October 18, 2005

Biondi Receives “Legislator of the Year” Award from
the NJ Fire Prevention & Protection Association

 The New Jersey Fire Prevention and Protection Association announced Assemblyman Peter Biondi, (R-Somerset, Morris), as the recipient of its 2005 “Legislator of the Year” award.

Assemblyman Biondi said that he considers this recognition a great honor.  “I’m just glad to be acknowledged by such a distinguished organization,” said Biondi.  “Over the years, the New Jersey Fire Prevention and Protection Association has done amazing work in the area of fire prevention.  I’m delighted to be able to work with them and help them accomplish their goals.”

Nearly 4,000 Americans die every year in residential fires and more than 25,000 are injured, many of which can be prevented.

   “As a legislator, I have the opportunity to help bring attention to important issues like fire prevention.  There is no better feeling than knowing legislation I introduced may help prevent or protect people from the dangers of fires,” added Biondi.  “If there is a measure that can be introduced or an educational program that can be advanced that will decrease the amount of deaths and injuries caused by fire,  than it is our responsibility as legislators to do so.”

Assemblyman Biondi received this award at the Fort Monmouth Officer’s Club in Eatontown , New Jersey on Saturday, October 15.  Earlier this year, Assemblyman Biondi was also recognized by the New Jersey Conference of Mayors as their 2005 recipient of the  “Legislator of the Year” award.

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October 14, 2005

BIONDI: DEMOCRATS PLEDGING ONCE AGAIN NOT TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT PROPERTY TAXES

Assemblyman Peter Biondi said today that he is appalled that Acting Governor Codey has declared the 30%-in-3 property tax reform plan dead on arrival rather than giving the measure fair consideration.

“Instead of debating the 30%-in-3 property tax plan, the Democrats have opted to take a do-nothing approach,” said Biondi, R-Morris and Somerset .  “We should have seen this one coming.  Over the past four years, Democrats have defined themselves as the party of inaction.”

Assemblyman Biondi said Acting Governor Codey’s claim that the Republican property tax reform plan is unrealistic is completely false.

“The Democrats have spent more time attacking our plan than actually reading it,” added Biondi.  “This is the only plan the non-partisan Office of Legislative Services has actually reviewed.   According to them, this plan will cost an estimated $1 billion in year one, and a total of $3.2 billion in the third year.

“To say this plan is not affordable is simply untrue.   If property tax relief is as big of a priority to the Democrats as they claim, they cannot afford to ignore this thoughtful, credible and very realistic proposal,” remarked Biondi.

Assembly Republicans have indicated they will fund the 30%-in-3 plan from money currently used for the rebate program, $1 billion in budget savings, and natural revenue growth.

 Biondi believes the Trenton Democrats to be more interested in catering to the needs of special interest groups rather than providing meaningful property tax relief to New Jersey taxpayers.

“Under Democrat control, state spending has increased by an astonishing $6 billion and taxes have been raised by $4 billion,” Biondi stated.  “Unfortunately, the Democrat Majority failed to dedicate any of this additional revenue to property tax relief.  New Jersey taxpayers won’t get the relief they need because the Democrats are too busy wasting money on legislative pet projects.”

Biondi said Codey’s refusal to consider the Republican 30%-in-3 property tax reform plan is a symptom of a much more serious problem.

“This shows a determination by the Democrats not to consider any property tax reform plan,” said Biondi.  “The Democrats have failed to devise a plan to deal with soaring property taxes because it doesn’t fit their political needs.”

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October 14, 2005

VANDERVALK SAYS DEMOCRATS DON’T REALLY WANT TO REDUCE PROPERTY TAXES

DEMOCRATS ARE DISINGENUOUS ABOUT HELPING WORKING FAMILIES AFFORD TO STAY IN NEW JERSEY

   Assemblywoman Charlotte Vandervalk today took offense to Acting Governor Codey’s outright refusal to consider a Republican proposal to reduce property tax rates for New Jersey families by 30 percent in three years.

   “Acting Governor Codey announced he would not consider a Republican property tax reduction plan in the Senate this fall because he thinks it might be unrealistic,” said Vandervalk, R-Bergen.  “That is just pure party politics and is proof that New Jersey Democrats don’t really want to help hard working families cope with skyrocketing property taxes.”

   “The Assembly Republican Policy Committee itemized over $1 billion of wasteful spending in the current Democrat budget.  The Republicans have the will to cut this Democrat pork and then dedicate all of these savings directly to property tax relief.  To that, we can add some of the estimated ¾ to 1¼ billion dollars that the State receives annually in new revenue and apply it to property tax relief.  We have introduced a package of 25 bills that will control the growth of State government and put a cap on all State spending.”

   “Unlike the Democrats who have nothing to offer but lip service and partisan arrogance, this 30 percent reduction in three years is a real plan and deserves to be considered by the Legislature,” Vandervalk added. “I don’t see any other sincere proposals coming from the Democrats that would justify their running away from our plan.”

