BARK, BODINE AND CHATZIDAKIS CALL ON GOVERNOR TO ADDRESS PROPERTY TAX RELIEF IN BUDGET PROPOSAL

TOP 10 REASONS WHY YOU WON’T SEE MANY DEMOCRATS ON THE CHAMBER TRAIN TOMORROW

February 26, 2004

DeCROCE SAYS BROAD BIPARTISAN SUPPORT EXISTS FOR SPECIAL SESSION ON PROPERTY TAXES

One day after telling a gathering of reporters and editors at an Associated Press-sponsored legislative forum that a bill calling for a special session to address property tax relief now has more than 41 sponsors, Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce today called on Assembly Speaker Albio Sires to post the bill for a vote.

"The concept of a special session to develop a long-term solution to our state’s property tax crisis clearly has broad support on both sides of the aisle," said DeCroce, R-Morris and Passaic. "I hope that Speaker Sires will listen to the majority of legislators in both parties and post this bill for a vote."

ACR-99, sponsored by Democrat Assemblyman John McKeon, would provide for a special session of the Legislature to address property tax reform. DeCroce in his January 12 reorganization speech called for just such a special session in order to reform the state’s property tax system.

The resolution has 30 Democrat co-sponsors. As of today there are 14 Republican co-sponsors and the rest of the Republican caucus will ask to sign on as co-sponsors at the next opportunity. This gives the bill well more than the 41 votes needed to call a special session of the Legislature.

"Given the current mess that the state budget has become, we need to find a long-term solution to stem the rising tide of property taxes," DeCroce said. "I agree with those Democrats and Republicans who say that we need a complete overhaul of the system. A special session would begin that process."

#####

February 24, 2004

DeCROCE: REACTION TO THE GOVERNOR’S DISAPPOINTING BUDGET ADDRESS

Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce, R-Morris, issued the following statement today in reaction to Governor McGreevey’s budget address:

"He can twist and distort the facts as much as he wants. But taxpayers will learn the harsh truth when they see their property taxes skyrocket for a third consecutive year because of this governor’s reckless fiscal policies and misplaced priorities.

"The only interest group he ignored in this budget is the middle class taxpayer.

"For seven years as a candidate and governor, Jim McGreevey has said time and again that property tax reform would be the number one priority. His latest budget address totally ignores a problem that he pledged to take responsibility for, and his idea of property tax relief is meaningless."

#####

February 24, 2004

MALONE: BUDGET IS HEAVY ON TAXES AND BORROWING, LIGHT ON PROPERTY TAX RELIEF

Responding to Governor McGreevey’s budget address, Assembly Republican Budget Officer Joseph Malone today said McGreevey continues to bury New Jersey residents under new debt and taxes with no relief in sight.

"The number one issue facing New Jersey homeowners is the state’s growing property tax burden, and today Governor McGreevey offered no relief," said Malone, R-Burlington, Monmouth, Ocean, and Mercer. "The Governor’s budget relies on borrowing and tax increases to fuel more than $2 billion in new spending. That is fiscal irresponsibility."

The budget fails to restore cuts to the New Jersey SAVER property tax rebate program and Malone said that the proposed minimal increases in school and municipal aid are unlikely to have much of an impact on rising property tax bills statewide.

"At a time when we needed a bold solution, Governor McGreevey has chosen to throw a few crumbs to schools and municipalities," said Malone. "Once again, while the Governor increases spending, property taxpayers get buried."

"The Governor is providing less aid to suburban and rural school districts than the state will spend building a single school building in Newark," Malone added. "These minimal increases in aid will do little if anything to ease the property tax crisis."

McGreevey will borrow $1.5 billion to help cover the more than $2 billion increase in spending – a use of debt to pay for operating expenses that was unprecedented before McGreevey took office.

"The Governor has apparently abandoned even trying to create the illusion of fiscal responsibility," Malone said. "Now he is just brazenly borrowing money to fund his spending habits today, a debt that the taxpayers will have to pay back tomorrow."

Malone said that as the budget process moves forward in the next three months, he intends to hold McGreevey accountable for his failure to address property tax relief and his reckless reliance on borrowing.

#####

February 20, 2004

DeCROCE AND GREGG OFFER McGREEVEY A REMINDER OF PAST RHETORIC AS HE PREPARES FOR TUESDAY BUDGET ADDRESS

Seven years ago, on January 9, 1997, then-State Senator Jim McGreevey arrived in the New Jersey State House to host a press conference at which he offered an unsolicited critique of his predecessor’s record (transcript and press release attached).

