NJ Assembly Republicans

Saying that the original version of the state’s proposed smart-growth map was poorly planned, Assembly Republican Leader Paul DiGaetano Friday applauded Governor McGreevey’s decision to revise the map.

"I think it was clear to everyone who has been monitoring development in New Jersey during the past two decades that the original version of this map contained serious flaws," said DiGaetano, R-Essex, Passaic and Bergen. "I’m glad that Governor McGreevey has realized that this was a mistake and has – literally – gone back to the drawing board."

Today is the day the McGreevey administration will formally ditch the original version of the smart-growth map and begin the process of creating a new proposal. This comes after widespread criticism of the original version which McGreevey unveiled following his State-of-the-State address.

"The original map would have had a variety of negative impacts, from choking off economic development in some regions of the state, to directing additional growth into already congested areas in others," DiGaetano said. "I think everyone would like to see New Jersey preserve open space, but we must take a very deliberate, smart approach toward that goal."

DiGaetano said he believes the McGreevey administration may have rushed to come up with the original map for political purposes, and that he hopes it will take the time to develop a more reasonable and effective strategy this time.

DiGAETANO SAYS GOVERNOR SHOULD TAKE OFF THE TABLE ANY PROPOSED CUTS TO SENIOR PRESCRIPTION PROGRAMS

Assembly Republican Leader Paul DiGaetano repeated his call today for Governor McGreevey to drop his proposal to cut the number of seniors eligible for the state’s Pharmaceutical Assistance for the Aged and Disabled (PAAD) prescription drug program.

"I made it clear in February that so long as he insists on cuts to New Jersey’s senior prescription drug programs, I will not be able to support the Governor’s budget," said DiGaetano, R-Essex, Bergen and Passaic. "It is important that the Governor drop this idea now so that we have adequate time to identify alternative ways to save money in this budget."

DiGaetano pointed out that even a growing number of Democrats have they could not support the Governor’s plans for increasing the income eligibility threshold to participate in the PAAD program.

"While the Governor’s proposal could have a devastating impact on many seniors, it will only save about $4 million in a $23.7 billion budget," DiGaetano said. "The Governor should find other avenues to achieve these relatively modest savings without trying to balance his budget on the backs of our seniors."

DiGaetano suggested that McGreevey look for funding in the same place he has to hire new staff and to fund other questionable budget priorities.

"Last year the Democrats spent $175 million to bail out Camden and the Governor increased the size of his staff with a variety of high-salaried patronage positions," DiGaetano said. "If he could find money for those causes, surely he can find $4 million to protect senior access to affordable prescriptions."

DiGAETANO CALLS ON GOVERNOR TO BEGIN SEARCHING FOR ALTERNATIVES TO RAIDING EMT TRAINING FUNDS

Assembly Republican Leader Paul DiGaetano Wednesday called on Governor McGreevey to look elsewhere in his proposed budget for the $5 million in funding he currently plans to transfer out of the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Training Fund.

"The Governor’s proposal to grab $5 million from this EMT fund could have a devastating impact on the crews that provide our residents with emergency medical care," said DiGaetano, R-Essex, Passaic, and Bergen. "With this fund depleted, these organizations will have to scramble to find other ways to provide for this training which is so crucial to maintaining adequate EMT services in our communities."

The EMT Training Fund is supported by a $0.50 surcharge on revenues generated by the fines for various motor vehicle violations. In FY2002 the EMT Fund had a balance of $9.7 million, and in the current budget year a balance of $7.9 million.

Now the Governor is proposing to raid the EMT Fund to support a variety of Homeland Security Initiatives. After the Governor takes $5.3 million this year for his FY2004 Homeland Security initiatives, the EMT Fund will be left with a projected balance of only $793,000.

"Nobody questions the need to support Homeland Security initiatives, but in a $23 billion budget, I find it hard to believe that the Governor’s only alternative was to take $5 million from this important fund," DiGaetano said. "This looks like it could be another example of the Governor’s misguided priorities."

The Assembly Republican Leader also questioned comments from Health and Senior Services Commissioner Clifton Lacy that the removal of these funds would not impact on the ability of EMT crews to adequately fund training expenses.

