NJ Assembly Republicans

O’TOOLE ASKS WEINBERG WHEN ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE WILL SEE NEW PLAY-TO-PLAY BILL

Assemblyman Kevin J. O’Toole today noted that Democrats in the Legislature are running out of time to act on the "Pay to Play" bill.

Assemblywomen Loretta Weinberg, the new sponsor of the bill, promised in a press release dated February 10^th that she would move the legislation "next week" and push for its release from committee in early March.

"With only one day left in February, my Republican colleagues and I are still waiting to see Assemblywoman Weinberg’s "Pay to Play Plus," said O’Toole, R-Bergen, Essex, Passaic. "No such measure has even been introduced, so it seems unlikely that we can pass it through committee in the comings weeks.

"It seems as though Assemblywoman Weinberg and the Democrats have no plans to move any reform bill and are stalling it in the hopes that Republicans will forget about it," O’Toole added.

O’Toole said Republicans have been trying to fast-track the pay-to-play bill, but have been repeatedly stonewalled by Democrat leadership.

"Assemblywoman Weinberg said she wants to champion the pay-to-play initiative, but she has done nothing to prove it," said O’Toole. "Republicans are more than prepared to focus on the merits of pay-to-play legislation, but unfortunately, the McGreevey Administration is more interested in doling out state contracts to heavy political contributors."

ASSELTA CALLS FOR PUBLIC HEARINGS ON DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS PLAN TO DOWNSIZE SOUTHERN STATE CORRECTIONS FACILITY

Assemblyman Nick Asselta Thursday sent a letter to Corrections Commissioner Devon Brown demanding that Brown hold public hearings on the department’s plan to reduce the size of the Southern State Correctional Facility.

In his letter Asselta cites a 1996 law that requires open public hearings to be conducted on any plan to close or downsize a state facility – including state prisons.

"In 1996 I sponsored a law, P.L. 96, Chapter 150, that requires public hearings anytime a prison population is to be reduced by one-third of its current level, or more than 100 staff positions are to be cut," Asselta, R-Cumberland, Cape May and Atlantic, writes to Brown. "The plan outlined in the newspapers would appear to meet that criteria."

"I am requesting that your department comply with this law and schedule public hearings to discuss this proposal," Asselta’s letter continues. "If the administration is planning such a dramatic reduction in the number of beds at Southern State, it should be prepared to publicly give a detailed explanation of that proposal, and to listen to the concerns of those who work at, and live near, the prison."

"The administration appears to be trying to push through this plan without public input," Asselta said of his letter to Brown. "I want to make sure that the voices of those who would be directly affected by this plan, including the corrections officers, are heard before action is taken."

MUNOZ SENDS LETTER TO BLACK, LATINO AND ASIAN CAUCUS: "WITHOUT REAL MALPRACTICE REFORM MINORITIES WILL BE HURT FIRST"

Assemblyman Eric Munoz, M.D., has sent a letter to the chairman of the New Jersey Legislative Black, Latino and Asian Caucus, asking that members support a bill that would seek to resolve the medical malpractice insurance crisis through capping lawsuit awards for non-economic damages.In his letter to Senator Joseph Charles, Jr., Munoz writes that major differences exist in the health status of minorities and whites. He also notes that he was appointed by President George W. Bush to advise the United States on improving health care for minority Americans, and preventing and more effectively treating many diseases for our minority populations."However, the lack of serious malpractice tort reform threatens our health delivery system for minorities, and will cause severe medical shortages to develop in our under-served medical areas of New Jersey," Munoz, R-Union, Essex, Somerset and Morris, said. "If this crisis continues, the people who will be hurt first will be those living in the urban areas of our state as their access to health care diminishes."Munoz’s bill, A-3170, would cap non-economic damages at $250,000, place a 10-year statute of limitations on cases involving birth injuries, provide a two year window for a minor to bring action if it is discovered that an injury has been fraudulently concealed, require the filing of settlement agreements with the Division of Consumer Affairs, protect malpractice whistle blowers, and grant immunity to physicians acting in good-faith in response to requests for help in life-threatening emergencies.The bill also includes a "Patient Safety Plan" that would involve an ongoing analysis of patient safety practices, detailed reporting to the state of all preventable adverse events that occur in the health care facility, mandatory notification of patients if there is an adverse event, and encouraging health care professionals to anonymously report all adverse events and near-misses to the state."I urge my fellow members of the minority caucus of the New Jersey General Assembly and the New Jersey Senate to support tort reform legislation for medical malpractice," Munoz concludes in his letter.Munoz said he expects the bill to have bipartisan support. The legislation has already been supported by the Medical Society of New Jersey.

Assemblyman Eric Munoz, M.D. is a trauma surgeon and a professor of surgery at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ). He was also Chairman of the Medical Practice Review Panel of New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners under Governors Florio, Whitman and DiFrancesco. He is also one of 10 people to serve on President Bush’s Minority Health Disparities Commission.