Today, Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce and Assembly Republican Conference Leader Guy Gregg stood in that exact same room four days in advance of Governor McGreevey’s budget message to discuss the administration’s failure to match in deeds the rhetoric McGreevey once used in campaigning for his current job.

"At the 1997 press conference Governor McGreevey leveled criticisms about property tax increases, fee increases, and increased borrowing," said DeCroce, R-Morris and Passaic. "As a candidate, both in 1997 and 2001, Governor McGreevey promised the voters of this state that he would address these problems. The fact is, he has made them worse."

In 1997 McGreevey talked about the need to do better citing a $900 million increase in state debt and a $149 increase in property taxes for the average family. Under Governor McGreevey state debt is up by $7 billion and the average family is paying $968 more in property taxes.

"By the same standards he set in his two campaigns for Governor, Jim McGreevey has been a failure," said Gregg, R-Sussex, Morris, and Hunterdon. "Then again, maybe when Governor McGreevey talked about high property taxes and excessive borrowing he wasn’t highlighting problems, he was simply giving us a preview of what we could expect once he was elected."

Even after taking office McGreevey has continued his rhetoric, saying in this year’s State of the State that, "There will be no return to the fiscal irresponsibility of the previous decade."

"Through two budget proposals, on the issues of property taxes and debt, this Governor’s record has fallen well short of his campaign rhetoric," DeCroce said. "We are challenging the Governor to live up to his promise to the voters and to deal with those issues in the budget he unveils Tuesday. It is time he is held accountable."

DeCroce offered to work with the Governor and the Democrats in finding solutions to the property tax problem. DeCroce has called for a Special Session of the Legislature this summer to deal with the property tax issue.

"Whatever road we choose to solve the property tax problem we must begin the dialogue now," DeCroce said. "There are many ideas out there. We just need to get down to business and decide which ideas will work to reduce the property tax burden on homeowners."

#####

February 19, 2004

CARROLL: NO JUSTIFICATION FOR $100 MILLION PRICETAG OF SCHOOL IN NEWARK

Assemblyman Michael Patrick Carroll today said that there is no reason why the state should be spending $100 million to build a new high school in the city of Newark, or anywhere else for that matter, and that the time has come for a closer look at how Abbott Districts are spending their money.

"I am not aware of any other schools in suburban or rural communities where the pricetag is that high," said Carroll, R-Morris. "We cannot continue to dump money into the Abbott Districts without accountability and this project demonstrates a complete lack of accountability."

The Star Ledger today reported that the state is planning to spend as much as $100 million on a new East Side High School in Newark, with the land acquisition cost alone topping $36 million.

"I do not believe that there is any justification for the cost associated with this project," Carroll said. "Unfortunately this isn’t the first, and probably won’t be the last, example of poor spending decisions by the Abbott Districts."

Carroll said that Governor McGreevey must be held accountable for the spending in Newark because it is a state-operated school district.

"This governor talks about fiscal responsibility, but every budget over which he has some control – whether it be the state budget, or that of a state operated school district – seems to be sorely lacking in that respect," Carroll said.

Just last month it was revealed the state is offering to give teachers in Newark pay raises of 5 percent, 5.3 percent, and 5.3 percent over the next three years – well above the state average.

Carroll said that he intends to raise issues about the spending in the Abbott Districts during this year’s legislative budget process.

"Residents in suburban school districts who are seeing their property tax bills increase by hundreds of dollars have every right to be outraged," Carroll said. "Money is being funneled from those districts to the Abbotts, and they have a right to question why those funds are being squandered."

#####

February 11, 2004

MERKT PROPOSES LIMITING McGREEVEY’S APPEARANCES IN NEW JERSEY TOURISM ADS

Saying that New Jersey’s tourism industry is too important to our state’s economic engine to be abused as a political tool by the governor, Assemblyman Rick Merkt today called on Governor McGreevey to stop appearing in taxpayer-funded promotional ads that air in New Jersey and said he is contemplating legislation to address the issue.

February 11, 2004

The Eighth District legislative team of State Senator Martha Bark and Assemblymen Francis Bodine and Larry Chatzidakis today called on Governor McGreevey to take into account the concerns of already overburdened property taxpayers as he crafts this year’s budget proposal.

February 10, 2004

Assemblyman Sam Thompson today said that the recently leaked memo detailing how the McGreevey administration plans to balance this year’s budget has heightened his concern that the administration is looking to use savings from the new federal Medicare-Prescription Drug bill to close a budget gap.

