December 21, 2004

O’TOOLE: PROPERTY TAX TASK FORCE’S RECOMMENDATIONS PROVIDE NO FRAMEWORK FOR REAL SOLUTION

Assemblyman Kevin O’Toole today said that the Property Tax Convention Task Force’s recommendation for a convention that cannot address spending issues avoids addressing the single largest component of the current property tax crisis and fails to charge the Legislature with working immediately on a solution to the problem.

"The report issued today by the Task Force fails to provide the necessary framework for a solution to New Jersey’s property tax crisis," said O’Toole, R-Essex, Passaic and Bergen. "I am disappointed that the panel refused to acknowledge in its report that the Legislature has a constitutional responsibility to address this problem now, through a special session if necessary."

O’Toole also noted that the report omitted any recommendation that a property tax convention address critical issues such as school funding, spending caps, state borrowing and the need to eliminate government waste and fraud.

"Many of the underlying reasons for the current property tax crisis are related to how governments at the state and local levels spend and manage taxpayer dollars," O’Toole said. "Any property tax convention that refuses to address the way government spends money will fail to provide long-term relief."

Without addressing spending issues O’Toole said he fears the convention will be limited to discussing possible tax increases.

"We heard testimony throughout this process that simply increasing taxes or shifting the tax burden will not solve this problem," O’Toole noted. "This approach has been tried in the past and it never succeeds in providing any long-term relief."

A copy of O’Toole’s dissent to the task force report is attached.

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December 13, 2004

PENNACCHIO: NEWARK WASTED FUNDS INTENDED FOR REVALUATION PROPERTY TAX RELIEF

Assemblyman Joseph Pennacchio today criticized legislation moving through the General Assembly that would extend the life of a parking and payroll tax in Newark created in 1999 to offset the impact of a property tax revaluation, but that has instead been used for four years to balance the city budget.

"Newark was given the authority to levy these taxes so that it could provide property tax relief to citizens hit hard by the planned revaluation," said Pennacchio, R-Morris and Passaic. "Instead of providing property tax relief, Newark flagrantly violated the law and squandered this $50 million each year on increased spending."

In 1999 the Legislature passed the "Revaluation Relief Act" which allowed Newark to levy a parking tax and an employee payroll tax. These two taxes have brought in about $50 million annually for the city, and is set to expire on December 30 of this year.

The law required that this revenue be used to provide tax abatements to property taxpayers who were hit hard by the revaluation – the first revaluation the city had conducted in 40 years. This money was instead used to fund the city budget, and an October Superior Court ruling held that this money needs to be returned to its intended purpose.

Pennacchio noted that the city has used a recent $200 million windfall from a new airport lease deal with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to help build a new sports arena in downtown Newark.

"The city wasted nearly $200 million that was supposed to go to tax relief, and now is using another $200 million windfall to build a sports arena," Pennacchio said. "If city officials had used sound fiscal management the money now being used on the arena could have been used for the city services funded with the money intended for this much-needed property tax relief."

"The taxpayers shouldn’t have to bail out Newark every time the city gets itself in fiscal trouble," Pennacchio concluded.

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December 9, 2004

McHOSE/GIBSON INTRODUCE MEASURE TO STRENGTHEN AUTHORITY OF FISH AND GAME COUNCIL

In an attempt to correct the erroneous New Jersey Supreme Court ruling on the proposed bear hunt, Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose and Assemblyman Jack Gibson today introduced legislation to reinforce the role of the Fish and Game Council in managing the state's wildlife.

"The Fish and Game Council is comprised of scientists, land use experts, farmers, and sportsmen," said McHose, R- Sussex, Morris, and Hunterdon. "They are all experts in their field of study and are well equipped to make appropriate decisions with regard to our State's hunting and fishing policies."

The Fish and Game Council recently authorized a second bear hunt in New Jersey. Despite recommendations made by the Council, last week, the New Jersey Supreme Court issued an order to stop the scheduled bear hunt. Their ruling also effectively gave Commissioner Campbell veto power over the Council. The Court had ruled there was no comprehensive policy on the management of black bears in New Jersey.