"I am skeptical of the Commissioner’s claim that completely depleting this fund will not lead to a shortage of training dollars for EMT’s," DiGaetano said. "If this is true, I think he needs to explain in detail how these EMT crews will fund these training expenses without this money."

A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE ASSEMBLY REPUBLICAN OFFICE: BEWARE OF THE FLIP-FLOPS!

SCENE: In a typical New Jersey household on a pleasant spring day a husband and wife are sitting at the dining room table paying their bills. The television is playing in the living room.

HUSBAND: "Well that takes care of the auto insurance bill. It just keeps going up."

HUSBAND: "Yeah, but I’m sure he’s busy with a lot of other things. Ok, what’s next? Oh, yes our property tax bill. Whew! That’s a lot of money. Another big increase. And we may not even get a NJSAVER check this year to offset that increase."

WIFE: "Our property taxes are going up again? And no SAVER check? I thought the Governor was supposed to do something about that, too?"

HUSBAND: "Well, he is a busy man. I hear his schedule is so tight that he actually needs a helicopter to get around that state. Costs like 1,200 bucks a trip."

WIFE: "It is the Governor! He’s promoting his bookclub. Didn’t he say when he was on NJ101.5 right after the campaign in 2001 that he wouldn’t use taxpayer dollars for Public Service Announcements?"

HUSBAND: "Yeah, he did. I read about that in the Express-Times. Well I guess you can’t keep all of your promises."

WIFE: "I guess not! Well we better get going. We’re supposed to go to your mother’s house for dinner tonight."

HUSBAND: "That’s right, we better hit the road. I’ll meet you out at the car. And hey, bring some change for those Parkway tolls."

WIFE: "Hey, didn’t the Governor say he was going to do something about the Parkway tolls?"

For a complete list of information on Governor McGreevey’s Flip-Flops, go to our Flip Flop page.

GORMLEY-BLEE-D’AMATO BILL DOUBLING PENALTIES FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO DEAL DRUGS AT TEEN EVENTS SIGNED INTO LAW

Legislation sponsored by Senator Bill Gormley and 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 signed into law by the Governor on April 4, 2003.

The bill, A-1893/S-1950, 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.

"One of the aims of this legislation is to create awareness among parents and the community that these drugs are out there and they are dangerous," said Gormley, R-Atlantic. "This legislation is also beneficial because it lets the drug dealers know that more severe penalties are in store for them when they seek to prey upon our children."

"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."

Assembly Republican Leader Paul DiGaetano today formally welcomed former Hudson County Democrat Assemblyman Rafael J. Fraguela to the Assembly Republican Caucus after he officially switched parties and announced he would be running on the GOP ticket in November.

Fraguela , who is serving his first-term in the Assembly, will lead the Republican ticket in the 33^rd Legislative District and challenge incumbent Sen. Bernard Kenny.

DiGaetano called Fraguela’s defection a clear indication that deep political divisions and turmoil exist within the caucus and the Democrat party.

"It is clear that the heavy-handed, machine-style politics employed by the Democrat party is creating serious political problems among the rank and file membership," said DiGaetano, R-Essex, Bergen, Passaic. "Democrat legislators who do not walk lockstep with the political bosses are unceremoniously dumped from the ticket. It is clearly the politics of intimidation. "We are a caucus with very diverse political philosophies and opinions," DiGaetano said. "On behalf of the entire Assembly Republican Caucus, I want to welcome Assemblyman Fraguela and assure him that his thoughts, ideas and concerns on legislation and public policy always will be welcomed and well received."

Fraguela, a Union City resident, was elected to the Assembly in November 2001. He has served on the Union City Commission since 1993. He also served on the Union City Board of Education from 1988 to 1993 and is a former president of the board.

Fraguela said he decided to switch parties and run as a Republican because the Democrat Party in Hudson County has taken the Hispanic community for granted.

"The elected representatives of municipal, county and state government in Hudson County are not reflective of the growing Hispanic population," Fraguela said. "The Hispanic community is not looking for the whole pie. It is only asking for a piece of the pie.