February 10, 2004

PENNACCHIO CALLS ON ADMINISTRATION TO CUT NEWARK’S AID BY AMOUNT TO BE SPENT ON ARENA

IAssembly Republican Appropriations Officer Joe Pennacchio today said that the public is being misled by officials who are claiming that the new arena in Newark will not cost taxpayers any money, and urged the administration to slash the city’s aid by the amount it will spend on the new sports facility.

February 9, 2004

Assemblyman Rick Merkt today said that he is hardly surprised by the news that Democrat legislators are looking closely at the idea of an income tax increase to balance this year’s budget.

February 6, 2004

Assembly Republican Conference Leader Guy Gregg today raised new questions about Governor McGreevey’s plan to borrow $900 million to fund transportation projects in the next two years and said the idea is a classic example of poor fiscal management.

"Isn’t it ironic that the same guy who came into office blasting his predecessors for supposedly leaving him a fiscal mess, is dumping the responsibility for the repayment of these bonds into his successor’s lap?" asked Gregg, R-Sussex, Morris, and Hunterdon. "Governor McGreevey is literally planning to take the money and run – right out the doors of the Statehouse."

Gregg said that McGreevey needs to explain why he is putting off the debt payments until 2007. He noted that future administrations will be saddled with this debt if McGreevey goes through with the plan.

"In his inaugural speech the Governor said that, ‘the days or irresponsible borrowing and runaway spending were over,’" Gregg said. "Well, now might be a good time to remind him of those words."

Gregg also questioned whether the administration was really planning to use Garvey bonds (Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle bonds) for this plan, and if that was in fact possible.

"While the Governor’s office is saying that these would be Garvey bonds, I’m not sure that is an accurate description," Gregg said. "As I understand it, if these were really Garvey bonds, the state would need to go through a federal approval process and it would need to use a share of its federal funding to pay off the debt."

The current plan, as described to the press by administration sources, is to issue the bonds – presumably without federal approval – and apparently to pay off that debt using state revenue.

"Maybe these bonds would better be described as ‘McGreevey bonds,’" Gregg added.

McGreevey’s borrowing scheme has been questioned by members of both parties including Democrat Senator Nicholas Sacco who was quoted by the Associated Press as expressing concerns about the plan.

"Transportation projects create a lot of jobs in this state, but let’s structure the funding so we’re not burying those workers with debt their children will have to pay off," Gregg said. "At some point we need a return to fiscal responsibility here in Trenton. This fiscal insanity must stop now."

#####

top

February 5, 2004

Assemblyman Bill Baroni today said that in addition to a proposal to offer discounted cable television to seniors – something many cable providers already offer – Democrats should be acting to ease the property tax burden on seniors and to protect their access to affordable prescription drugs.

Baroni, a member of the Assembly Senior Issues Committee, supported and voted for AR-67 urging cable providers to provide discounted cable television rates to seniors, but said we need to do much more for seniors.

"While helping seniors with their cable television bills is an admirable goal, we can and should be doing far more," said Baroni, R-Mercer, Middlesex. "Property taxes are continuing to soar and the state is becoming unaffordable for seniors living on fixed incomes. We need a solution to that problem."

Baroni also called on Democrats to support a resolution, ACR-122, dedicating any savings New Jersey realizes from the new federal Medicare Prescription Drug bill for the purpose of expanding benefits provided to seniors under the PAAD and Senior Gold prescription drug assistance programs.

"It is essential that as New Jersey makes the transition to the new federal prescription drug coverage that is uses any savings to expand our existing programs," Baroni said. "Property tax relief and secure prescription drug coverage should be our two top priorities for helping seniors."

Baroni said that he looks forward to working in a bipartisan manner to help Democrats with both of these important issues facing the state’s senior population.

#####

top

February 5, 2004

KEAN: DEMOCRATS CAN SHOW REAL CONCERN FOR SENIORS BY ADDRESSING PROPERTY TAXES, HEALTH CARE ISSUES

Assemblyman Sean Kean today supported a Democrat sponsored Assembly Resolution urging cable television companies to provide lower rates for seniors, but urged Democrats to show the same bipartisan spirit and join his fight for lower property taxes and expanded prescription drug coverage.

top

February 5, 2004

THOMPSON TO DEMOCRATS: SENIORS DESERVE MORE THAN DISCOUNTED CABLE TELEVISION

Assemblyman Sam Thompson today said that while he supports an Assembly Resolution urging that cable providers offer discounted cable television to seniors, he wishes the Democrats would act on legislation that would lower property taxes and protect prescription drug coverage for seniors.