DeCROCE CALLS ON OFFICIALS AND CAMPAIGN COMMITTEES TO RETURN ALL KUSHNER CONTRIBUTIONS

Responding to news that Charles Kushner has withdrawn his name from consideration to be chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Assemblymen Alex DeCroce and Jim Holzapfel Wednesday said that any campaign committee or elected official who has received a contribution from Kushner should return the money."Mr. Kushner’s decision to withdraw his name from consideration for this post would seem to be a tacit admission that his campaign contributions are suspect," said DeCroce, R-Morris and Passaic. "Because the law is clear on this matter, and now that this possible violation has been made public, I believe the contributions made by Mr. Kushner should be returned."Kushner, who has been a leading Democrat campaign contributor in New Jersey, became the owner of Norcrown Bank in 1996. Under New Jersey state law, anyone who owns a bank is prohibited from making campaign contributions."I don’t believe that everyone who received a contribution from Mr. Kushner was aware of this problem at the time those contributions were made," DeCroce said. "Now that the possible violation of law has been made public, I think it would be appropriate for this money to be returned."

DeCROCE ASKS ATTORNEY GENERAL TO INVESTIGATE WHETHER KUSHNER CONTRIBUTIONS WERE ILLEGAL

Assembly Republican Conference Leader Alex DeCroce Wednesday sent a letter to Acting Attorney General Peter C. Harvey asking that his office investigate whether campaign contributions made by Port Authority member Charles Kushner violated state election law.DeCroce, R-Morris and Passaic, makes his request in the wake of several news reports detailing how under New Jersey law, Kushner’s ownership of Norcrown Bank would prohibit him from making campaign donations. Kushner has owned the bank since 1996."This matter is very important in that Kushner has contributed significant amounts of money to political campaigns and organizations in recent years," DeCroce writes. "I believe you have an obligation to determine if these contributions constitute a blatant violation of state law."Fred Herrmann, the executive director of the Election Law Enforcement Commission, said in news reports this morning that the Kushner matter would fall under the jurisdiction of the Attorney General’s Office."I am seeking clarification from your office as to whether Mr. Kushner has in fact violated state law by making these contributions," DeCroce’s letter states. "If not, why not? If so, what action is your office prepared to take?"Click here to read a copy of the letter.

MALONE: DEMOCRAT RESOLUTION PUTS POLITICS ABOVE SUBSTANCE IN ADDRESSING HOMELAND SECURITY

Assembly Republican Budget Officer Joseph Malone Monday criticized his Democrat colleagues for putting politics above substance in approving a resolution, AR-207, calling on the federal government to "adopt a more effective approach to domestic security."

"The resolution approved by the Assembly today ignores the significant financial contributions to local authorities the federal government has already made, in order to score political points against the Republican administration," said Malone, R-Burlington, Ocean, Monmouth, Mercer. "Homeland security is far too important an issue for this kind of political posturing."

Malone pointed out that just last week Congress approved $750 million in direct grants for local police, firefighters, and other "first responders." This follows $360 million in grants distributed last year by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

"Contrary to the claims made by some supporters of this resolution, the federal government has made money available to those local agencies that would be the first to respond to a terrorist attack," Malone said. "If there are other areas where the federal government has not provided sufficient support, we should take the time to make a detailed, well-researched, and bipartisan request for assistance to our federal officials. This resolution fails to meet all of those criteria."

PENNACCHIO SAYS DEMOCRATS AREN’T CONSISTENT IN TREATMENT OF NEW JERSEY’S CONVICTED INDIVIDUALS

In response to a Democrat initiative that would charge motor vehicle violators an additional fine to cover the costs for creating a "New Jersey Forensic DNA Laboratory Fund," Assemblyman Joseph Pennacchio proposed an amendment requiring convicted individuals to pay the necessary expenses.

Unfortunately the amendment, which would generate more funds per year for the forensic laboratories than the Democrat measure, was rejected by Democrat leadership.

"By requiring individuals convicted of any crime to submit to DNA testing, this measure, as is, would provide approximately $8 million per year from the $2 surcharges on parking tickets," said Pennacchio, R- Morris, Passaic. "My Republican colleagues and I suggested the convicted individuals cover the costs necessary for building a DNA laboratory by paying a $150 assessment. Our amendment would raise $9 million per year.

Under current law, individuals convicted or found not guilty by reason of insanity of murder, manslaughter, second-degree aggravated assault, first-degree kidnapping, engaging in sexual conduct which would impair or debauch the morals of a child, aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual contact, criminal sexual contact, second degree kidnapping and luring or enticing a child are required to submit to DNA testing.

"If a facility for DNA testing is necessary, and the state wants to expand the list of crimes which require an offender to provide DNA for testing, I would think the state would try to raise as much money as possible," Pennacchio added.

"Our amendment clearly met the sponsor’s goals of expanding the list of crimes which require DNA testing, providing an effective and more than adequate revenue stream to support the DNA program and requiring individuals convicted of an actual crime to fund the costs of the program," Pennacchio said. "Rather than move an effective, fiscally responsible measure today, the Democrats chose instead to move a sub-par bill that will force motor vehicle violators to accommodate the needs of criminals.

"Today’s voting agenda clearly displayed where the Democrat agenda lies," Pennacchio said. "I find it ironic the Democrats in the Legislature would rather have law abiding citizens who get parking tickets pay rather than rapists, murderers and child molesters."

BLEE-D’AMATO BILL DOUBLING PENALTIES FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO DEAL DRUGS AT TEEN EVENTS WINS ASSEMBLY APPROVAL

Legislation sponsored by Assemblymen Frank Blee and Paul D’Amato that would double the penalties for people who sell drugs during events specifically aimed at attracting a teenage crowd was approved by the full General Assembly Monday.

