STATEMENT BY ASSEMBLY REPUBLICAN LEADER ALEX DeCROCE ON GOVERNOR'S DECISION ON THE GAS TAX

December 23, 2003

GREGG CALLS ON CORZINE AND LAUTENBERG TO WORK WITH HIM ON HONEST REFERENCE BILL

Assemblyman Guy Gregg today called on U.S. Senators Jon Corzine and Frank Lautenberg, who are working to prevent future situations such as the recent tragedy at Somerset Medical Center, to join him in pushing for legislation that would protect employers who provide honest job references.

"I would welcome the assistance of Senators Corzine and Lautenberg in getting my legislation through the Legislature and signed into law," said Gregg, R-Sussex, Morris and Hunterdon. "My legislation would accomplish exactly what Senator Lautenberg has called for and I hope he will work with me to make this a reality."

The Gregg bill, A-2309, exempts an employer from civil liability when a former employer, in good faith, discloses information about job performance or reason for termination of an employee, to a prospective employer of that employee. Gregg introduced the bill several years ago, but it has never reached the Governor’s desk.

Charles Cullen, a nurse a Somerset Medical Center, has been charged with injecting lethal doses of medication into two critically ill patients, and claims to have done the same to as many as 40 other patients during his sixteen years of work at several hospitals in the region.

Recent revelations in the case indicate that other hospitals where Cullen had worked had fired him for allegedly harming patients. Some of those hospitals had asked for investigations into his actions, but they never notified his subsequent employers of those investigations.

Corzine and Lautenberg yesterday said that this indicates that the state needs to improve the system of screening nurses and they said that hospitals need immunity from lawsuits for providing accurate job references – exactly what Gregg’s bill proposes.

"This bill would have protected these hospitals and allowed them to warn others about this man’s track record," Gregg said. "We should not waste any more time in passing legislation that we can now see may have life or death consequences."

"In addition to asking for the support of Senators Corzine and Lautenberg, I would also like to urge my colleagues in the Legislature – Republican and Democrat – to join me in supporting this proposal," Gregg concluded.

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FRISCIA DISAPPOINTED THAT DEMOCRATS SUSPENDED RULES TO BLOCK PAY TO PLAY MOTION

Assemblywoman Arline Friscia today said that she was disappointed that the Democrat majority in the General Assembly devised a strategy to pro-actively block any attempt to bring "Pay to Play" campaign finance reform to the floor of the Assembly today.

"After having discussions with representatives from Common Cause, I was prepared to move that the Assembly reconsider its June motion to table consideration of "Pay to Play" reform," said Friscia, R-Middlesex. "I am disappointed that my colleagues on the Democrat side of the aisle suspended the rules that would have permitted me to make such a motion."

On June 23 the Democrats tabled a motion to make Pay to Play reform the "order of the day," meaning that the legislation could have been debated and voted on that day. Because Friscia had voted with the Democrats to table that motion, she should have been permitted to move that the issue be reconsidered.

The Democrats suspended the rules that would have allowed her to make that motion as well as preventing any other member from moving to have the bill relieved from committee or made an order of the day.

"If the my colleagues in the Democrat caucus were sincere in their desire for reform, they would not have taken this action," Friscia said. "The appropriate course of action would be for the Democrats to allow open discussion of this bill and a vote so that all of the members of the General Assembly can vote their conscience on this issue."

"The taxpayers are demanding high ethical standards and integrity from their elected representatives," Friscia said. "This brazen act by the Democrats demonstrates how they are more determined to block meaningful reform than to implement that reform."

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DeCROCE DENOUNCES FRAGUELA VOTE ON STEM-CELL RESEARCH

FRAGUELA REMOVED FROM THE ASSEMBLY REPUBLICAN CAUCUS

As a result of self-interested actions of Assemblyman Rafael Fraguela, Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce today removed him as member of the Assembly Republican caucus.