"I am not criticizing the intent of this resolution which may help seniors with their cable television bills, but I think we need to also address more serious issues," said Thompson, R-Middlesex, Monmouth. "Seniors on fixed incomes are struggling to pay increasing property tax bills and there has been no action from the Democrats."

Thompson also noted that he has introduced legislation, ACR-122, dedicating any savings New Jersey realizes from the new federal Medicare Prescription Drug bill for the purpose of expanding benefits provided to seniors under the PAAD and Senior Gold prescription drug assistance programs.

"Just as the Democrats have avoided the issue of property tax relief, they have yet to state their support for my prescription drug dedication," Thompson said. "Discounted rates for cable television are nice, but providing real property tax relief and prescription drug security are far more pressing concerns.

"Governor McGreevey has been promising property tax relief for six years. Let’s get to work on those issues."

Thompson called on the Democrats to offer a property tax relief plan, and said that the Democrats should sign-on in support of his proposal to protect federal prescription drug savings for seniors.

#####

January 28, 2004

TOP 10 REASONS WHY YOU WON’T SEE MANY DEMOCRATS ON THE CHAMBER TRAIN TOMORROW

10. They don’t want to talk about the fact that New Jersey property taxes have increased by 14 percent in two years, including a 7.6 percent jump in 2003 – the largest one-year increase since 1990.

9. They are too embarrassed to face the public knowing that while they’ve allowed property tax rates to soar, they have been responsible for cutting property tax relief in half by slashing the average New Jersey SAVER property tax rebate check from $500 to $250.

8. It might be uncomfortable given that corporate business taxes have been increased by $1.6 billion a year under Governor James E. McGreevey and the New Jersey Democrats.

7. They are well aware that since McGreevey took control, New Jersey Democrats have raised 30 taxes on everything from construction to pharmaceuticals.

6. Talking about ways to spur job growth isn’t their strength as evidenced by the fact that under Governor McGreevey unemployment has increased, reaching a high of 6.1 percent (July ‘03).

5. Now might not be the best time for them to talk with business leaders given that CFO Magazine’s 2004 business survey rated New Jersey’s tax environment the worst in the nation (www.cfo.com).

4. Same as # 5 given that businesses rate New Jersey the least desirable state in the country to locate or expand.*

3. Same as #5 given that New Jersey’s tax auditors are rated the most unfair in the nation.*

2. They are busy trying to figure out a way to explain their record now that it is clear the Democrats’ anti-business, anti-growth policies have pushed the cost of new homes beyond the reach of a growing number of families.

1. The Democrats have refused to enact comprehensive ethics reform so they can continue to reap a financial windfall from politically connected insiders – and they are looking for any way they can find to avoid that ethics spotlight.

* CFO Magazine’s 2004 business survey

ASSEMBLY HEALTH COMMITTEE APPROVES CREATION OF ALAN M. AUGUSTINE CANCER RESEARCH FUND

The Assembly Health & Human Services Committee has released legislation sponsored by Assemblymen Eric Munoz M.D. and Jon Bramnick creating a colorectal cancer research fund in the Department of Health and Senior Services to be named after the late Assemblyman Alan M. Augustine.

"Assemblyman Augustine was a dedicated public servant who cared deeply about the people of this state," said Munoz, R-Union, Morris, Somerset, and Essex, who is also a physician. "It is only fitting that we honor his memory by creating in his name a research fund which will be aimed at battling cancer."

The Health Committee approved the legislation, A-1674, which appropriates $100,000 to the New Jersey State Commission on Cancer Research for deposit in the Alan M. Augustine Colorectal Cancer Research Fund. The bill will now head to the Appropriations Committee for consideration.

Augustine served as an Assemblyman representing the 22^nd Legislative District for 10 years before passing away in 2001 after a long bout with cancer.

"Alan Augustine dedicated his life to serving others and hopefully the money we will be providing for this research fund will be a continuance of that tradition of helping others," said Bramnick, R-Union, Morris, Somerset, and Essex. "We hope that this research fund will help us find the scientific answers we need to better treat and hopefully someday prevent colon cancer."

The bill was originally sponsored by State Senator Thomas Kean Jr. when he was a member of the General Assembly. Senator Kean will be re-introducing an identical version in the State Senate.