The bill, A-1893, would double the fine for the sale of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, at any event advertised as "alcohol free," or for "underage" persons. This specifically seeks to target those who deal "club drugs" such as Ecstasy at "rave" parties.

"Many parents and teens may believe that an event specifically advertised as alcohol free or for underage persons will be a safe environment," said Blee, R-Atlantic. "Those individuals who deal so-called club drugs at these events are specifically targeting a young, vulnerable audience. That cannot be tolerated."

"As we have done with drug-free school zones, we must enact strong penalties for drug dealers who we know are specifically targeting young children," said D’Amato, R-Atlantic. "These rave parties are advertised as alcohol free in order to encourage parents and teens that this will be a safe atmosphere for underage children. Those who deal these drugs seek to take advantage of this trust and prey on these children."

The bill, which was approved by a 74-0 vote of the General Assembly, now heads to the Governor’s desk.

O’TOOLE PLEASED DEMS BACKED UP ‘DEFENDING OUR FAMILIES THEME’ BY HOLDING BILL ALLOWING FELONS TO VOTE

Assemblyman Kevin J. O’Toole today said he was dismayed to see a bill giving convicted felons the right to vote as part of the Democrats’ ‘Defending Our Families’ theme during the voting session.

"It is hard to believe that particular bill ever made it on to a board list, regardless of the catchy theme for the day," said O’Toole, R-Bergen, Passaic, Essex. "Maybe this bill would have been more appropriate for an adopt-a-felon legislative theme, but certainly not as part of a ‘defending our families’ message.

"Fortunately, the public outcry against this legislation led to the measure being pulled off the board list," said O’Toole. "This bill should never have been introduced, let alone posted for a vote in the Assembly.

"It is ironic that on a day when ‘defending our families’ is the theme, we want to bestow voting rights to individuals who commit acts of violence against the families we are supposed to be defending," O’Toole continued. "I think this legislation ruined the theme for the day even though it was pulled from the board list at the last moment."

D’AMATO-BLEE BILL INCREASING PENALTIES FOR DRIVERS LICENSE FRAUD WINS ASSEMBLY APPROVAL

Legislation sponsored by Assemblymen Paul D’Amato and Frank Blee that would increase the penalties for falsifying a driver’s license and for possessing a false driver’s license was approved Monday by the General Assembly.

"If we are to be successful at shutting down terrorist cells attempting to operate in this country we must act to shut off their access to the fraudulent documentation they use to legitimize their presence here," said D’Amato, R-Atlantic. "Our state must make sure that we have the ability to deter and effectively punish anyone who attempts to use false government documentation to aid their criminal activities."

The measure, A-1978, would upgrade the penalty for selling, transferring, possessing with the intent to sell or transfer, or producing a false driver’s license from a third degree crime to a second degree crime. This will increase the possible term of imprisonment from the current 3 to 5 years, to a term of 5 to 10 years, and the maximum fine from $15,000 to $150,000.

"The safety of our citizens is the top priority of state government," said Blee, R-Atlantic. "This legislation will effectively punish those who use fraudulent documents to advance their plans to harm our citizens."

The bipartisan bill, co-sponsored by Assemblyman Neil Cohen, was approved by a 56-0-18 vote and now heads to the Senate for consideration.

DiGAETANO CALLS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT REQUIRING VOTER APPROVAL OF ANY INCOME OR SALES TAX HIKES

Assembly Republican Leader Paul DiGaetano Monday introduced legislation calling for a constitutional amendment requiring that any increase in the New Jersey income or sales tax be approved by a voter referendum."This amendment ensures that voters have a direct voice in decisions about how much of their money government can spend," said DiGaetano, R-Essex, Passaic, Bergen. "If the Governor and the Legislature believe that increasing these two broad-based taxes is the only way to balance the budget, they should be prepared to make that argument directly to the voters."Under the legislation introduced by DiGaetano, ACR-160, the New Jersey Constitution would be amended so that any proposed increase to the state income or sales tax would first have to be placed on the ballot for voter approval."Too often when state revenues begin to lag, state officials begin looking to tax increases as a way to close a budget gap," DiGaetano said.Some legislators have already proposed increasing the state income tax as a means of balancing the FY2004 budget."Before elected officials begin taking more money from taxpayers, they should first look at what savings can be found in the budget," DiGaetano added. "I believe that if voter approval is required for a tax increase to take effect, we can be pretty sure that it will only take place after all other options have been exhausted."

DiGAETANO SPONSORS RESOLUTION CALLING ON CORZINE AND LAUTENBERG TO APPROVE ESTRADA NOMINATION

Assembly Republican Leader Paul DiGaetano Monday introduced a resolution calling on New Jersey’s U.S. Senators, Jon Corzine and Frank Lautenberg, to support the nomination of Miguel Estrada to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. "I am calling on New Jersey’s two United States Senators, Jon Corzine and Frank Lautenberg, to approve the nomination of Miguel Estrada to the U.S. Court of Appeals," said DiGaetano, R-Essex, Passaic, and Bergen. "I also would ask that both Senators Corzine and Lautenberg urge their colleagues in the Democrat caucus to stop playing politics with this nomination."The Assembly Resolution calls on Corzine and Lautenberg to support the nomination of Estrada, which has been bottled up by Democrat opposition in the U.S. Senate."Mr. Estrada has a distinguished record as a lawyer and would be an excellent choice to sit on the appellate bench," DiGaetano said. "I also believe that appointing Mr. Estrada will enhance the diversity of our courts as he will become the first Hispanic judge to serve on the Court of Appeals.""I think most New Jersey residents would be disappointed to hear that their two representatives were using their positions to block the nomination of a qualified individual who could bring much-needed diversity to the federal bench, just to score political points against our President. I urge Senators Corzine and Lautenberg to get behind this nomination."

