McGREEVEY’S $1 BILLION BUSINESS TAX HIKE WILL DRIVE JOBS OUT OF STATE

Assembly Republican Leader Paul DiGaetano said initial feedback from New Jersey’s business community regarding Governor McGreevey’s proposed $1 billion business tax increase has raised serious concerns about potential job losses throughout the state.

"It is becoming more and more clear that the Governor’s talk about closing loopholes was just hollow rhetoric once again," said DiGaetano, R-Essex, Bergen, Passaic. "This proposal does not close loopholes. It puts a stranglehold around the necks of New Jersey businesses that could result in significant job losses throughout the state."

DiGaetano said the McGreevey administration’s tax increase plan shows a lack of understanding and concern for the state’s economy and job market.

"Republicans spent 10 years working to rebuild our economy and trying to convince companies New Jersey was a great place to do business," DiGaetano said. "We wanted to make New Jersey business-friendly because we understood that when businesses set up shop they create new job opportunities for our state’s working men and women.

"I certainly believe everyone should pay their fair share of taxes," DiGaetano added. "But from what I have been hearing, the Governor’s plan is more far reaching and poses a very real threat to good-paying jobs in our state. It sends a very chilling message to the business community that New Jersey’s days of being a business-friendly state are over."

DiGaetano said provisions of the Governor’s plan would make research and development activities more costly in New Jersey than in surrounding states. He also said the Governor’s proposal also would cause retail prices to rise as businesses cover the higher level of taxation.

"Taxing monies spent on research and development will only encourage businesses, especially many of New Jersey’s big pharmaceutical companies, to move their research and development facilities to other states with a more favorable tax climate," said DiGaetano, noting that Republicans enacted research and development tax credits to encourage companies to create more jobs. "And when those research and development facilities go out of state, the jobs go with them.

"Governor McGreevey may believe he is only increasing taxes on business and industry to help pay for his budget, but he ultimately will be hurting New Jersey families --not to mention the economy -- in the process," DiGaetano stated. "Our economy is floating on a raft waiting for some big waves to help spur economic growth while the Governor is planning to toss a metal anchor right into the bottom of the raft."

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May 31, 2002

DiGAETANO CRITICIZES NETS OFFICIALS FOR CLAIMING TEAM’S FUTURE SUCCESS DEPENDS ON NEWARK ARENA DEAL

Assembly Republican Leader Paul DiGaetano today said he was disappointed New Jersey Nets officials are implying that the team’s future success will hinge on whether or not the state helps finance a new sports arena in Newark.

DiGaetano said the statement was particularly unwarranted at a time when New Jersey Nets fans are enjoying the team’s successful run in the NBA playoffs. The Nets can win the conference title with a victory over the Boston Celtics tonight and earn a trip to the championship series.

"Nets fans have waited a very long time for a chance to win an NBA title," said DiGaetano, R-Bergen, Essex, Passaic. "At a time when fans should be enjoying the excitement of this playoff run, team officials are threatening the loss of the team’s star players unless the state helps finance a new arena in Newark.

"It is unfortunate that team officials are now hinging the future success of the team on the Newark arena deal," DiGaetano stated. "It’s clearly a public relations attempt designed to rally Nets fans behind the Newark arena project and put additional pressure on the state to contribute public tax dollars to the project.

"The Nets’ argument, however, may not resonate with hardworking citizens who are struggling to provide for their families," DiGaetano continued. "Does the average taxpayer really lose sleep over the fact that the Nets, with a team payroll of $53.5 million, claim they need millions more in revenue so they can pay athletes with multi-million dollar contracts even more money?

"I would venture to say the average taxpayer would want his or her tax dollars to be used for more important things than building a new arena that will benefit the YankeeNets organization and its high-priced star athletes," DiGaetano continued. "The average working person is worried about paying a mortgage or rent, feeding and clothing their children and providing them with a good education. With all due respect to Jason Kidd, they are not worried whether he signs an $8 million or $12 million contract."

DiGaetano said if Nets officials believe the only problem with the Continental Airlines is the lack of luxury boxes, perhaps a new arena is not necessary. He said statements attributed to YankeeNets chief financial officer Finn Wentworth has finally placed the Newark arena deal in its proper prospective.