Assemblyman Gibson disagreed with that conclusion. "The Fish and Game Council, along with their biologists, have extensively researched methods of managing the bear population, using examples from across the country and around the world," said Assemblyman Jack Gibson, R- Cape May, Cumberland, and Atlantic. "They objectively reached the conclusion that a limited hunt was the best, most viable method to maintain a healthy bear population and reduce bear-human conflicts."

"The Supreme Court clearly overstepped their judicial function by terminating the bear hunt," added McHose. "This recent court ruling is further evidence of a systematic attempt to strip the Council of its authority."

In its current form, the Council is an independent body of experts that advises and makes recommendations to the director of the Division Fish and Wildlife, the commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection, and the governor. However, Commissioner Brad Campbell, as well as several Democrat legislators, have suggested giving the DEP more oversight over the Council, thereby giving the governor even more control over hunting and fishing. They have also proposed changing the composition of the Fish and Game Council.

"Under no circumstances should the role of the Fish and Game Council be reduced," said Gibson. "The Council is effective because it is apolitical. Any attempt to politicize the commission would be detrimental to New Jersey's wildlife policy."

"Since its creation in 1945, the Fish and Game Council has provided balanced and practical solutions to the often complex issues surrounding wildlife management," McHose said. "Any significant changes to the Council could have an adverse impact on sport hunting and fishing."

The McHose-Gibson bill clarifies the Fish and Game Council as the sole regulatory body of fresh water fishing, hunting, and trapping. The measure also clarifies existing law to require the Division of Wildlife and the Department of Environmental Protection to implement the State Fish and Game Code as adopted by the Council.

"We want to see black bears thrive in New Jersey," concluded Gibson. "However, with more people living in rural areas, we need to find a balance between nurturing wildlife and protecting people. We feel the Fish and Game Council is the best entity to find that balance."

December 3, 2004

DeCROCE TO SIRES: ELECTION REFORM BIPARTISANSHIP REQUIRES BILLS FROM BOTH PARTIES

Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce today sent a letter to Assembly Speaker Albio Sires expressing his disappointment that no Republican election reform bills had been placed on the agenda for consideration at Monday’s meeting of the Assembly State Government Committee.

"I am puzzled by your decision to allow the Assembly State Government Committee to meet on Monday and discuss an 18-bill election reform package that does not exist, while reform bills already introduced and sponsored by Assembly Republicans are not included on the agenda," DeCroce wrote in his letter.

DeCroce said that Assembly Majority Leader Joe Roberts had originally expressed his desire for this to be a bipartisan effort, but that Roberts has failed to reach out to him to discuss the package since the October press conference.

"How can we expect to regain the people’s trust or encourage public involvement in the election process when we allow secrecy and partisan advantage to stand in the way of a meaningful and productive dialog?" DeCroce asks Sires in his letter.

DeCroce goes on to assure Sires that Republicans will take and active role in Monday’s hearing and will place concrete proposals on the table for consideration.

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December 2, 2004

FISCAL IMPACT OF BILL GRANTING EXPANDED POLICE POWERS TO BRIDGE COMMISSION POLICE QUESTIONED

Assemblymen Jon Bramnick and Brian Rumpf today raised concerns about legislation that would grant expanded law enforcement powers to Burlington County Bridge Commission police officers in an apparent attempt to allow those officers to gain access to the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS) pension program.

"Even though the sponsors may have the best of intentions, it would be irresponsible for us not to ask questions about the fiscal impact of this change in the law," said Bramnick, R-Union, Morris, Somerset, and Essex. "All of the state’s pension programs are currently on shaky fiscal ground and this could put further stress on the health of that pension system."

The bill, A-2798, is sponsored by Democrat Assemblymen Jack Conners and Herb Conaway and it would allow Bridge Commission police officers to make arrests anywhere in the state of New Jersey. Currently these officers only have law enforcement powers within the Bridge Commission’s jurisdictional lines.