"The Republican leadership said it was committed to reaching out to the Hispanic community with open arms and is willing to give Hispanics a greater voice in the party," Fraguela said. "I look forward to joining the Republican caucus and doing my best to represent all citizens in the 33^rd District."

Fraguela is the second Democrat to bolt the Assembly Caucus in the last six months. Bergen County Assemblyman Matt Ahearn bolted the caucus in December and joined the Green Party. Fraguela’s switch changes the political composition of the Assembly to 42 Democrats, 37 Republicans and 1 Green Party member.

"It is clear that the Democrats are not only gradually losing control of the Assembly, the leadership is losing control of its caucus," DiGaetano said. "These continued defections certainly bode well for Republicans leading into the next election cycle."

Assemblyman George Geist Tuesday sent a letter to Ida Castro, Commissioner of the Department of Personnel, asking that she provide his office with any paperwork or other documentation her office has received related to the job transfer of Efrain Feliciano.

"This letter is to request that you provide my office with the paperwork related to the recent job transfer of Efrain Feliciano from the State Parole Board to the Delaware River Port Authority." Geist writes in his letter.

Geist, R-Camden, Gloucester, sent the letter in response to recent news reports about Feliciano’s unique position in which he is paid by the state, but works for an independent bi-state authority. Last week Geist requested similar documentation from the Delaware River Port Authority and the State Parole Board.

"I am worried that this job transfer is nothing more than an attempt to manipulate the pension system to the detriment of the taxpayers," the Geist letter states. "Please provide me with any paperwork you have regarding this job transfer so that I can reassure my constituents that this action is being taken in compliance with all state personnel rules and regulations. Thank you for your cooperation."

MALONE CALLS DEMOCRATS’ ‘STEALTH BUDGET TRANSFER’ OF EDUCATION FUNDS RECKLESS AND IRRESPONSIBLE

Assembly Republican Budget Officer Joseph R. Malone called the Democrats’ decision to press forward with a plan to siphon $270 million in state aid from New Jersey’s public schools a "reckless and irresponsible" move that will have catastrophic long-term and short-term consequences for many school districts.

Malone said the $270 million transfer from the Department of Education was the main component of a nearly $400 million transfer approved today by the Democrats on the Joint Budget Oversight Committee (JBOC).

The Democrats voted to transfer $330 million from several different accounts to the Department of Health and Senior Services to fund the state’s share of Medicaid reimbursement to nursing homes.

Malone said he takes issue with the Democrats’ claim that the transfer of $270 million from the Department of Education was merely a delay in the final state aid payment to school districts.

"We have received no indication from the Democrats as to when school districts can expect to receive this ‘delayed’ state aid payment," said Malone, R-Burlington, Monmouth, Ocean, Mercer. "If the state aid payment is being delayed from June 22 to July 8, one would reason that the fiscal year 2004 budget would include an additional state aid payment.

"The proposed budget being considered by the Legislature does not include funding for an additional state aid payment next year," Malone added. "The Democrats are telling school districts to expect an extra state aid payment next year that will never come.

"It’s like playing one of those pea-under-the-shell games, only you can lift all three shells and never find the pea," Malone continued. "That is exactly what will happen to New Jersey school districts when they look for the $270 million that is owed them."

Malone said the JBOC transfer will be used to close a $330 million deficit in the Medicaid Nursing Home program. The deficit was caused by the anticipation of $330 million in Intergovernmental Transfer (IGT) payments even though the receipt of those payments was far from certain.

"This was a deficit created by poor budgeting, plain and simple," Malone said. "Now the Democrats are scrambling to point fingers and do damage control while they try and close the deficit."

Malone said Assembly Budget Chairman Lou Greenwald said recently he was optimistic the state would receive IGT funds.

"If the chairman truly believes these IGT funds will be forthcoming, then why did we approve this transfer today?" Malone said. "I fully understand that nursing homes must be paid. That is why I am suggesting that the state use the additional money from the tobacco bonds that were issued in February but not appropriated in the fiscal year 2003 budget.

"This move also would allow the administration extra time to see if April revenues come in above projections," Malone said. "I think that would make much more sense than cutting education aid."

Malone also criticized the Democrat’s legislative leadership for excluding Republicans from any meaningful budget discussions.