#####

Assembly Republican Conference Leader Guy Gregg today questioned how the state can ask local school districts to rein in spending while giving the thumbs-up to salary increases of 5 percent, 5.3 percent, and 5.3 percent over the next three years for teachers in the state-operated Newark school system.

January 26, 2004

MALONE EXPRESSES CONCERN ABOUT GROWING DISPARITY BETWEEN FUNDING FOR ABBOTT AND NON-ABBOTT SCHOOLS

Assembly Republican Budget Officer Joseph Malone today said that recent news reports about spending decisions in some Abbott Districts have again highlighted the public’s growing dissatisfaction with the disparity between funding for Abbott and Non-Abbott school districts.

"We need to have a clearing of the air about what the public perceives as a lack of fairness in school funding," said Malone, R-Burlington, Ocean, Monmouth and Mercer. "As funding for suburban districts continues to decline, spending in the Abbott districts continues to grow."

Recent newspaper stories raised new questions about spending in some Abbott Districts focusing on a recent audit revealing that more than $20 million had been misspent in the state-operated Paterson school district.

"The state needs to reach some kind of agreement on how to deal with this spending issue," Malone said. "When most of the state’s taxpayers see soaring property taxes in their districts, and then see what is perceived as gross mismanagement of the Abbott districts, it only adds to the growing level of frustration."

Malone said that the fact that the state is making some of these decisions in state-operated districts is ironic given the Governor’s recent comments about controlling local spending.

"If the administration is going to call on local school districts to control their spending, he should first look at spending in those state-controlled Abbott districts," Malone said. "The Governor could start by presenting a plan for a more fair distribution of funding among all school districts."

#####

January 23, 2004

BARONI TO McGREEVEY: HANDS OFF STATE PENSION FUND

Assemblyman Bill Baroni, citing recent reports that the state pension fund surged to $67 billion in 2003, said there is no reason for Governor McGreevey to continue with his efforts to privatize the fund.

"The recent good news about our pension fund should remove any doubt about the Governor’s intent to privatize the fund," said Baroni, R-Mercer and Middlesex. "With a 21% return this past year, there is no merit to Governor McGreevey’s argument in favor of seeking outside consultants to manage the portfolio."

Under the direction of Governor McGreevey, State Treasurer John McCormac has hired Cesar Baez to manage the State’s alternative investments. Jeopardizing 60 state workers’ employment with the Division of Investment, Governor McGreevey privatized the management of these funds.

"This issue is about the hard working public employees that have a proven track record of success," added Baroni. "These state employees are seasoned professionals who have managed the fund through strong and weak economies."

"Privatizing the fund opens up the possibility of abuse," Baroni said. "The State Investment Council passed a resolution endorsing a prohibition on the management firm from making political contributions. The sure-fire way to prevent pay-to-play abuse is to prevent the privatization of our pension funds."

#####

January 22, 2004

With news today that the New Jersey Nets have been sold to a New York developer who plans to the move the team to Brooklyn, Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce said that the McGreevey administration has broken another promise and that the Port Authority is $265 million poorer as a result.

January 22, 2004

MERKT BLASTS McGREEVEY FOR DISMISSING ETHICS REFORM

Responding to Governor McGreevey’s comments that he will not be pushing for ethics reform this year, Assemblyman Rick Merkt today said that McGreevey has completely lost touch with New Jersey voters and appears to have no interest in cleaning up state government.

January 21, 2004

DeCROCE: NOW WE KNOW WHY McGREEVEY AVOIDED PROPERTY TAX DISCUSSION IN STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS

Responding to newspaper reports that New Jersey has experienced the largest one-year property tax hike since 1990, Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce today said that it is now clear why Governor McGreevey did not want to discuss property taxes in his State of the State address last week.

"Perhaps the single most talked about issue among New Jersey taxpayers for the last two years has been the need for property tax relief," said DeCroce, R-Morris and Passaic. "Today we learn that not only has Governor McGreevey failed to provide any relief, but his policies have caused the problem to explode."

The Star Ledger and The Record of Hackensack today reported that in 2003 New Jersey property tax bills increased by an average of 7.1 to 7.6 percent – the largest one-year increase since 1990. This comes on the heels of a 7 percent increase in 2002, which at the time was the largest increase in over a decade.

"These numbers are particularly startling because Governor McGreevey campaigned for nearly five years on a pledge of reducing the property tax burden for homeowners," DeCroce said. "Because the Governor made this a focal point of his campaign, and because he promised relief, he must take responsibility for this worsening problem."