Wentworth was quoted in a newspaper article as saying: "Without the suites and club seats, it could be as much as $20 million that the teams do not benefit from in a new arena, which obviously goes to pay for players that expect higher salaries."

"Mr. Wentworth’s comments get right to the heart of the matter," DiGaetano said. "The Newark arena deal is about generating more money for the teams and paying for higher player salaries at the expense of taxpayers.

"The Nets claim they need more luxury boxes to increase revenue, but does that warrant bulldozing an otherwise great facility and expending taxpayer dollars to build a new arena in Newark? ," DiGaetano asked. "I’m not convinced a Newark arena is the right solution for New Jersey and its citizens."

DiGaetano noted that New Jersey Devils used a similar tact with the state in 1995. The Devils, who were on their way to winning the Stanley Cup for the first time in franchise history, threatened to move to Nashville, Tennessee unless they received a more favorable lease agreement from the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority.

"There are a lot of similarities between the Devils threat in 1995 and the one issued yesterday by the Nets. Unfortunately it’s the loyal fans who are being used as pawns in this game of cat and mouse," DiGaetano said.

DiGaetano also questioned why the YankeeNets are demanding public financing for a new arena without letting the state have a say in where the new arena would be located.

"It seems to me that the Meadowlands would be a more logical choice for a new arena," DiGaetano said. "The utility and transportation infrastructure already exist in the Sports Complex, unlike the proposed site in Newark. I just don’t believe this latest threat from Nets officials will help sway public opinion in their favor."

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DiGAETANO, KEAN ANNOUNCE FORMATION OF ASSEMBLY REPUBLICAN POLICY COMMITTEE

Assembly Republican Leader Paul DiGaetano today announced the formation of the Assembly Republican Policy Committee and the appointment of Assemblyman Thomas H. Kean as Chairman of the committee.

"The Policy Committee will address pressing and emerging issues of importance to the people of New Jersey," said DiGaetano, R-Bergen, Essex, Passaic. "The committee will hold public hearings and meet with key opinion leaders to forge blueprints for addressing these issues."

Kean, R-Union, Essex, Morris, Somerset, said he is honored to be appointed as Chairman of the Assembly Republican Policy Committee.

"In the past, the Policy Committee has served as a vehicle to identify and confront issues that play an important role in the lives of our residents. By taking an in-depth, long-term approach to reviewing issues, we eliminate the pressure to produce cosmetic band-aids in lieu of real solutions," Kean said.

DiGaetano and Kean announced that the Policy Committee’s first task forces will investigate the financial plight of middle-income school districts, obstacles that prevent students from reaching their full potential, and the role that manufacturing, particularly in the pharmaceutical, bio-technology and high-technology sectors, plays in New Jersey’s economy.

"Thanks to the convoluted decisions of the State Supreme Court that stretch the boundaries of logic and clearly violate the State Constitution’s separation of powers clause, middle-income school districts are forced to eke out a thorough and efficient education for their students with decreasing state aid and increasing property taxes," said Kean. "It is patently unfair for the Court to treat the residents of these districts as second-class citizens."

On the issues of manufacturing and jobs, DiGaetano noted, "Ten years ago our policy committee undertook an extensive study of New Jersey’s manufacturing sector, a traditional source of high-paying jobs, to find out why the state had lost more than 300,000 of these jobs over the previous 20 years. This study will follow-up on those findings, concentrating on the pharmaceutical and technology industries which have become to New Jersey what oil is to Texas. New Jersey is the medicine cabinet of the world, and we need to protect and nurture these industries for the security of our economy and for the jobs they provide our residents."

Committee hearings to discuss the status of middle income school districts have been planned for Thursday, June 13 at Raritan High School in Hazlet, and Monday, June 17 at Eisenhower Middle School in Roxbury.

For further information, please call the Assembly Republican Office at 609-292-5339.

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May 23, 2002

FARRAGHER PARTNERS WITH DEA TO STUDY LINKS BETWEEN DRUGS AND TERRORISM IN NJ

Assemblywoman Clare M. Farragher held a press conference today to launch her anti-drug campaign with the Drug Enforcement Agency and the National Foundation of Women Legislators.