"To his credit, Governor McGreevey had made an effort to reach out to Republicans to discuss the budget, which is more than I can say for the Democrats in the Assembly," Malone stated. "They want Republicans to sit in the caboose of the train until there is a wreck. Then they want us to come forward and help clean up the mess."

GREGG: TASK FORCE ON FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY SHOULD LOOK INTO GOV’S ACCOUNTING TRICKS

Assembly Republican Appropriations Officer Guy Gregg Monday sent a letter to Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Roberts asking that the Assembly Task Force on Fiscal Responsibility convene to review a plan by the Governor to move $270 million in school aid funding into next year’s budget to cover a projected budget hole.

"These are exactly the type of questionable budget procedures that I believe you and Speaker Sires had in mind when creating this task force, and I believe it is a good idea to hold a hearing on this particular maneuver and the administration’s overall plan to balance its FY2003 budget," Gregg, R-Sussex, Morris and Hunterdon, said in his letter.

Gregg pointed out that the state auditor had informed members of the Joint Budget Oversight Committee that this budget maneuver was not in accordance with accepted accounting practices.

"I’m sure you know that I have never been afraid to raise concerns about the budget process, even when my party was in the majority," Gregg writes. "I hope you will give consideration to the idea of holding this hearing so that we can get some answers about these budget maneuvers before the administration does anything to exacerbate our budget problems."

MALONE SAYS GOVERNOR’S PLEDGE TO RESTORE ARTS FUNDING UNDERSCORES MISPLACED PRIORITIES

Assembly Republican Budget Officer today chided the McGreevey Administration for pledging to restore cuts in arts funding while senior citizen prescription drug benefits and health insurance for working-poor residents still face deep cuts.

"Senior citizens may not be able to afford their prescription drugs and working-poor families may not be able to obtain state-subsidized health insurance, but maybe they can catch a good play at a local theater," said Malone, R-Burlington, Ocean, Monmouth, Mercer. "With all due respect to the arts community, I believe budget reductions that directly impact the health, well-being and quality of life of New Jersey citizens should be addressed first and foremost.

"This Administration is once again misplacing spending priorities in its budget proposal," Malone added. "Helping our state’s most needy and vulnerable citizens should take precedent over funding for the arts during tough budget times.

"The Governor needs to outline his spending priorities in a clear and concise manner," Malone continued. "Randomly restoring budget cuts without any sense of reason or prioritization does not serve the citizens of New Jersey well during this budget review process."

Ironically, Malone and other members of the Assembly Budget Committee were holding a public hearing in Newark on the Governor’s budget proposal.

Malone said he was surprised by recent newspaper articles indicating that the Governor may try to restore 50 percent of the cut to arts funding.

"Before the Governor proceeds with promises to restore funding cuts, we should make certain every dollar that is restored to the budget is spent wisely, prudently and in the best interests of the taxpayers," Malone said. "In this case, I don’t think the Governor has fully explored other options."

ASSEMBLY REPUBLICANS SEND LETTER TO SMITH URGING HIM TO ACT ON FUNDING FOR GREEN ACRES AND FARMLAND PRESERVATION PROJECTS

A group of Republican legislators sent a letter Thursday to Assemblyman Robert J. Smith, the chairman of the Assembly Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee, asking that he schedule for consideration two packages of bills that would provide the funding necessary for FY2003 farmland and open space preservation projects.

"These bills provide funding essential to a number of projects designed to preserve open space and farmland in several parts of New Jersey," the members wrote in their letter. "In addition to having been approved by the Green Acres program, the Farmland Preservation program, and the Garden State Preservation Trust, they also have already won approval in the State Senate."

The Assembly members sending the letter are sponsors of the farmland and open space preservation bills which have been bottled up in Smith’s committee since last Fall. These bills include:

"It took the State Senate less than six weeks to move these bills through the committee process and to final approval," the letter states. "This is why we are puzzled that no action has been taken on these bills in your committee."

HECK INITIATIVE TO ESTABLISH PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS COUNCIL WINS APPROVAL IN ASSEMBLY

Legislation that would establish the State Public Safety Interoperable Communications Coordinating Council was approved today by the General Assembly by a 78-0 vote.