IS MONDAY’S VOTING SESSION REALLY "DEFENDING OUR FAMILIES," OR IS IT "DEFENDING OUR FELONS?"

In his press release announcing the board list for the Monday, February 27 Voting Session, Assembly Speaker Albio Sires declared that the focus of Monday’s session would be "Defending Our Families."

Prominent on the board list for this voting session is Assembly Bill A-584, which will allow all persons on probation and parole to vote, and provide registration assistance to persons on probation, parole, and finishing sentences.

This law would include individuals who have been convicted of all degrees of crimes, including first degree crimes such as rape and murder.

Does this mean that Speaker Sires believes that by allowing to vote those felons who have committed violent crimes against their fellow citizens and our society as a whole, that we will be defending our families?

Certainly not the families of victims for whom this legislation is clearly a slap in the face. Do victims’ families really feel their rights are being defended by allowing the perpetrators of those crimes to decide who will make and enforce the laws these criminals have already chosen to ignore?

Perhaps this voting session would be more appropriately dubbed, "Defending Our Felons."

HECK BILLS TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY HAVE BEEN ENDORSED BY STATE COUNTER-TERRORISM CHIEF

Assemblywoman Rose Heck sent a letter this week to Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee Chairman Wilfredo Caraballo requesting that he schedule a hearing for a bill she has sponsored, A-1971, that is designed to improve the communications technology available to emergency management officials in the wake of a disaster.

Heck has also requested that another bill aimed at accomplishing the same goal, A-155, which is currently awaiting consideration in the Assembly Homeland Security & State Preparedness Committee, also be scheduled for a hearing.

"I introduced legislation that will help to improve the ability of emergency management personnel to communicate while responding to a terrorist attack, but the Democrats have failed to act on these bills," said Heck, R-Bergen. "These bills are vital to the operations of our homeland security system."

Heck’s comments came after Sid Casperson, Director of the New Jersey Office of Counter Terrorism, told the Homeland Security Committee that New Jersey needed to upgrade its ability to communicate in the wake of a terrorist attack. Casperson specifically cited A-1971 as a means to accomplish this task.

"This very important legislation is clearly deserving of our consideration and I cannot understand why these bills have not moved," Heck said. "I think the Democrats should listen to what Director Casperson said, and act on his recommendation."

The bill Casperson cited, A-1971, would establish the State Public Safety Wireless Communications Coordinating Council. This body would be charged with studying the ability of different government agencies to communicate across jurisdictions in the case of an emergency such as a terrorist attack.

The other Heck bill, A-155, would create a $5 million grant program to provide local safety and emergency response personnel with satellite phones that are more reliable in a disaster than phones that rely on land-line or antenna communications.

"Both of these bills would improve the ability of New Jersey’s emergency management personnel to effectively communicate in the wake of a large scale terror attack," Heck said.

Heck noted that a number of other states have such a wireless communications council, including California, Oregon, Illinois, Nebraska, Montana, and Wyoming.

"Given the fact that protecting our citizens must be our highest priority, I would think that these bills would rate high on the Democrats agenda," Heck said. "I hope the chairpersons of both of these committees will consider posting my bills for a vote at the next possible date."

‘PAY TO PLAY’ REFORMS REMAIN STALLED IN ASSEMBLY AS DEMOCRATS SHOW NO INTEREST IN MOVING BILLS

As the Democrats pledge to eventually introduce their own version of the "Pay to Play" campaign finance reform bill, it is important to remember that even if the Democrats are sincere in their desire to expand the scope of the legislation, there is no reason why this could not already have been accomplished.

If the Democrats were truly committed to these reforms, "Pay to Play" would already have been signed into law.

Here is a summary of the various ways the Democrats could already have accomplished what they claim to be working on right now:

- Rather than blocking the attempts of former Assemblyman Tom Kean to have a full Assembly vote on his legislation, the Democrats could have supported that bill on January 23. The bill had already cleared the Senate and would have been sent to the Governor’s desk. Governor McGreevey could then have issued a ‘Conditional Veto’ with his suggested changes expanding the scope of the bill. Both houses could then have approved the Governor’s CV.

- The Democrats could have passed the Kean legislation and at the same time moved legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Rick Merkt, A-3189, that applies the same campaign finance rules to local officials – as the Governor has requested. These bills could have been approved separately and accomplished the same goal the Democrats now claim to be working toward. The Merkt bill is in the Assembly State Government Committee which met as recently as February 13. The Kean bill, sponsorship of which is now claimed by Assemblywoman Weinberg, is the Assembly Housing and Local Government Committee which met February 3.

- The Democrats could have moved both the Merkt bill and the "Pay to Play" bill sponsored by Assemblymen Kevin O’Toole and George Geist. Both bills are in the Assembly State Government Committee which met February 13. Both bills could have been considered during the same committee meeting and then prepared by a final floor vote February 24.