"In light of Assemblyman Fraguela’s disturbing vote supporting the harvesting of human embryonic cells for profit, I cannot in good conscience recognize him as a member of the Assembly Republican caucus," stated DeCroce, R-Morris, Passaic. "This decision is Assemblyman Fraguela’s own doing. On such an important issue as this, he had an obligation to his constituents and his fellow members to participate in the debate that occurred during caucus." The bill, S-1909, permits human cloning in order to harvest fetal tissue for stem-cell research. The bill also allows for payment for removal, processing, disposal, storage, preservation, transplantation and implantation of embryonic or fetal tissue. Enacting this bill into law will allow women to participate in this type of activity for profit.

"This bill is a matter of conscience and deserved thoughtful consideration," continued DeCroce. "Assemblyman Fraguela did not give the consideration that such a sensitive issue as stem-cell research deserves. He failed to attend caucus and discuss his views with his colleagues. If he intended to vote in favor of this bill, he bore the responsibility to share that with the other members."

"Assemblyman Fraguela showed a complete lack of competence with regards to this situation," DeCroce stated. "The discussion in our caucus was comprehensive and resulted in a decision to have a united front against this bill. Assemblyman Fraguela turned his back on his constituents and colleagues."

"For the duration of this legislative session he can go his own way," said DeCroce.

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McHOSE: FISCAL IMPACT SHOULD BE EXAMINED ON DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP LEGISLATION

Assemblywoman Alison McHose today questioned why there was not further study done to determine the fiscal impact the domestic partnership bill would have on the state.

"Regardless of anyone’s position on this bill from a social standpoint, from a fiscal sense, there should be greater care taken here," said McHose, R-Sussex, Hunterdon, Morris. "Not only do we not know an estimate of its fiscal impact, we don’t even have an idea how this will affect the state’s treasury and pension system."

The bill, A-3743, would establish domestic partnerships in the State of New Jersey for any couples of the same sex, and for heterosexual couples aged 62 years and older. The bill would offer visitation rights for hospitalized partners, rights to medical and legal decisions, and protection against forms of discrimination, among other things.

Private businesses would be able to offer health insurance coverage, although they would be able to choose not to offer such coverage. In addition, same sex couples would be eligible for dependent coverage under the State Health Benefits program and benefits under State-administered retirement systems, as well as coverage for other public workers employed in the state.

"I question why there has been no review of this bill by the state pension board, and why Treasury has been oddly silent," continued McHose. "We are setting a very poor precedent if we cannot account for where money will come from, beyond that it will be money the taxpayers are providing.

"While there are many worthwhile social issues the Legislature addresses, we must not forget that we are charged with maintaining fiscal responsibility at the same time. To not even have an estimate of the cost of this legislation seems utterly irresponsible, and I fear this practice will only continue under the McGreevey administration."

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December 15, 2003

Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce announced today that he and the Assembly Republican caucus have filled out the Assembly Republican Leadership team for the 211^th Legislature set to convene in January.

"This is a team that brings a variety of viewpoints to the table and that represents all regions of New Jersey," said DeCroce, R-Morris, Passaic. "These individuals have extensive legislative experience, and an in-depth understanding of the legislative process."

DeCroce and Assembly Republican Conference Leader Guy Gregg, R-Sussex, Morris, Hunterdon, were selected by the caucus on November 6 to fill the top two Republican leadership posts in the new legislative session.

In addition to DeCroce and Gregg, the new Republican leadership team is as follows:

"Our party will continue to listen to the citizens of New Jersey and fight for their interests in Trenton," DeCroce said. "I look forward to working with my colleagues to craft a legislative agenda that will be widely supported by the people of this state."

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ASSEMBLY REPUBLICAN LEADER DeCROCE SELECTS O’TOOLE TO SERVE AS DEPUTY LEADER

O’TOOLE WILL ASSIST LEADER WITH POLICY ISSUES

Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce announced today that he has appointed Assemblyman Kevin O’Toole to serve as Deputy Leader to help with policy issues during the next legislative session.