The legislation, sponsored by Democrat Assembly members Gary Guear and Joan Quigley, is nearly identical to a measure introduced last year by Assemblywoman Rose M. Heck.

Although Heck’s legislation received widespread support from law enforcement officials, the Democrats failed to move the measure.

"This legislation has the capability to dramatically improve response time in the event of an emergency, and because of that, I believe it is critical to all New Jersey residents that we see this Council put to task," said Heck, R-Bergen. "I introduced a virtually identical measure more than a year ago, and had it not languished ever since, we might have seen advancements in communications technology much sooner."

Heck referenced the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 as the catalyst for the legislation.

"One of the biggest problems faced by emergency workers on September 11^th was the inability to adequately communicate with each other during and after the attacks," Heck said. "This initiative would directly address these communication problems and help prevent future chaos stemming from communication breakdowns."

Heck added that last January the Director of the Office of Counter-Terrorism said her bill was a worthy legislative initiative needed to improve interoperable communications systems throughout the state.

"I am very pleased that A-3390 is seeing action today, but it could have gone into effect last March had the Speaker chosen to post A-1971 for consideration," Heck said. "Though I would have liked my bill to advance last year, I am pleased it could offer inspiration for the Guear/Quigley bill we voted on today."

MALONE SAYS SUDDEN CANCELLATION OF JBOC MEETING MAY BE A PREVIEW OF ANOTHER CHAOTIC BUDGET PROCESS

Assembly Republican Budget Officer Joseph R. Malone today said the Democrats’ decision to abruptly cancel a scheduled meeting of the Joint Budget Oversight Committee (JBOC) could be a precursor for another chaotic budget process.

The committee was scheduled to consider a request by the McGreevey Administration to approve nearly $400 million in supplemental spending without a full review by the Legislature.

The Administration requested a transfer of $330 million from several different accounts to the Department of Health and Senior Services to fund the state’s share of Medicaid reimbursement to nursing homes.

Malone said $270 million of that amount was transferred from the Department of Education’s state school aid accounts.

"The Administration tried to portray this transfer as a mere delay in the payment of state aid, but it was ultimately exposed for what it really was – a cut that districts will never recoup," Malone said. "As a result, the Democrats once again beat a hasty retreat and cancelled the meeting. This reminds me of the same chaotic atmosphere that dominated last year’s budget process. It certainly is not a very encouraging sign of things to come."

Malone said the Administration’s contention that the transfer would merely delay the final state aid payment from June 22 to July 8 failed to hold water because the Fiscal Year 2004 budget, which begins July 1, does not provide sufficient funding for the missing payment.

"It’s like playing one of those pea-under-theshell games, only you can lift all three shells and never find the pea," Malone said. "That is exactly what would have happened to New Jersey school districts when they looked for the $270 million that was owed them."

Malone said the McGreevey Administration is trying to close a $330 million deficit in the Medicaid Nursing Home program. The deficit was caused by the administration’s anticipation of $330 million in Intergovernmental Transfer (IGT) payments from the federal government even though the receipt of such funds was far from certain.

Last week, Assembly Budget Chairman Lou Greenwald said he was optimistic the state would receive IGT funds.

"If the chairman believes these IGT funds will be forthcoming, then why are we even talking about skipping a state aid payment to school districts," Malone said. "Once again, confusion and uncertainty seem to be the norm when it comes to fiscal matters."

Malone also said he was concerned that only the six-member Joint Budget Oversight Committee would have a chance to review the merits of one of the largest transfers in at least a decade.

"These important fiscal matters should not be considered by a six-member committee," Malone said. "The issue of the transfer, and its impact on New Jersey school districts, should be reviewed and debated by the full Assembly."

WEINBERG BILL FALLS SHORT OF GOV’S MANDATE AS GOVERNOR’S FUNDRAISING GALA APPROACHES

While no bill text has been made available, it appears the long-awaited introduction of Assemblywoman Loretta Weinberg’s "Pay to Play" bill, now scheduled for Monday, will fall short of Governor McGreevey’s State of the State demands.

According to Weinberg’s March 6 press release (upon which we must rely because no copies of the bill were available as of 4 p.m. Friday – less than 72 hours before the committee meeting) the bill will not cover municipal government contracts.