- Finally, the Democrats could have, in the FOUR WEEKS that have passed since they used their own loose interpretation of Assembly Rules to move the Kean bill back to committee, introduced their own comprehensive "Pay to Play" bill affecting both state and local officials. Four weeks is plenty of time to draft legislation, the various components of which already exist in other already introduced bills.

It has been 26 days since the Democrats blocked former Assemblyman Tom Kean’s efforts to have the "Pay to Play" bill voted on by the full Assembly.

The bottom line is that it is time for the Democrats to stop playing games with this campaign finance reform. They either need to produce their own version of this bill, move existing versions of the bill, or acknowledge that they have no desire to ever see these reforms become law.

Assembly Republican Leader Paul DiGaetano Friday issued the following statement regarding the nomination of Miguel Estrada to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia:

"I am calling on New Jersey’s two United States Senators, Jon Corzine and Frank Lautenberg, to approve the nomination of Miguel Estrada to the U.S. Court of Appeals. I also would ask that both Senators Corzine and Lautenberg urge their colleagues in the Democrat caucus to stop playing politics with this nomination.

"My understanding is that Mr. Estrada has a distinguished record as a lawyer and would be an excellent choice to sit on the appellate bench. Not only is Mr. Estrada well-qualified for this post, he also would enhance the diversity of our courts by becoming the first Hispanic judge to serve on the Court of Appeals.

"I think most New Jersey residents would be disappointed to hear that their two representatives were using their positions to block the nomination of a qualified individual who could bring much-needed diversity to the federal bench, just to score political points against our President. I urge Senators Corzine and Lautenberg to get behind this nomination."

O’TOOLE APPLAUDS McGREEVEY DECISION TO REAPPOINT POMPELLIO TO VICTIMS OF CRIME COMPENSATION BOARD

Assemblyman Kevin O’Toole Friday said Governor McGreevey has finally made the right decision in reappointing Richard Pompelio to serve as head of the Victims of Crimes Compensation Board after having removed him from that post a year ago.

"To remove from this job someone who is universally respected by victims’ rights advocates, was just an example of poor judgment," O’Toole, R-Essex, Bergen, and Passaic, said. "I am glad that the Governor has realized his mistake and taken action to correct this error in judgment."

It was one year ago that McGreevey appointed Jacob Toporek to be chairman of the board, replacing Pompelio -- the only crime victim who served on the board. The move reportedly angered many crime victims’ advocates across the state.

"I worked with Richard Pompelio on the Domestic Violence Task Force, and I know that he is a class act who is devoted to looking out for the interests of crime victims," O’Toole said.

As soon as it became public last year that Pompelio had been replaced by Toporek, O’Toole called on the Governor to reconsider this decision and sponsored a resolution calling for Pompelio to be restored to this post.

"Crime victims need to know that there is someone who they can trust looking out for their interests," O’Toole said. "They have that with Richard Pompelio."

Assembly Republican Leader Paul DiGaetano Thursday said that Assembly Democrat leaders have again fallen short of real reform with their proposal this week for a compromise on revamping the medical malpractice insurance system.

"When the Democrats passed their ‘Patients First’ bill in December, Republicans described the bill as inadequate," said DiGaetano, R-Essex, Passaic, and Bergen. "I am glad the Assembly Democrat leadership now recognizes that bill falls short of real reform, but I am disappointed that they continue to avoid caps on pain and suffering claims."

DiGaetano was responding to a letter by Assembly Speaker Albio Sires, Majority Leader Joseph Roberts, and several other Democrats, that was sent Tuesday to Senators working on a compromise solution to the medical malpractice insurance crisis now facing New Jersey.

"Any real solution to this problem will require some form of cap on lawsuit awards for non-economic damages," DiGaetano said.

DiGaetano said that some aspects of the Democrat plan may be helpful, but that without capping pain and suffering suits the legislation would provide no long-term relief for doctors being forced from practice by high malpractice insurance premiums.

"If we want to craft a bill that will have a positive, long-term impact on this problem, we must be willing to discuss caps," DiGaetano said. "Only when the Democrats realize this is a real solution possible."

Assembly Republican Leader Paul DiGaetano today urged the members of the State Legislative Apportionment Commission to immediately reconvene and begin drafting a new legislative map that will withstand constitutional scrutiny.

DiGaetano said the commission should begin working on a new map after a State Appellate Court denied the Democrats’ request for a stay of a previous ruling that declared the current legislative map unconstitutional.

"The State Appellate Court has spoken in very clear terms that the existing map is unconstitutional," said DiGaetano, R-Essex, Bergen, Passaic. "The court’s decision to deny the Democrats’ stay request is an indication that the commission needs to get back to work and start working on a new map.

"There is no reason for any further delay," DiGaetano said. "We must begin moving forward and comply with the court’s order. I hope all of my colleagues – both Republican and Democrat – are ready to get back to work and produce a new map."

DeCROCE SAYS LEGISLATURE SHOULD BE FOCUSED ON MORE PRESSING CONCERNS THAN ‘FEEL GOOD’ CABLE TELEVISION MEASURE

"Year after year our constituents clamor for property tax reform, auto insurance reform and education reform and what is the Democratic controlled Legislature doing?" asked Assembly Conference Leader Alex DeCroce (R-Morris/Passaic). "They are passing ‘feel good’ bills about cable television."