It is possible that the expanded police powers may be used as the basis for an application by the Bridge Commission officers to be given access to the New Jersey Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS) pension program. These officers have requested access to the pension system in the past and were denied.

Bramnick noted that the unfunded liability in PFRS has been growing dramatically in recent years. He pointed to an OLS report that the PFRS unfunded liability had gone from a $151 million surplus in June of 2001 to an almost $2.2 billion deficit in June 2003. This unfunded liability has now grown to near $5 billion and covers three-quarters of the active members in PFRS.

"We need to know what impact this might have on the already troubled PFRS pension system, but we also need to find out what impact this will have on the Bridge Commission’s budget," said Rumpf, R-Ocean, Burlington and Atlantic. "If the Bridge Commission must pay as much as $2 million to create PFRS access for these officers, it is reasonable to ask whether this could lead to a toll increase on these bridges. These are all matters that should be considered before final passage of this bill."

The Burlington County Bridge Commission controls the Tacony-Palmyra, Burlington-Bristol, and Riverside-Delanco bridges.

Bramnick and Rumpf, members of the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee, raised these concerns during the discussion of A-2798 at today’s hearing. The bill was released by the committee, but Bramnick and Rumpf asked that these fiscal issues be resolved before the bill is voted on by the full General Assembly.

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December 2, 2004

KEAN/ McHOSE INTRODUCE BILL THAT BANS THE APPEARANCE OF THE GOVERNOR IN NONESSENTIALSTATE ADVERTISING

In an attempt to curb the abuse of state advertising for political purposes, Assemblyman Sean Kean and Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose today introduced legislation that bans the appearance of the governor in almost all taxpayer-funded television, radio, and print ads.

"State-funded advertising is an important tool that can be utilized to promote tourism, economic policy, and vital government programs," said Kean, R-Monmouth. "Unfortunately, over the years, governors from both political parties have taken advantage of the system and have used this type of advertising to promote their political agenda."

Over the past three years, the state has spent an estimated $38 million on promotional television and radio advertisements, as well as mailings featuring former Governor James McGreevey. This included ads focused on tourism, business promotion, auto insurance and the governor’s literacy program.

"The general public is savvy enough to recognize this misuse of power," said McHose, R-Sussex, Morris, and Hunterdon. "The McGreevey administration, with the blessing of the Democrat-controlled Legislature, took this practice to an entirely different level. It is essential that we do something now to prevent any further abuse."

The measure bans the appearance of the governor in nonessential state advertisement or promotional campaigns. The bill permits the governor to only appear in ads related to the state website, constituent communications, and emergency situations.

The legislation also creates a nonpartisan, unpaid commission to establish parameters that determine the essential ads which require the appearance of the governor.

"The commission would have the ability to require the governor to reimburse the state if it is determined that an unlawful appearance occurred," added McHose. "Establishing another degree of accountability only serves to ensure advertising funding will be used for its intended purpose."

Assemblyman Kean and Assemblywoman McHose conducted an exhaustive review of the advertising practices of every department and state agency.

Kean last week criticized the School Construction Commission for spending $500,000 on promotional materials that prominently featured former Governor McGreevey.

"I sincerely believe the passage of this bill will work to stop the politically motivated from using taxpayer dollars on their personal public relations programming," Kean said. "Furthermore, I think this is a valuable way to curtail wasteful state spending."

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December 1, 2004

MALONE SAYS REVENUE PICTURE LOOKS BLEAK, CALLS FOR BUDGET COMMITTEE HEARING

Assembly Republican Budget Officer Joseph Malone today asked why the Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committees have not scheduled a meeting to discuss the state’s troubling revenue shortfall and to meet with the executive branch on the health of the current budget and what is being done to prepare for next year’s budget.