In his January 14 State of the State address, Governor McGreevey said, "I will not support, nor will I sign, any legislation which fails to address the conflict problem in every branch and at every level of government. I will veto any bill that does less."

Weinberg and the Assembly Democrats have claimed for weeks that they were working on a bill that would meet the Governor’s requirements, and now that they finally introduce a "Pay to Play" bill it doesn’t include local government.

If the new "Pay to Play" bill wasn’t going to meet the Governor’s demand and apply to all levels of government, why didn’t we just pass the Kean version of the bill which was on the verge of final approval almost two months ago?

Could it be that Weinberg is introducing this bill with the understanding that McGreevey will veto it, so that the Democrats can further delay the enactment of "Pay to Play?" Perhaps this is just another Democrat delaying tactic.

Why does Weinberg imply Republicans don’t support including local government in "Pay to Play" when Assemblymen Rick Merkt and Michael Patrick Carroll have already introduced a bill doing just that? The bill is co-sponsored by 23 other members of the Assembly Republican caucus.

Hopefully all of these questions will be answered when Assemblywoman Weinberg unveils her legislation on Monday.

In the meantime, the Governor’s Gala, scheduled for March 28, is now less than one month away. And the odds grow longer that we will have a "Pay to Play" campaign finance reform law enacted before the Governor is done counting his new-found campaign contribution windfall.

DiGAETANO CALLS SUPREME COURT ORDER ON LEGISLATIVE MAP AN AFFRONT TO THE CONSTITUTION

Assembly Republican Leader Paul DiGaetano today issued the following statement in response to the New Jersey Supreme Court’s ruling concerning the legislative apportionment map.

"The Appellate Court clearly and decisively ruled that the legislative map is unconstitutional and directed the commission to get back to work and draw a new map that conforms with ‘the plain and unambiguous language of our State Constitution.’ The Supreme Court should join the Appellate Court in upholding the Constitution."

Assemblyman James Holzapfel Thursday introduced a resolution asking the State Commission of Investigation (SCI) to investigate whether the state Parole Board broke any rules in its decision to release reputed mob member Anthony Prisco.

"Any involvement on the part of the Governor’s Office in pressuring the parole board for an early release of Mr. Prisco, would be a serious violation of the public trust," said Holzapfel, R-Ocean and Monmouth. "The public needs to know whether officials in the Governor’s Office have used their position of power to win early release for a dangerous criminal."

According to news reports, state officials are looking into whether Jim Davy, the operations chief for the McGreevey administration, played a role in the early release of Prisco who was sentenced to 12 years in prison in 1998 on charges of arson and conspiracy.

Holzapfel, a former Ocean County Prosecutor and chairman of the Parole Reform Commission, said he feels that it is appropriate that the SCI be put in charge of this investigation, because the Attorney General’s Office would have trouble avoiding the appearance of a conflict of interest.

"This case involves questionable activity on the part of officials in the Governor’s Office, and therefore I believe the investigation must be conducted by an independent observer," Holzapfel said. "That is the best way to resolve these questions without the appearance of a conflict of interest."

DOHERTY- GREGG BILL PROVIDING FUNDS FOR UNDERGROUND TANK REMEDIATION RELEASED BY COMMITTEE

Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Michael J. Doherty and Guy R. Gregg that would award grants to remediate discharges from home heating oil tanks was released today by the Assembly Environment Committee.

The measure, A-3347, would require the Economic Development Authority (EDA) to award a grant from the Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Remediation, Upgrade and Closure Fund to any applicant who is the owner or operator of a petroleum underground storage tank used to store heating oil at the applicant’s primary residence.

"Our measure would make existing grant funds available for homeowners to clean leaking fuel oil tanks that are hazardous to our environment," said Doherty, R-Warren, Hunterdon. "Leaking underground storage tanks poses an obvious threat to our drinking water, so removing these tanks is a win-win situation for both the homeowners, their families and the state."

"Homeowners are often concerned about the costs involved with removing an unregulated underground storage tank, but it must be made clear that leaving these leaking tanks can create a much larger financial and environmental burden in the future," said Gregg, R- Sussex, Morris, Hunterdon. "This measure gives homeowners the chance to guarantee safer drinking water for their families, while cleaning an environment closest to their homes."