"The attention being given by the Democrats in the State Legislature to the issue of cable customer service is way out of proportion to what our constituents believe are the important issues facing New Jersey. It’s easy to pile criticism upon criticism onto one industry," said DeCroce.

"I support strong consumer protection. But I don't support singling out one industry for attack simply because it is politically expedient. We've got bigger issues than just cable. In fact, looming before us are some unprecedented social and economic policy problems that affect all New Jersey residents, not just the segment of our population that chooses to subscribe to cable," commented DeCroce.

The Courier-Post in its editorial on Friday, February 9, 2003 said about Assembly Bill 2912, "...the plan is a waste of time...it almost sounds like the kind of thing a politician would slap a happy name on and campaign with." In an attempt to regulate customer-friendliness, the Democrats have called for reforms that already exist.

"The Governor's budget has a $5 billion hole that needs to be plugged, and the Legislature has some really tough decisions ahead about how to balance the budget. A lot of people depend on the very important programs that may suffer from budget cuts. What are we doing about that?"asked DeCroce.

"Instead of focusing our valuable time and resources attacking an industry that brings new services to our people and plows billions of dollars into our economy, let's spend our time solving New Jersey's real problems, like finding ways to be more a more attractive place for all the technology driven industries who would be glad to bring their dollars into the state if only New Jersey were a friendlier place to do business."

Bergen County Needs Guarantees First Before There’s A Signature on An Agreement Or a Shovel in the Ground

Assemblywoman Rose M. Heck (R-District 38) says NO to all Meadowlands Development Plans.

"When I asked New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority President George Zoffinger if there is a guarantee of a Mass Transportation link to the Meadowlands, he answered ‘no’ to that question," said Heck. "This along with environmental concerns for the region are of the utmost importance to the people who live in and around the Meadowlands. Unless there are locked in guarantees that no development will proceed prior to the commitment to a sound and sensible approach to the movement of people and goods, to and from the Meadowlands, which includes a mass transportation link, we should say NO to the Meadowlands development. Unless there are completed Environmental Impact Studies which will prove acceptable to the people of this region, we must shout NO to the Meadowlands development. The people have long suffered from overcrowded and pollution-filled roads, the experience of bottlenecks on our local roads, and congestion that impacts the quality of our lives. We deserve better!"

"There must be a full disclosure of the impact, both from a traffic and environmental standpoint. Certainly this is one of the biggest opportunities for development in the State of New Jersey . . . But at what cost? Will it be Smart Growth? That’s the Million Dollar question. Shouldn’t we, the people, get the answers to those questions? Most definitely," continued Heck.

The Assemblywoman noted that promises were made over two decades ago when the first development of the Meadowlands began, and they were not kept.

Heck has attended numerous meeting over the past eight years and has worked on flood damage problems experienced by the towns along Route 17. She has been a spokesperson for the towns experiencing these problems. Rose Heck is concerned that the problems which now exist will worsen if action is not taken prior to the Meadowlands newest plans for development. She believes her bill A-3261, which calls for the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority to conduct an environmental impact study and a traffic management and impact study of the three finalist redevelopment proposals for the meadowlands arena site will offset not only future problems, but help to lessen the problems which now exist. The bill requires the impact studies to be submitted to the Governor and to the Legislature, both answerable directly to the people.

The bill also requires the authority to conduct at least one public hearing on each of the three finalist redevelopment proposal. A report must be submitted to the Governor and the Legislature describing the considerations the authority applies in its final selection of a proposal to redevelop the Meadowlands Arena site.

Assemblywoman Heck asks you to join with her in this fight to preserve the quality of life in Bergen County. You can reach her at her Lodi office 2 Mercer St, Lodi, NJ 07644, by phone 973-777-6344 or FAX 973-777-4274, or E-mail AswHeck@njleg.org.

ROONEY: McGREEVEY AND BERGEN DEMOCRATS MUST CLEARLY STATE THEIR PLANS REGARDING THE FUTURE OF THE CONTINENTAL AIRLINES ARENA

Assemblyman John Rooney Thursday said that the Democrats have apparently made up their mind that the Continental Airlines Arena must go, and that if this is their plan, they should be honest with the people of Bergen County.

"Initially we were all led to believe that it was possible the Continental Airlines Arena would continue operating, even if the Nets and Devils left for Newark," said Rooney, R-Bergen. "Now that it is clear that the Sports and Exposition Authority isn’t even entertaining that idea, I think all Bergen County officials – Democrats and Republicans – should go on record stating whether they support closing the Continental Airlines Arena."

At a meeting this week with officials from the Sports Authority, Rooney raised the question about whether the Continental Airlines Arena could continue to operate even if the Newark Arena plan went through. He was told that there could not be two competing facilities in that close proximity.

Rooney noted that for events other than the Nets and Devils, the Continental Airlines Arena is one of the most profitable in the nation. He also pointed out that many Bergen County residents who attend concerts and non-sporting events at the arena would now be more likely to travel into New York City for those events than to Newark.

"None of the proposals now being considered allows for the possibility of keeping this arena open," Rooney said. "And if the Democrat legislators and local officials in this area are supporting that course of action, they should let the public know."

GEIST MEASURE REQUIRING FIRE SAFETY TRAINING OF PINELANDS COMMISSION MEMBERS WINS RELEASE

Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman George F. Geist that would require at least one member of the Pinelands Commission to possess training, knowledge or experience in wildfire management and fire safety was released today by the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.