DeCroce pointed out that McGreevey’s decision to freeze school aid and municipal aid has helped to drive the massive property tax increase. He said many districts and municipalities have tried to cut costs, but there is little they can do about costs associated with things like enrollment growth and rising utility and insurance costs.

"While Governor McGreevey tells local governments and school boards to rein in their spending, he has increased the size of his own state budget," DeCroce said. "And unlike the Governor, those local officials can’t turn to tobacco funds or the corporation business tax to plug budget holes. All they have is the property tax."

He also noted that while property taxes are soaring, McGreevey has cut back on property tax relief programs.

"With property taxes increasing this dramatically, there is an increased need for property tax relief programs like New Jersey SAVER," DeCroce said. "But, instead of providing additional relief, this Governor has slashed these property tax rebate checks in half."

DeCroce reiterated the pledge he made in his speech at the January 13 Legislative reorganization.

"As I said last week, every member of our caucus is ready to start working today on ways to achieve meaningful property tax reform," DeCroce said. "We are willing to participate in a special session of the Legislature, to work through the budget break, or forego a summer recess."

#####

January 21, 2004

GREGG SAYS DEMOCRATS WERE TOO BUSY RAISING CAMPAIGN CASH TO WORRY ABOUT PROPERTY TAX RELIEF

Assembly Republican Conference Leader Guy Gregg today suggested that Governor McGreevey and the Democrats might have done a better job of controlling property taxes if they had not been spending so much time campaign fundraising.

"It is more than ironic that on the same day we learn that New Jersey experienced the largest property tax increase in 14 years, we also learn that the Democrats set a new campaign fundraising record," said Gregg, R-Sussex, Morris, and Hunterdon. "Perhaps if the Democrats had devoted as much energy to finding a way to ease the property tax burden as they had to filling their own campaign coffers we could have avoided this increase."

The Star Ledger today reported that New Jersey experienced a 7.1 percent increase in property taxes last year. This was the biggest increase since 1990, and marked the second consecutive year where property taxes have risen by 7 percent or more.

The Ledger also reported that the Democrats raised $22.7 million in campaign contributions in 2003 – a new record for a non-gubernatorial election year.

"Governor McGreevey and the Democrats swept into control two years ago by promising a solution to our property tax problems," Gregg said. "While the Governor would like people to think he is keeping his promises, he clearly has failed to keep his most important promise: to ease our state’s property tax burden."

Gregg noted that the increase in campaign funds and the increase in property tax rates are not unrelated.

"This administration has increased spending by more than $1.4 billion in order to keep happy the special interests who contribute so much money to their campaigns," Gregg said. "The Democrats have made a choice that they will not cut spending to provide property tax relief because it will hurt their campaign fundraising. The taxpayers will remember that choice."

#####

January 16, 2004

In response to a story in today’s edition of The Star Ledger, Assemblyman John Rooney said it was becoming difficult to determine whether Governor McGreevey’s idea of auto insurance reform was to put more money in the pockets of motorists – or the insurance companies.

January 16, 2004

O’TOOLE: NEW YORK CITY BUDGET PROPOSAL DEMONSTRATES THAT LEADERSHIP MATTERS

Responding to an Associated Press report that New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has proposed a budget containing a $1.4 billion surplus and tax relief for property owners, Assemblyman Kevin O’Toole said that Governor McGreevey should be able to produce the same results on the other side of the Hudson River.

"We are part of a regional economy and the mayor of New York has managed to turn around his city’s budget, create a surplus and cut taxes," said O’Toole, R-Essex, Passaic, and Bergen. "Since New York City is in the same economic region as New Jersey, I see no reason why Governor McGreevey should not be able to offer a fiscally responsible, taxpayer-friendly budget as well."

Just one year ago New York City faced a $6.4 billion deficit, but in the budget proposal Bloomberg has offered for FY2005 the city plans to offer a $400 property tax rebate for homeowners while preserving a $1.4 billion surplus.

"According to the news reports the mayor’s budget contains some spending cuts – but no layoffs – showing that it is possible for a leader to make hard choices to maintain a balanced budget," O’Toole said. "It will be interesting to see whether Governor McGreevey is able to show the same leadership in the budget proposal he will unveil in February."

O’Toole said that after two straight years of talk about deficits and increases to property taxes, business taxes and fees the people of New Jersey could use some good news.