December 13, 2004

PENNACCHIO: NEWARK WASTED FUNDS INTENDED FOR REVALUATION PROPERTY TAX RELIEF

Assemblyman Joseph Pennacchio today criticized legislation moving through the General Assembly that would extend the life of a parking and payroll tax in Newark created in 1999 to offset the impact of a property tax revaluation, but that has instead been used for four years to balance the city budget.

"Newark was given the authority to levy these taxes so that it could provide property tax relief to citizens hit hard by the planned revaluation," said Pennacchio, R-Morris and Passaic. "Instead of providing property tax relief, Newark flagrantly violated the law and squandered this $50 million each year on increased spending."

In 1999 the Legislature passed the "Revaluation Relief Act" which allowed Newark to levy a parking tax and an employee payroll tax. These two taxes have brought in about $50 million annually for the city, and is set to expire on December 30 of this year.

The law required that this revenue be used to provide tax abatements to property taxpayers who were hit hard by the revaluation – the first revaluation the city had conducted in 40 years. This money was instead used to fund the city budget, and an October Superior Court ruling held that this money needs to be returned to its intended purpose.

Pennacchio noted that the city has used a recent $200 million windfall from a new airport lease deal with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to help build a new sports arena in downtown Newark.

"The city wasted nearly $200 million that was supposed to go to tax relief, and now is using another $200 million windfall to build a sports arena," Pennacchio said. "If city officials had used sound fiscal management the money now being used on the arena could have been used for the city services funded with the money intended for this much-needed property tax relief."

"The taxpayers shouldn’t have to bail out Newark every time the city gets itself in fiscal trouble," Pennacchio concluded.

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December 9, 2004

McHOSE/GIBSON INTRODUCE MEASURE TO STRENGTHEN AUTHORITY OF FISH AND GAME COUNCIL

In an attempt to correct the erroneous New Jersey Supreme Court ruling on the proposed bear hunt, Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose and Assemblyman Jack Gibson today introduced legislation to reinforce the role of the Fish and Game Council in managing the state's wildlife.

"The Fish and Game Council is comprised of scientists, land use experts, farmers, and sportsmen," said McHose, R- Sussex, Morris, and Hunterdon. "They are all experts in their field of study and are well equipped to make appropriate decisions with regard to our State's hunting and fishing policies."

The Fish and Game Council recently authorized a second bear hunt in New Jersey. Despite recommendations made by the Council, last week, the New Jersey Supreme Court issued an order to stop the scheduled bear hunt. Their ruling also effectively gave Commissioner Campbell veto power over the Council. The Court had ruled there was no comprehensive policy on the management of black bears in New Jersey.

Assemblyman Gibson disagreed with that conclusion. "The Fish and Game Council, along with their biologists, have extensively researched methods of managing the bear population, using examples from across the country and around the world," said Assemblyman Jack Gibson, R- Cape May, Cumberland, and Atlantic. "They objectively reached the conclusion that a limited hunt was the best, most viable method to maintain a healthy bear population and reduce bear-human conflicts."

"The Supreme Court clearly overstepped their judicial function by terminating the bear hunt," added McHose. "This recent court ruling is further evidence of a systematic attempt to strip the Council of its authority."

In its current form, the Council is an independent body of experts that advises and makes recommendations to the director of the Division Fish and Wildlife, the commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection, and the governor. However, Commissioner Brad Campbell, as well as several Democrat legislators, have suggested giving the DEP more oversight over the Council, thereby giving the governor even more control over hunting and fishing. They have also proposed changing the composition of the Fish and Game Council.

"Under no circumstances should the role of the Fish and Game Council be reduced," said Gibson. "The Council is effective because it is apolitical. Any attempt to politicize the commission would be detrimental to New Jersey's wildlife policy."

"Since its creation in 1945, the Fish and Game Council has provided balanced and practical solutions to the often complex issues surrounding wildlife management," McHose said. "Any significant changes to the Council could have an adverse impact on sport hunting and fishing."

The McHose-Gibson bill clarifies the Fish and Game Council as the sole regulatory body of fresh water fishing, hunting, and trapping. The measure also clarifies existing law to require the Division of Wildlife and the Department of Environmental Protection to implement the State Fish and Game Code as adopted by the Council.