"It just makes sense that an individual serving on the Pinelands Commission have fire safety know-how and experience," said Geist, R-Camden, Gloucester. "For the commission to make informed decisions regarding the Pinelands, it is critical that at least one member have training and experience in wildfire management."

Thomas P. Canzanella, President of the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey, said A-2719 addresses the pressing need for Fire Service technical expertise within the membership of the Pinelands Commission related to wildland and adjacent rural fire prevention, firefighting and rescue operations.

"My measure would help protect public health and safety to individuals living near the Pinelands, and would undoubtedly preserve and manage the Pinelands’ unique ecosystem," said Geist. "Any effort to protect precious lives and dwindling forests is a worthwhile endeavor, and I believe with this bill, the Pinelands Commission will be better prepared to do their job well and to the fullest."

The measure, A-2719, was released by a 5-0 vote and now heads to the full Assembly for consideration.

BLEE-HECK SPONSOR RESOLUTION DECLARING FEBRUARY AS "BLACK HISTORY MONTH" IN NEW JERSEY

In an effort to recognize and highlight the many accomplishments of African Americans throughout our country’s history, Assemblywoman Rose Heck and Assemblyman Frank Blee have introduced an Assembly Resolution declaring February 2003 to be "Black History Month" in New Jersey.

"It is important that we take some time during this month to remember, discuss, and honor the many contributions Black Americans have made to the development of this country," said Heck, R-Bergen. "As we celebrate Black History month across the nation, it is important that we in New Jersey also work to bring attention to this very significant part of our nation’s history."

The resolution, AR-243, highlights the accomplishments of Black leaders including as Crispus Attucks, who took part in the American Revolution, Frederick Douglas and Harriet Tubman, who worked for the abolition of slavery, George Washington Carver, who made significant scientific contributions, and Martin Luther King, Jr. who led the civil rights movement of the 1950's and 60's.

"As the resolution states, it is important that we all learn these stories of heroism, struggle and achievement," Heck said.

Heck said she hopes the resolution will be posted for an Assembly vote before the end of this month.

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE NUMBERS
McGREEVEY'S PLEDGE TO CUT GOVERNOR'S OFFICE BUDGET BY 10 PERCENT NOT QUITE WHAT IT APPEARS

During his Tuesday afternoon budget address Governor McGreevey discussed the many painful budget cuts he would have to make in order to balance this year's spending plan. In order to illustrate that the cuts would be universal and that his office was not exempt from the fiscal carving knife, McGreevey pledged that he would cut the budget for the Governor's office.

"I will cut the Governor's Office budget by 10 percent...," McGreevey declared in his speech.

Dedicated Governor's Office budget for FY2003: $5.4 million
Actual Governor's Office spending for FY2003: $5.9 million
Dedicated Governor's Office budget for FY2004: $5.5 million

For those keeping score at home, the Governor has actually proposed a $100,000 increase in Governor's Office spending over what he proposed last year. And of course there is no reason to assume he won't exceed this proposal by half-a-million dollars as well.

So once again, through his unique method of accounting, Governor McGreevey has managed to turn an increase in spending into a decrease.

O’TOOLE AND GEIST INTRODUCE ‘PAY TO PLAY’ CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM BILL IN HOPES OF PRESSURING DEMS FOR ACTION

Assemblymen Kevin O’Toole and George Geist have introduced "Pay to Play" campaign finance reform legislation identical to the version passed by the State Senate last year in an effort to force Democrats to act on the measure they have kept bottled up in the Assembly for more than a year.

The bill, A-3305, would prohibit business entities and professional business entities who contract with the State for goods or services in excess of $17,500 from making campaign contributions to the office holder ultimately responsible for the award of the contract or to any political party committee.

"After my colleague Assemblyman Kean left to take his seat in the State Senate, I said I would continue his battle to get this reform measure signed into law," said O’Toole, R-Passaic, Essex, and Bergen. "While the Democrats have attempted to take control of the bill so they cannot be forced to act on it, I intend to move forward with my efforts to fight for this legislation."

Last week Assemblywoman Loretta Weinberg took over prime sponsorship of the Kean bill despite Kean’s desire to have O’Toole become lead sponsor. With Weinberg becoming prime sponsor of that bill, the Democrats can now prevent Republicans from making any other procedural motions to move the bill toward a floor vote. They will not have that power over the new O’Toole-Geist measure.

"This campaign finance reform measure will make it clear to the citizens of New Jersey that our state government is not for sale," said Geist, R-Gloucester, Camden. "We must work to ensure that the decisions about how taxpayer dollars are spent are based on what is best for all the people of our state, not just the politically connected few."

O’Toole and Geist said that they intend to work tirelessly for the bill’s passage.

Assemblyman Kevin O’Toole, R-Passaic, Essex and Bergen, issued the following statement in response to Governor McGreevey’s budget address:

"It appears Governor McGreevey is proposing another budget he intends to balance on the backs of middle class New Jersey families. Once again the Governor is proposing an increase in spending at the same time he talks about fiscal restraint. And once again he is proposing a number of tax increases in violation of his pledge two years ago to not raise taxes. The Governor’s proposal to make further cuts to the New Jersey SAVER property tax relief program is unacceptable. This is the only program that has been successful in easing the property tax burden for New Jersey families, and he is now proposing to eliminate that program for almost half-a-million New Jersey homeowners. We understand that revenues have been lagging and that the Governor is facing a daunting task. I applaud his decision to drop plans for a Public Advocate – an office that would have been an unnecessary and costly expansion of the state bureaucracy. And I am willing to engage in a discussion with the Governor about any other spending cuts he believes are necessary to bring the budget into balance. However I cannot, and will not, support any proposal that is going to further add to the tax burden borne by our constituents. I look forward to reviewing the details of the Governor’s proposal, and working cooperatively to craft a fair, balanced budget."