The measure, A-3347, was released by a committee vote of 5-0 and now heads to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for consideration.

Assemblyman Alex DeCroce today blasted Secretary of State Regena Thomas for distributing $3 million in taxpayer money last January for arts funding in mainly Democrat districts.

"This was a purely partisan move on the part of Secretary of State Thomas that spent $3 million in taxpayer funds," said DeCroce, R-Morris, Passaic. "Why is Regena Thomas allowed to say that an arts group in Camden deserves $81,000 but an arts group in Morris, Monmouth or Atlantic county deserves nothing?"

DeCroce added that Thomas should give a full accounting of the grant awards to the Legislature and the public.

"Giving out taxpayer dollars just weeks before the Governor announced he was cutting arts funding was a shrewd move by Secretary Thomas and the Administration," DeCroce said. "Clearly it pays to be a friend of the Secretary of State. Secretary Thomas needs to explain her criteria for doling out $3 million in taxpayer funds.

"Was money distributed based upon need, or simply where these arts groups were located?" DeCroce asked. "It seems incredibly convenient that programs funded were in Democrat-controlled towns and cities.

"Arts funding should be offered to all programs or none – without bias," DeCroce said. "This action displays another blatant example of how partisanship persists within the McGreevey Administration."

Republican Conference Leader Alex DeCroce today said he failed to see why certain bills have not been considered in the Assembly after last week’s rancorous floor debate over a homeland security resolution.

"The Democrats presented a resolution calling for President Bush and Congress to enact more effective national security measures," said DeCroce, R-Morris, Passaic. "Yet in spite of their apparent concern over what they deem the perceived slowness and ineptness of the federal government to ensure homeland security, legislation here in the Assembly to meet the same goal remains bottled up.

"If colleagues of mine across the aisle are so concerned about homeland security here in New Jersey, they could start by acting on several bills which address the problem," continued DeCroce. "I see no need for political posturing on the homeland security issue when the Assembly has legislation waiting for a vote."

The following bills are still awaiting action in the Assembly Homeland Security and Domestic Preparedness Committee:

- A-1971 Heck Establishes the State Public Safety Wireless Communications Coordinating Council.

- A-1968 Malone Establishes a Biological Agent Registry in the Department of Health and Human Services.

- A-2648 D’Amato/Cohen Provides for attachment of real property relating to terrorism.

- A-769 Green/Egan Requires institutions of higher learning to develop campus security plans.

- A-2615 Bodine Upgrades offenses involving use of false government documents.

- A-2936 Bodine Establishes criminal penalties for recruiting members for a terrorist related organization.

"From this list, it is obvious there is still plenty of work for the Legislature to do on our part," DeCroce asserted. "We all know that a resolution addressing President Bush and Congress will do next to nothing, but these bills awaiting action can result in effective law, and legislating is what we are here to do. Before we pass a resolution asking the President and Congress to take further action on homeland security, we should follow our own advice and move these bills."

PENNACCHIO CALLS ON OFFICIALS WHO RECEIVED KUSHNER CONTRIBUTIONS TO SEND THE MONEY BACK

Assemblyman Joseph Pennacchio Monday called on all elected officials and campaign committees to return those campaign contributions they have received from Charles Kushner that appear to be in violation of state election law.

"One member of the Assembly Democrat caucus has already made it clear that he believes keeping a Kushner contribution damages his integrity and credibility with the public," Pennacchio said. "I would think that everyone who received a contribution would like to maintain their ‘squeaky-clean’ reputation."

Pennacchio, R-Morris and Passaic, was referring to Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew’s quote that he was returning his Kushner contribution because, "I’ve always had a squeaky-clean reputation and I intend on keeping it."

Kushner withdrew his nomination to be Port Authority chairman and resigned his seat last week in the wake of several news reports detailing how under New Jersey law, Kushner’s ownership of Norcrown Bank prohibits him from making campaign donations. Kushner has owned the bank since 1996.