"We want to see black bears thrive in New Jersey," concluded Gibson. "However, with more people living in rural areas, we need to find a balance between nurturing wildlife and protecting people. We feel the Fish and Game Council is the best entity to find that balance."

December 3, 2004

DeCROCE TO SIRES: ELECTION REFORM BIPARTISANSHIP REQUIRES BILLS FROM BOTH PARTIES

Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce today sent a letter to Assembly Speaker Albio Sires expressing his disappointment that no Republican election reform bills had been placed on the agenda for consideration at Monday’s meeting of the Assembly State Government Committee.

"I am puzzled by your decision to allow the Assembly State Government Committee to meet on Monday and discuss an 18-bill election reform package that does not exist, while reform bills already introduced and sponsored by Assembly Republicans are not included on the agenda," DeCroce wrote in his letter.

DeCroce said that Assembly Majority Leader Joe Roberts had originally expressed his desire for this to be a bipartisan effort, but that Roberts has failed to reach out to him to discuss the package since the October press conference.

"How can we expect to regain the people’s trust or encourage public involvement in the election process when we allow secrecy and partisan advantage to stand in the way of a meaningful and productive dialog?" DeCroce asks Sires in his letter.

DeCroce goes on to assure Sires that Republicans will take and active role in Monday’s hearing and will place concrete proposals on the table for consideration.

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December 2, 2004

FISCAL IMPACT OF BILL GRANTING EXPANDED POLICE POWERS TO BRIDGE COMMISSION POLICE QUESTIONED

Assemblymen Jon Bramnick and Brian Rumpf today raised concerns about legislation that would grant expanded law enforcement powers to Burlington County Bridge Commission police officers in an apparent attempt to allow those officers to gain access to the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS) pension program.

"Even though the sponsors may have the best of intentions, it would be irresponsible for us not to ask questions about the fiscal impact of this change in the law," said Bramnick, R-Union, Morris, Somerset, and Essex. "All of the state’s pension programs are currently on shaky fiscal ground and this could put further stress on the health of that pension system."

The bill, A-2798, is sponsored by Democrat Assemblymen Jack Conners and Herb Conaway and it would allow Bridge Commission police officers to make arrests anywhere in the state of New Jersey. Currently these officers only have law enforcement powers within the Bridge Commission’s jurisdictional lines.

It is possible that the expanded police powers may be used as the basis for an application by the Bridge Commission officers to be given access to the New Jersey Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS) pension program. These officers have requested access to the pension system in the past and were denied.

Bramnick noted that the unfunded liability in PFRS has been growing dramatically in recent years. He pointed to an OLS report that the PFRS unfunded liability had gone from a $151 million surplus in June of 2001 to an almost $2.2 billion deficit in June 2003. This unfunded liability has now grown to near $5 billion and covers three-quarters of the active members in PFRS.

"We need to know what impact this might have on the already troubled PFRS pension system, but we also need to find out what impact this will have on the Bridge Commission’s budget," said Rumpf, R-Ocean, Burlington and Atlantic. "If the Bridge Commission must pay as much as $2 million to create PFRS access for these officers, it is reasonable to ask whether this could lead to a toll increase on these bridges. These are all matters that should be considered before final passage of this bill."

The Burlington County Bridge Commission controls the Tacony-Palmyra, Burlington-Bristol, and Riverside-Delanco bridges.

Bramnick and Rumpf, members of the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee, raised these concerns during the discussion of A-2798 at today’s hearing. The bill was released by the committee, but Bramnick and Rumpf asked that these fiscal issues be resolved before the bill is voted on by the full General Assembly.

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December 2, 2004

KEAN/ McHOSE INTRODUCE BILL THAT BANS THE APPEARANCE OF THE GOVERNOR IN NONESSENTIALSTATE ADVERTISING

In an attempt to curb the abuse of state advertising for political purposes, Assemblyman Sean Kean and Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose today introduced legislation that bans the appearance of the governor in almost all taxpayer-funded television, radio, and print ads.