#####

January 15, 2004

THOMPSON INTRODUCES LEGISLATION DEDICATING FUNDS FROM FEDERAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG BILL TO SENIOR PROGRAMS

Assemblyman Sam Thompson has formally introduced legislation calling for a constitutional amendment ensuring that any funding New Jersey receives from the recently approved Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act is dedicated to programs that specifically help seniors.

January 15, 2004

BARK, BODINE AND CHATZIDAKIS EXPRESS DISAPPOINTMENT DEMOCRATS FAILED TO ACT ON VETERANS BENEFITS BILL

Senator Martha Bark, and Assemblymen Fran Bodine and Larry Chatzidakis today said that they were disappointed that the Assembly Democrats failed to act on legislation Monday that would have expanded veterans benefits to those defending our country in the on-going global war on terror.

January 13, 2004

DeCROCE AND GREGG: McGREEVEY ONCE AGAIN MISSES THE MARK IN STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS

Assembly Republican leaders said that Governor McGreevey failed to address in his State of the State address today two of the most important issues on the minds of New Jersey taxpayers – property tax relief and ethics reform.

Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce and Republican Conference Leader Guy Gregg expressed their disappointment that the Governor spent little time talking about those issues in today’s speech.

"I think the taxpayers wanted to hear Governor McGreevey offer a plan to ease the property tax burden and clean up Trenton," said DeCroce, R-Morris and Passaic. "Instead the Governor chose to push those issues aside."

"Governor McGreevey has been promising to lower property taxes since 1997," Gregg, R-Sussex, Morris and Hunterdon, noted. "Now three years into his term as Governor he has yet to offer a serious proposal for reducing property taxes."

Gregg also expressed dismay that the Governor so quickly glossed over the issue of ethics reform and failed to make any commitment on Pay to Play reform.

"For someone who once made changing the way Trenton does business a priority, the Governor sure did have little to say about ethics reform," said Gregg. "In a speech that went on for more than an hour, I don’t think he spent more than a couple minutes addressing ethics reform."

DeCroce and Gregg said that while the Governor may have forgotten about issues like property tax reform and ethics reform, the Assembly Republican caucus has not.

"We intend to use our position in the Legislature to be very vocal advocates for enacting Pay to Play reform and cleaning up the ethical mess in Trenton," DeCroce said. "And I promise that our caucus will continue to fight through this year’s budget process to deliver property tax relief for our hard-working families. We invite the Democrats to join us in this mission."

#####

January 13, 2004

DeCROCE URGES ETHICS REFORM AND A RETURN TO FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY IN TRENTON

Following his swearing-in today Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce called on his fellow legislators to begin a new era of fiscal responsibility and to enact strong ethical reforms during the upcoming 211^th Session of the New Jersey Legislature.

"Let’s not disappoint the people any longer," DeCroce, R-Morris and Passaic, said. "No more excuses, no more conditions, no more delays. Let’s make the abolition of Pay to Play the first order of business for the new Assembly."

Speaking about the fiscal management of the state over the last several years, DeCroce said that the time has come for New Jersey lawmakers and the Governor to acknowledge that mistakes have been made on both sides of the aisle, but that now is the time to restore fiscal discipline.

"Let’s usher in a new era of fiscal responsibility by ordering a halt to wasteful spending, curbing state government’s appetite for borrowing, and living within our means," DeCroce said. "It’s time to take off the blinders and resist the temptation to vote for feel-good spending bills unless we know exactly how much they will cost the taxpayers . . . now and in the future."

DeCroce said that if both of these goals are accomplished, it will clear the way for the Legislature to begin finding meaningful, long-term solutions to problems such as rising property taxes and fully funding education.

"School aid should be fully funded so local school districts are not forced to raise property taxes," DeCroce said. "And the cuts in the New Jersey SAVER property tax rebate program should be restored."

DeCroce concluded his speech by urging the Legislature to make this agenda a reality.

"We have an opportunity to move in a new direction, to jettison the old ways of doing business, to get our financial hours in order, to strengthen the state’s economy, to prove property tax reform is possible, to make life better for all our citizens," DeCroce said. "Let’s seize it!"

#####

REORGANIZATION OF THE 211th LEGISLATURE

JANUARY 13, 2004

REMARKS BY ASSEMBLY REPUBLICAN LEADER ALEX DeCROCE

Mister Speaker, my colleagues, friends, family and honored guests. This is a day for ceremony, celebration, camaraderie and good cheer. It is in this spirit that I extend my sincere congratulations to Speaker Sires and wish him well in his second term as leader of the General Assembly. On behalf of our caucus, I also want to extend a warm welcome to our newest members.