The following is a statement from Assemblyman Francis J. Blee in response to Governor McGreevey’s budget address:

"For months, the Governor has predicted more fiscal difficulties for the coming year, but rather than offer concrete budget solutions, today Governor McGreevey offered cutting and spending proposals that do more harm than good for New Jersey taxpayers.

His plan to cut the NJ SAVER program would eliminate rebates for more than 400,000 homeowners who have incomes in excess of $100,000. Even worse, the Governor proposed reducing funding for our state’s institutions of higher education, a move which will undoubtedly lead to increased tuition fees for thousands of students. These suggestions are wrong for New Jersey and do not take into account our state’s hardest working families and individuals – New Jersey’s middle class.

Today’s budget address made it clear that Governor McGreevey intends to balance his budget on the backs of New Jersey’s middle-class, and that is simply unacceptable. His actions today show where his concerns lie, and it is obvious that it is not with the overwhelming majority of New Jersey citizens."

Assemblywoman Charlotte Vandervalk and Assemblyman Sam Thompson abstained from today’s Assembly Health and Human Services Committee vote on legislation "permitting human stem cell research in New Jersey."

Vandervalk and Thompson issued the following minority statement explaining their abstentions:

HOLZAPFEL OPPOSES BILL ALLOWING INDIVIDUALS CONVICTED OF DRUNK DRIVING TO GET RESTRICTED LICENSES

Saying he can not support legislation that allows repeated drunk driving offenders back on the road before fulfilling their sentence, Assemblyman James W. Holzapfel today voted against Assembly Bill 2266, a Democrat sponsored measure that would permit motor vehicle offenders to obtain a restricted use license.

The measure was heard today in the Democratic controlled Assembly Law and Public Safety committee.

"Individuals who drive while intoxicated are a threat to everyone on the road, including themselves," said Holzapfel, R-Ocean, Monmouth. "Their driving privileges are revoked for a reason, and it is not the place of the Legislature to give their licenses back."

Holzapfel added that giving the Division of Motor Vehicles the added responsibility of tracking the restricted use licenses after Governor McGreevey blasted the structure of the agency is irresponsible at best.

"I find it hard to believe the DMV could manage to process and keep track of restricted use licenses," Holzapfel said. "The Governor has made it clear that the DMV needs a major overhaul, so it doesn’t seem in the best interest of the state to entrust the agency with another presumably huge undertaking."

Mothers Against Drunk Driving has stated that A-2266 needs to be amended to include people convicted of drunk driving as ineligible for a restricted use license.

"I opposed this measure today and will vote against it at any future legislative sessions," Holzapfel said. "Voting in favor of measures like A-2266 sends the wrong message to all New Jersey drivers, especially those who think lightly of driving while intoxicated."

GREGG QUESTIONS WHY APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE CONSIDERED 20 SPENDING BILLS PRIOR TO GOVERNOR’S BUDGET ADDRESS

Assembly Republican Appropriations Officer Guy Gregg issued the following statement Monday regarding an Assembly Appropriations Committee Agenda that included consideration of 20 spending bills:

"I find it ironic, if not troubling, that the Assembly Appropriations Committee has scheduled such an ambitious agenda today – one day prior to the Governor’s much anticipated budget address. At a time when the Governor has warned we might be facing a multi-billion dollar budget deficit, this committee isn’t missing a beat in moving out more spending bills. If state spending in the coming year must be as austere as the Governor has hinted, perhaps we shouldn’t be rushing to approve even more in advance of his budget message. I think it might be a good idea to wait until the Governor outlines his spending priorities before this committee continues loosening the purse strings."

DeCROCE FEARS REPUBLICAN PREDICTIONS ABOUT DEMISE OF NJSAVER PROGRAM ARE COMING TRUE

When Governor Jim McGreevey arbitrarily removed thousands of New Jersey homeowners from the NJSAVER property tax relief program last year, Republican Conference Leader Alex DeCroce wondered if it was the beginning of the administration’s plan to systematically eliminate the program.

Assembly Republican Conference Leader Alex DeCroce today said he was concerned with media reports, based on leaks from the administration, that the income threshold for participation in the NJSAVER program would be reduced to $100,000.

"Last year, the Governor declared that homeowners making $200,000 were rich and no longer deserved to receive an NJSAVER rebate check," said DeCroce, R-Morris, Passaic. "Now the Governor appears poised to lower that bar even further and deny direct property tax relief to thousands more middle-class homeowners across the state.

"Last year, when the Governor arbitrarily selected a $200,000 eligibility threshold, I expressed concern that it would only lead to additional to reductions somewhere down the line and the eventual elimination of the program," DeCroce added. "If the Governor proceeds with this proposed reduction, I am concerned the NJSAVER program will be targeted for elimination in the near future."

DeCroce said McGreevey’s failure to propose real and sensible budget solutions last year has compounded the state’s budgetary and fiscal problems.