"State-funded advertising is an important tool that can be utilized to promote tourism, economic policy, and vital government programs," said Kean, R-Monmouth. "Unfortunately, over the years, governors from both political parties have taken advantage of the system and have used this type of advertising to promote their political agenda."

Over the past three years, the state has spent an estimated $38 million on promotional television and radio advertisements, as well as mailings featuring former Governor James McGreevey. This included ads focused on tourism, business promotion, auto insurance and the governor’s literacy program.

"The general public is savvy enough to recognize this misuse of power," said McHose, R-Sussex, Morris, and Hunterdon. "The McGreevey administration, with the blessing of the Democrat-controlled Legislature, took this practice to an entirely different level. It is essential that we do something now to prevent any further abuse."

The measure bans the appearance of the governor in nonessential state advertisement or promotional campaigns. The bill permits the governor to only appear in ads related to the state website, constituent communications, and emergency situations.

The legislation also creates a nonpartisan, unpaid commission to establish parameters that determine the essential ads which require the appearance of the governor.

"The commission would have the ability to require the governor to reimburse the state if it is determined that an unlawful appearance occurred," added McHose. "Establishing another degree of accountability only serves to ensure advertising funding will be used for its intended purpose."

Assemblyman Kean and Assemblywoman McHose conducted an exhaustive review of the advertising practices of every department and state agency.

Kean last week criticized the School Construction Commission for spending $500,000 on promotional materials that prominently featured former Governor McGreevey.

"I sincerely believe the passage of this bill will work to stop the politically motivated from using taxpayer dollars on their personal public relations programming," Kean said. "Furthermore, I think this is a valuable way to curtail wasteful state spending."

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December 1, 2004

MALONE SAYS REVENUE PICTURE LOOKS BLEAK, CALLS FOR BUDGET COMMITTEE HEARING

Assembly Republican Budget Officer Joseph Malone today asked why the Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committees have not scheduled a meeting to discuss the state’s troubling revenue shortfall and to meet with the executive branch on the health of the current budget and what is being done to prepare for next year’s budget.

GREGG GLAD TO HEAR ADMINISTRATION BELIEVES FEDERAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG PROGRAM IS OFF TO A GREAT START

Assembly Republican Conference Leader Guy Gregg today said he was encouraged by testimony from an official in the state division of senior benefits who said that the transition to the new federal prescription drug program in New Jersey has been seamless and has led to millions of dollars in savings for the state.

"Despite dire predictions from some Democrat legislators, and a negative letter sent in the days before this year’s presidential election, it appears the transition to this program is working well in New Jersey," said Gregg, R-Sussex, Morris and Hunterdon. "Our state is saving money, and seniors are maintaining their coverage."

Gregg was commenting after a joint meeting of the Assembly Federal Relations and Senior Issues committees. The joint committee meeting was scheduled to take testimony on the implementation in New Jersey of the new federal prescription drug program.

At the meeting, Kathleen Mason, assistant commissioner for the division of senior benefits and utilization management, testified that, "the automatic enrollment process into a preferred provider of the Medicare Discount Card program has been a relatively seamless transition with no disruption or loss of service to PAAD beneficiaries."

Mason also testified that the new federal Medicare discount card program has helped to save New Jersey’s PAAD program $33 million, and that there should be a total cost savings of $90 million over the 18-month transition.

"With the implementation of any new program you would expect some bumps in the road, so it is good to hear that has not been the case in New Jersey," Gregg said. "But I think it would be a good idea to make sure that we use the savings from this program to make sure that adequate coverage is provided to seniors should there be any difficulties with the transition."

Gregg said he feared the Democrats would try to use the cost savings to plug next year’s anticipated $4 billion budget hole, and that may be why many Democrat legislators are seeking to downplay the amount of savings the state will receive, despite evidence to the contrary.