This is a day for ceremony. But it is also an opportunity to set a new agenda and new priorities for the next two years. As we begin this new session, let us agree that, together, we will work cooperatively, harmoniously and on a bipartisan basis to address the issues of utmost concern to the people. Our top priority must be the public interest. Our only special interest should be the taxpayers.

Let us resolve to listen to the people and be guided by their collective voice. Let us resolve to restore the public’s trust in their elected representatives and dispel the growing skepticism of the people about our will and motivations. Let us resolve to take care of the people’s business no matter how difficult the problem, how long it takes or how politically "risky" the solution may be.

Let us begin by enacting a strong package of ethical reforms. Every member of the Republican caucus is ready, today, to put an end to pay to play. Let’s not disappoint the people any longer. No more excuses, no more conditions, no more delays. Let’s make the abolition of pay to play the first order of business for the new Assembly.

Let’s usher in a new era of fiscal responsibility by ordering a halt to wasteful spending, curbing state government’s appetite for borrowing, and living within our means. It’s time to take off the blinders and resist the temptation to vote for feel-good spending bills unless we know exactly how much they will cost taxpayers ... now and in the future. It’s time to end the diversion of funds that are supposed to be held in trust for specific purposes, such as transportation and open space preservation.

It’s time to acknowledge mistakes were made in the past, by both sides of the aisle. But blame won’t balance the budget. Fiscal discipline will.

If we are able to accomplish these goals, we can begin to find ways to provide tax relief for our citizens and fulfill our obligation to our municipalities, to our schools, and ultimately ... to our taxpayers. School aid should be fully funded so local school districts are not forced to raise property taxes. And the cuts in the New Jersey SAVER property tax rebate program should be restored.

Finally, let’s stop talking about high property taxes and own up to our responsibility to do something about it!

Every member of our caucus is ready to start working today and on ways to achieve meaningful property tax reform. We are willing to participate in a special session of the Legislature, to work through the budget break, or forego a summer recess. We are prepared to devote as much time and energy that is necessary to get the job done. Property tax reform should not have to await the conclusion of another election cycle. Our citizens are entitled to relief now. So let the debate begin now.

We have an opportunity to move in a new direction, to jettison the old ways of doing business, to get our financial house in order, to strengthen the state’s economy, to prove property tax reform is possible, to make life better for all our citizens. Let’s seize it!

Thank you.

January 13, 2004

BILL BARONI SWORN IN AS 14TH DISTRICT ASSEMBLYMAN 

In a ceremony held today at the Patriots’ Theater in the War Memorial, Bill Baroni was officially sworn in as the new Assemblyman representing the 14^th Legislative District.

"I am honored that the people of the 14^th District have chosen me to represent them in the New Jersey General Assembly," Baroni said, R-Mercer and Middlesex. "As a freshman legislator, I look forward to bringing new ideas to Trenton through the introduction of solid and progressive legislation. I also intend on developing responsive and comprehensive services for the constituents of 14^th District."

The new Assemblyman is a life long resident of Central New Jersey. Baroni is an active member of the community and is eager to continue his service to the people of Mercer and Middlesex counties in the legislature.

"I am committed to addressing the very serious issues that face New Jersey," Baroni added. "I look forward to vigorously pursuing comprehensive ethics reform, meaningful property tax relief, and legislation that centers on keeping our families safe."

Assemblyman Baroni obtained his undergraduate degree in History from George Washington University in Washington D.C. and graduated from The University of Virginia School of Law in 1998.

In addition to practicing law and serving as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Seton Hall University in Newark, Baroni is the former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Mercer County Community College. He also serves on the Institutional Review Board of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Hamilton.

"Having been entrusted with this amazing opportunity to serve the citizens of New Jersey, I am ready to start work immediately," said Baroni. "I intend to work in a bi-partisan fashion and tackle the challenges that face our State."

#####

January 13, 2004

ASSEMBLYMAN JACK GIBSON RETURNS TO THE LEGISLATURE

In a ceremony held today at the Patriots’ Theater in the War Memorial, Jack Gibson was officially sworn in as the new Assemblyman representing the 1^st Legislative District.

"I am honored to be back at work representing all the people of the 1^st District," Gibson said, R-Cape May, Cumberland, and Atlantic. "I am thrilled I will now be able to continue my fight for desperately needed tax relief, funding to protect our beaches, and policies that encourage tourism."

Assemblyman Gibson has served five pervious terms in the Legislature where he sponsored laws that strengthened New Je