"I look forward to working with Leader DeCroce and all the members of my caucus as a member of leadership," said O’Toole, R-Essex, Passaic and Bergen. "I believe our caucus will play a very important role in the coming session in holding the majority party accountable for the policies they pursue in this house."

The caucus leadership is responsible for crafting legislative strategy and working with all of the members of the caucus to determine what direction the party should take on the many issues that come before the Legislature for consideration.

"The Republican caucus will be advocating an agenda for change in Trenton," O’Toole said. "It will be our responsibility in leadership to ensure that we are the party that listens to the people of New Jersey and fights for them in Trenton."

"I look forward to helping to chart that course for our caucus and continuing my fight for fiscal accountability and ethics reform in Trenton," O’Toole said.

O’Toole is the prime sponsor of "Pay to Play" reform legislation and has also introduced a comprehensive government ethics reform bill that would curtail pay to play and dual office holding, while expanding disclosure requirements for elected officials.

First elected to the General Assembly in 1995, O’Toole was re-elected in 1997 and 1999. He was appointed to fill a vacancy in the State Senate in May 2001, but ran for, and was elected to, his old Assembly seat later that year, a position he was re-elected to in 2003.

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Assemblyman John Rooney today said that Supreme Court Chief Justice Deborah Poritz is acting inappropriately by openly lobbying for her salary to be increased.

"I believe what the Chief Justice is doing here represents a clear conflict of interest," said Rooney, R-Bergen. "The Legislature would ultimately be responsible for approving these pay increases and I think there are legitimate questions to be raised about a sitting Supreme Court justice asking the Legislature to pass a piece of legislation that will benefit her personally."

Poritz was quoted in several newspaper stories yesterday as telling the Public Officers Salary Review Commission that New Jersey judges are underpaid and that a pay hike was necessary to keep good judges on the bench.

"Putting aside questions about how appropriate it is for her to make these comments, I also have concerns about the idea of handing out these pay increases at a time when we are struggling to keep a balanced budget," Rooney said. "How can we justify pay increases for public officials at a time when the Governor is raising taxes and cutting property tax relief."

Rooney pointed to several controversial Supreme Court rulings in recent years as another reason why the Chief Justice might have more important things to do right now.

"Maybe instead of lobbying for a pay raise, the justices should spend more time reading the state constitution," Rooney said. "Judging by their recent rulings they might need to brush up on their knowledge of that document."

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STATEMENT BY ASSEMBLY REPUBLICAN LEADER ALEX DeCROCE ON GOVERNOR'S DECISION ON THE GAS TAX

Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce today issued the following statement on Governor McGreevey’s announcement that he will not support an increase in the gas tax:

"The governor made the right decision. In a soft economy, a tax increase of this magnitude would have been counterproductive. We now have an opportunity to address the legitimate transportation needs of our state in a proper fashion by having a frank and open dialogue with the people. Public support is essential if we are to move forward. I am willing to sit down any time with the governor’s office, Senator Leonard Lance, and the Democratic leaders of both houses to discuss how we can develop a consensus and engage the public in this discussion."

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The incoming Assembly Republican Leader, Alex DeCroce, R-Morris, issued the following statement in response to the report issued today by Governor McGreevey’s "Blue Ribbon Commission" on New Jersey’s transportation needs:

"Preserving the solvency of the Transportation Trust Fund is now, as it always has been, one of my top priorities as a legislator. As the former chairman of the Assembly Transportation Committee, I have always been at the forefront of this effort.

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November 21, 2003

MERKT CALLS ON ASSEMBLY DEMOCRATS TO QUIT STALLING AND ENACT PAY-TO-PLAY REFORM

Assemblyman Richard Merkt expressed exasperation over recent articles in the Star Ledger and Trentonian describing yet another example of the McGreevey administration benefitting from political patronage.

"I wish I could say I was shocked but sadly this is just another example of the Governor saying one thing and doing another," said Merkt, R-Morris. "Democrats publicly support Pay-To-Play reform but continue to thwart attempts to enact the desperately needed changes. In fact they continue to find new and ever more outrageous ways to benefit from the flawed system they have promised to remedy."