"These savings were intended to be used to provide seniors with additional coverage – not to plug a budget hole created by irresponsible borrowing and spending," Gregg said. "We must make sure that this money is used to benefit seniors, not to clean up the current budget mess."

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November 22, 2004

REPUBLICAN LEGISLATORS QUESTION HEAD OF SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION ON SPENDING PRIORITIES

The three Republican members of the Assembly Education Committee today questioned School Construction Corporation chief John Spencer about recent reports that the school construction program is running out of cash and reports in this weekend’s newspapers about the questionable use of those funds.

November 18, 2004

PENNACCHIO: CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY FOR DEMOCRATS

Assemblyman Joe Pennacchio today said that New Jersey’s Democrat leadership is displaying a complete lack of fiscal discipline by distributing nearly $70 million in grants to support legislator’s pet projects at a time when the state is in a deep budget hole.

"Christmas is coming early for some of these Democrat pet projects, but it is the taxpayers who will end up with a lump of coal in their stocking," said Pennacchio, R-Morris and Passaic. "At a time when we are facing a $4 billion budget deficit, it might be wise to hold off on distributing these funds."

Pennacchio was responding to newspaper stories from Wednesday highlighting $70 million in spending projects included in the Fiscal Year 2005 budget passed last June. While these projects are touted as property tax relief programs, Pennacchio said that many of them are little more than legislative pork mainly targeted to Democrat controlled districts.

Among the projects being funded according to The Star Ledger are $125,000 for a dog park in East Brunswick, $350,000 for a skateboard park in Woodbury, and new firetruck for Lawnside. The Daily Record reports that $1 million will be spent for a new library in Cherry Hill and another $2 million to refurbish the Walt Whitman House in Camden.

"At a time when we are confronting a potential budget crisis I think we need to do a better job of prioritizing," Pennacchio said. "I have nothing against the dogs in East Brunswick, but maybe they can wait for their park until a time when we aren’t being forced by budget troubles to cut spending and staff in state departments."

"Republicans said when the Democrats passed their record-setting budget in June that it was full of pork and unnecessary spending," Pennacchio said. "I think we can now see that our assessment was accurate."

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November 9, 2004

MERKT SAYS DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP IS MAKING IT CLEAR: NOTHING IS ABOUT TO CHANGE IN TRENTON

Assemblyman Rick Merkt today said that New Jerseyans looking for a change of direction and attitude in Trenton with the imminent departure of Governor McGreevey may be disappointed to learn that the Democratic Party feels no change is necessary.

"The public has a right to demand, and to expect, that the Democratic Party would do some soul-searching after three years of scandal and ethical lapses in Trenton," said Merkt, R-Morris. "But the Democratic Party still appears to see no problem with the way business has been conducted in Trenton under its leadership."

Specifically, Merkt was responding to comments by Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman – the Democratic State Chairwoman – who was quoted in The Star Ledger today as saying that the Democratic Party doesn’t "need to change at all" and that the party "doesn’t have an integrity issue."

"When the leader of your party has to resign in disgrace from the governor’s office amid an endless string of corruption scandals, you have an integrity problem," Merkt said. "When your party refuses to advance meaningful campaign finance reform amid growing public concern about pay-to-play, you have an integrity problem."

Merkt noted that the public has been bombarded for three years now with headlines about corruption, ethics and legislative inaction on reform.

"If the Democrats don’t believe they need to change the way they have run Trenton, they aren’t listening to the public," Merkt said. "They need to change, they have an integrity problem, and the public’s patience in waiting for that change is wearing thin."

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November 8, 2004

DeCROCE STATEMENT REGARDING McGREEVEY ‘LEGACY’

Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce issued the following statement today in anticipation of Governor James E. McGreevey’s invitation-only farewell speech to his supporters:

"He can talk as much as he wants about reforming DYFS, while children’s lives are still at risk. He can talk about reforming the DMV, while drivers still wait on long lines at some inspection stations. He can talk about ‘saving’ the Highlands from dangers that don’t exist. He can talk about using millions and millions of tax dollars for private medical research while ignoring the budget’s structural deficit.