The "Shoulder to Shoulder" campaign is part of a nation-wide effort that will focus on the links between drugs and terrorism, and educate about club drugs, which are becoming increasingly popular among teenagers. Farragher is taking the lead to bring this initiative to New Jersey.

"Long before Sept. 11, New Jersey faced increasing illegal drug problems, but in the past eight months, the nation has learned how drug habits often put money into the pockets of terrorist organizations," said Farragher, R-Monmouth, Mercer. "The ‘Shoulder to Shoulder’ program will investigate this cycle from every angle – from the teenagers who buy club drugs like ecstacy, to the terrorists who see the profits."

DEA Special Agent Anthony D. Cammarato, who represented the Newark Division at the press conference, said that by launching this program, New Jersey will be able to capitalize on the unique skills the DEA and women legislators can bring to the war on narco-terrorism.

"With law enforcement and elected officials working together at the grass roots level, we can say ‘no’ to drugs and terrorism," he added.

"The ‘Shoulder to Shoulder’ program is far too important for New Jersey to neglect," said Farragher. "I look forward to working with other woman legislators in the state to fight the war on narco- terrorism, because if we can stop substance abuse among teens, we would have a major impact in reducing the money going into the pockets of terrorist organizations."

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May 16, 2002

DiGAETANO CALLS SENATE RESOLUTION AN AFFRONT TO SPEAKER SIRES AND THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AS AN INSTITUTION

Assembly Republican Leader Paul DiGaetano sent a letter Thursday to Senate President Richard Codey asking that he reconsider posting SR-61 for a vote during today’s Senate session. The resolution, sponsored by Codey would change the order of gubernatorial succession, to allow for both of the Senate co-presidents to assume that role prior to the Assembly Speaker.

"The New Jersey Constitution is very clear that the line of succession to the office of Governor goes first to whoever is serving as the Senate President, and then to the Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly. There is no provision for a backup Senate President to step in and serve in the absence of both the Governor and whoever is serving as Senate President at that time.

"It is an affront to Assembly Speaker Albio Sires personally, shows a lack of respect for the speakership, and is an insult to the General Assembly as an institution, that you would seek to usurp the already established constitutional line of succession through an amendment to the rules of your House. It is particularly insulting that you would choose to do this at a time when Speaker Sires is serving as the first Hispanic Speaker of the General Assembly in New Jersey history. He has earned the right through his constitutionally created role as leader of the General Assembly to be the second person in the gubernatorial line of succession."

A copy of DiGaetano’s letter is below.

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May 16, 2002

Senate President Richard J. Codey
State House
Trenton, New Jersey 08625

Dear President Codey:

I am writing this letter to respectfully ask that you reconsider your decision to post Senate Resolution 61, a resolution you sponsor, on the agenda for today’s Senate voting session.

As I understand this resolution, it would allow the Senate co-president, who is not currently serving as Senate President, to be second in the line of gubernatorial succession. Currently, whichever co-president is serving as the Senate President is the first to fill a gubernatorial vacancy, and in his absence the Assembly Speaker serves as acting Governor. The New Jersey Constitution is very clear that the line of succession to the office of Governor goes first to whoever is serving as the Senate President, and then to the Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly. There is no provision for a backup Senate President to step in and serve in the absence of both the Governor and whoever is serving as Senate President at that time.

It is an affront to Assembly Speaker Albio Sires personally, shows a lack of respect for the speakership, and is an insult to the General Assembly as an institution, that you would seek to usurp the already established constitutional line of succession through an amendment to the rules of your House. It is particularly insulting that you would choose to do this at a time when Speaker Sires is serving as the first Hispanic Speaker of the General Assembly in New Jersey history. He has earned the right through his constitutionally created role as leader of the General Assembly to be the second person in the gubernatorial line of succession.

It is for these reasons that I am asking that you withdraw this resolution, SR-61, from consideration on today’s board list. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Paul DiGaetano
Republican Leader
New Jersey General Assembly

May 15, 2002

DiGAETANO SENDS LETTER TO SAMSON ON STATE POLICE SUPERINTENDENT’S POLITICAL APPEARANCE

Assembly Republican Leader Paul DiGaetano sent a letter Wednesday to Attorney General David Samson asking that he confirm whether State Police Superintendent Joseph Santiago was permitted to take part in a political event for Newark Mayor Sharpe James.

Santiago was present at