The news articles brought to light that the Investment Management Advisory Group (IMAG) was awarded $4.3 million in no-bid government contracts after contributing $202,000 to McGreevey’s election fund.

"The appearance of impropriety is undeniable. It is hard to believe it’s just dumb luck that got them fees," commented Merkt. "New Jersey should not be for sale and this pattern of abuse must come to an end. It is impossible to tell if this contract is legitimate because there have been so many incidents within this Administration of improperly awarding no-bid contracts."

Assemblyman Merkt called on Governor McGreevey and Speaker Sires to take action on the Pay-to-Play bill that has been languishing in the Assembly State Government Committee.

"The stall tactics used by the Assembly Democrats should not be tolerated," stated Merkt. "Assembly Democrats have continually voted down every attempt made by Republicans to enact this vital reform. The public’s confidence in their elected officials continues to diminish. When will the Administration finally allow the Assembly to act on the bill?"

"We need to vote on this legislation in this session," continued Merkt. "Delaying a vote only further pollutes a political system seemingly characterized by corruption and patronage."

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November 06, 2003

ASSEMBLY REPUBLICAN LEADER DeCROCE SELECTSCORODEMUS TO SERVE AS DEPUTY LEADER

CORODEMUS WILL ASSIST WITH TRANSITION AND POLICY ISSUES

Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce announced Thursday that he has appointed Assemblyman Steve Corodemus to serve as Deputy Leader to help with transition and policy issues heading into the next legislative session.

"I believe that Assemblyman Corodemus will be an invaluable asset as I begin the process of leading our caucus into the new legislative session," said DeCroce, R-Morris and Passaic. "Steve has an excellent grasp of complex public policy issues and has demonstrated his ability to understand and effectively deal with the concerns of the citizens we serve."

"I look forward to working closely with Steve as the Republican caucus develops an agenda for change in Trenton," DeCroce said. "I am confident he will be a valuable asset to our Republican team as we work toward reversing the harmful policies of the past two years and implementing an agenda that will provide real solutions to New Jersey’s problems."

Corodemus, R-Monmouth, has served in the General Assembly for six terms after previously serving on the Atlantic Highlands Council from 1986 to 1988. During his six terms in Trenton Assemblyman Corodemus has sponsored several major pieces of legislation including the creation of the state’s beach replenishment funding program.

He has been a leading advocate on environmental issues co-sponsoring legislation to create a $98 million open space preservation program, and spearheading the creation of a dedicated fund for environmental cleanups.

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ASSEMBLYMAN DeCROCE SELECTED TO SERVE AS ASSEMBLY REPUBLICAN LEADER

GREGG PICKED FOR CONFERENCE LEADER

Assemblyman Alex DeCroce was selected by his caucus Thursday to become the Assembly Republican Leader, filling the party’s top leadership position in the General Assembly, and the caucus also selected Assemblyman Guy Gregg to serve as the Assembly Republican Conference Leader.

"I am honored that my colleagues would select me to serve in this very important role," said DeCroce, R-Morris and Passaic. "I look forward to leading our caucus as we work in the General Assembly to advance policies that will spur economic growth, provide tax relief and keep our families safe."

Gregg also said that he was honored that his fellow Republicans had chosen him for the number two leadership post in the caucus.

"We need to outline an agenda that will move New Jersey in the right direction, and we need to be vocal advocates for that agenda in the Legislature," said Gregg, R-Sussex, Morris and Hunterdon. "The policies of the current administration have hurt New Jersey families and we need to let those families know that Republicans are fighting for them in Trenton."

DeCroce has served in the General Assembly since January of 1989 and had previously served as Assembly Republican Conference Leader. Gregg, who will now fill that post, has served in the Assembly since June of 1994.

Former Republican Leader Paul DiGaetano announced that he was not seeking reappointment in order to explore the possibility of seeking another elected position in 2005.

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