"But the reality is this governor disgraced himself and the state. The only people who did exceptionally well under his administration were his friends and campaign contributors.

"He will be remembered for promising to ‘change the way business is done in Trenton" and then turning his back on comprehensive attempts to end the political corruption and scandal that are the hallmarks of his administration. He will be remembered for promising to lower property taxes and then planting the seeds for an average14 percent increase in local taxes. He will be remembered for preaching the merits of fiscal restraint, and then raising state spending 17 percent in a single year. He will be remembered for warning about the rising level of state debt, and then using unconstitutional deficit bonds to balance the budget and destroying our credit rating in the process.

"It will take hard work and determination to clean up the wreckage left by the McGreevey administration. The sooner he leaves, the sooner we can begin to work with Senate President Codey to move New Jersey forward."

# # # # #

November 5, 2004

KEAN WELCOMES CODEY SUPPORT FOR LEGISLATION BANNING FEES FOR BOND CONSULTANTS

Assemblyman Sean Kean today said he was glad to hear of Senate President Richard Codey’s support for his legislation prohibiting the state from contracting with brokers and bond dealers who pay finders’ fees to retain this business, but urged Codey to support passage of his bill rather than issuing an executive order.

"We have already seen with pay-to-play that executive orders are not the best way to make law," said Kean, R-Monmouth. "My bill would accomplish exactly what Senate President Codey wants to do, but without the limitations or constitutional concerns of an executive order."

According to several newspaper stories Senate President Codey has suggested that upon becoming acting governor in two weeks he may issue an executive order that would prohibit financial firms underwriting New Jersey bond deals from paying lobbyists and consultants for helping them to get those jobs.

This is exactly what legislation introduced last March by Kean would accomplish. His bill, A-2543, prohibits public issuers in New Jersey form contracting with brokers, dealers and municipal securities dealers that pay consultants finders’ fees to obtain or retain municipal securities business with those issuers.

"The public correctly perceives there is something wrong with politically connected individuals reaping huge financial rewards for helping to land this state business," Kean said. "Our legislation would put a stop to these questionable deals and hopefully with Senate President Codey’s support we can get this bill signed into law."

Kean said he hopes that Codey will urge Assembly Speaker Albio Sires to move the bill in the Assembly.

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November 5, 2004

GREGG CALLS ON STATE TO INVESTIGATE NEW MOTOR-VOTER REGISTRATION CONCERNS

Assembly Republican Conference Leader Guy Gregg today said the state needs to investigate the procedures governing new voter registrations in New Jersey following an election day where it appears that record numbers of voters went before judges to ensure ballot access.

"Luckily this year’s national election did not end up in the courts, but there were clear warning signals in New Jersey that something isn’t working properly," said Gregg, R-Sussex, Morris and Hunterdon. "These voter registration concerns could be a very big deal next year when there will be hotly contested gubernatorial and legislative elections in the state."

Throughout northern New Jersey on Tuesday voters who claimed they had registered long before the deadline found that they were not on the voter rolls, and hundreds of these voters ended up having to go before judges to argue that they were entitled to access to the polls.

Gregg said he is concerned that many voters who did follow the proper registration procedures may have been unfairly hindered in their attempts to vote, and that others who didn’t register properly may have used the confusion to fraudulently gain access to the polls.

"Those people who are properly registered deserve the right to vote without having to go before a judge," Gregg said. "We must make sure that the integrity of the voting process is protected and that the system is working properly to ensure fair ballot access."

Gregg said that the state Division of Elections should commence an investigation to determine why there were so many glitches with registrations on Election Day. The problem appeared to be that information on individuals registered through motor-voter never made it to boards of elections.

"We need to find out where the breakdown in communication was between the motor-voter registrations and the boards of elections," Gregg said.

"Let’s make sure this scene is not repeated next year," he concluded. "We have spent a lot of money on encouraging people to vote and we should make sure that when they register properly they have access to the ballot box."

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