"Kushner’s decision to resign from the Port Authority, and the Attorney General’s decision to look into these contributions could shake public confidence in those officials who have accepted this money," Pennacchio said. "At a time when public confidence in New Jersey’s elected officials is already at historically low levels, I would urge everyone from the Governor on down to follow Assemblyman Van Drew’s lead and return this money."

HOLZAPFEL CALLS FOR SCI TO LAUNCH INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION OF PAROLE BOARD CONTROVERSY

Assemblyman James Holzapfel Monday said that he intends to introduce legislation asking the State Commission of Investigation (SCI) to investigate whether the state Parole Board broke any rules in its decision to release reputed mob member Anthony Prisco.

"If the Governor’s Office played any role in pressuring the parole board to release Mr. Prisco, that would be a serious violation of the public trust," said Holzapfel, R-Ocean and Monmouth. "I would hope no official in the Governor’s Office would be using their position to win early release for criminals."

A story in Gannett Newspapers reported that an investigation is being conducted into whether Jim Davy, the operations chief for the McGreevey administration, played a role in the early release of Prisco who was sentenced to 12 years in prison in 1998 on charges of arson and conspiracy.

Holzapfel, a former Ocean County Prosecutor and chairman of the Parole Reform Commission, said he feels that it is appropriate that the SCI be put in charge of this investigation, and said he plans to introduce a resolution to do so.

"I have confidence in the Attorney General’s Office, but because this case involves questionable activity on the part of officials in the Governor’s Office, I believe the investigation must be conducted by an independent observer," Holzapfel said. "That is the best way to resolve these questions without the appearance of a conflict of interest."

HECK EXPRESSES SUPPORT FOR LEGISLATION TO DEVELOP COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATING COUNCIL

Assemblywoman Rose Heck Monday said that she is pleased the Assembly Homeland Security & State Preparedness Committee will be considering legislation Thursday to develop an Interoperable Communications Coordinating Council, and hopes the committee will also be considering a nearly identical bill she introduced last year.

The agenda for Thursday’s meeting includes the Interoperable Communications bill, A-3390, sponsored by Assembly members Gary Guear and Joan Quigley, and proposed for introduction today. That bill appears similar to a bill introduced by Heck earlier this session.

Just a week ago Heck sent a letter 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.

"I introduced legislation that will help to improve the ability of emergency management personnel to communicate while responding to a terrorist attack, but as of last week the Democrats had failed to act on these bills," said Heck, R-Bergen. "These bills are vital to the operations of our homeland security system, and I’m glad to see the Democrats are finally joining me in this effort."

Sid Casperson, Director of the New Jersey Office of Counter Terrorism, recently 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’m glad that the Democrats are listening to what Director Casperson has said, and to what I said during session to our members when I explained the need for this council. I hope they will include my legislation in their discussion Thursday."

Heck’s bill 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.

Heck reiterated her example as to the need for this council by pointing out that a number of other states have such a wireless communications council, including California, Oregon, Illinois, Nebraska, Montana, and Wyoming.

Heck also asked that the committee consider another bill, A-155, that 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.

"Given the fact that protecting our citizens must be our highest priority, I hope the Democrats plan on giving thorough consideration to all of these proposals," Heck said.

WHAT COMES FIRST: PAY TO PLAY CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM, OR THE GOVERNOR’S BIG BUCKS FUNDRAISING GALA?

As February comes to a close, yet another day has passed without any action from the Assembly Democrats on "Pay to Play" campaign finance reform.

In a press release dated February 10, Assemblywoman Loretta Weinberg said she planned to unveil a new version of "Pay to Play" campaign finance reform bill "next week," and that she hoped to have the bill out of committee by early March.

It has now been almost three weeks since that press release, and no bill has been unveiled or introduced.

Of course the Governor’s Gala, scheduled for March 28, is just one month away, we can just imagine that Governor McGreevey is busy tidying up the Democrat coffers to make sure he has enough room for a truckload of fresh cash.

In fact, we wonder if it is possible that there may be people contributing money at this Gala who do business with the state, or perhaps intend to in the near future. Not that this would have any connection with the Democrat "Pay to Play" foot dragging.

But it does raise the question of what will come first: a Democrat "Pay to Play" bill, or