   “The Democrats are now dangling an increase in rebate checks before the voters, but why should people believe the Democrat promises?  They were the ones who cut the rebate program in half.  What is to prevent them from doing it again?  The Republican plan would be constitutionally mandated and protected.  It doesn’t rely on rebates, but would, in just three years, actually reduce the amount of everyone’s property tax bill by 30%.” 

   “The Acting-Governor’s unilateral declaration that a Republican-backed proposal ‘won’t see the light of day’ under his leadership is actually telling families that the Democrats don’t care about how the mounting cost of living in this state is drowning many of our residents,” concluded Vandervalk.  “Property tax relief won’t come from political spin and wait-until-tomorrow rebate schemes.  It comes from discussion and debate on meaningful and concrete proposals.  The Republican plan to reduce property taxes deserves consideration.”

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October 14, 2005

McHOSE: DEMOCRATS ONCE AGAIN SHOW THEY ARE NOT REFORM-MINDED

  Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose criticized published reports that Acting Governor Codey has declared the 30%-in 3 property tax reform plan “dead on arrival,” the very plan that constitutionally guarantees a thirty percent property tax reduction over three years.

  "This is not the first time that Democrats have balked at true reform" said McHose, R- ( Sussex , Morris, Hunterdon). "I find it ridiculous that Governor Codey can dismiss the Republican plan, especially when the Democrats have failed to offer a credible property tax relief plan of their own.

  “Democrats have nothing to offer other than a tax invention convention,” added McHose.  “As we know, a convention only puts off tackling the property tax issue and delays immediate tax relief for already overburdened taxpayers."

  The Republican 30%-in-3 property tax reform plan includes a constitutionally mandated 30 percent reduction to be phased in over three years, backed by a new state spending cap. In the first year of the plan, property taxes would be reduced by 10 percent.  In the second year homeowners would get a 20 percent reduction, and in the third year the state would pick up 30 percent of their property tax bill.

  Acting Governor Codey stated that the 30%-in-3 property tax reform plan will not be considered in the Senate because there is no way to fund the program.  McHose disputes this, pointing out that during this year’s budget process alone, Republicans identified at least $1 billion in government waste.

  "The bottom line is that there is a way to fund the 30%-in-3 property tax reform plan.  If the Democrat leadership actually took time to review the plan before trashing it, they would realize this is the only plan that will actually help overburdened homeowners." McHose said. "Skyrocketing property taxes continue to plague taxpayers, we must come together to find a way to address this enormous issue.  Instead, Democrats are choosing to ignore this plan.

  “The Democrat’s fiscal mismanagement and financial irresponsibility is mind-boggling and shameful. Since taking control of the Legislature, the Democrats have increased spending by $6 billion.  They have also increased state debt by a shocking $15 billion.  The Democrats have no desire to reform the current property tax and patronage system that has obviously benefited them. This approach only hurts New Jersey ’s working families,” Assemblywoman McHose concluded.

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October 13, 2005

ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER SCHEME

Bodine criticizes Democrat plan to securitize toll revenue to fund transportation projects

  Today, Assemblyman Fran Bodine ( Burlington ) questioned the logic behind a recent Democrat idea for New Jersey to borrow against five years worth of projected toll revenues collected on the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway in order to fund transportation projects. 

   “How do you obligate money to new debt when it is already obligated to existing debt?”   Bodine asked.  “This plan does not seem feasible.  The revenues collected on New Jersey ’s toll roads are used in part to pay off bonds issued by their operating authorities as part of their annual budgets.”

   Bodine noted that under this proposal, the Democrats want to issue debt that will be financed by tapping into the next five years’ worth of toll revenues.  The proceeds of that debt will be used in the first year to help fund road projects around the State but after the first year, New Jersey will be left paying off debt with no new revenue coming in to continue funding needed projects.

   “This scheme is worse than robbing Peter to pay Paul,” Bodine said. “In the end both guys are left empty-handed.”

 “ New Jersey is facing a funding crisis regarding our Transportation Trust Fund which is the result of years of mismanagement and one shot revenue schemes,” added Bodine.  “We need a fundamental change in the structure of the TTF, not another one time cash scheme.”

   “Over 10 years ago, the Democrats forced the Turnpike to purchase 4 miles of State Highway 495 at the cost of $400 million so they could balance their irresponsible budget,” Bodine said.  “This proposal to hit up the Turnpike yet again is no different. 

   Bodine said before we begin to discuss finding new revenue sources like increasing in the gas tax or toll rates, New Jersey ’s transportation capital program needs to be structurally reformed.  

   “ New Jersey deserves transportation solutions that reform and renew the program not recycle tired schemes,” concluded Bodine.”

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October 12, 2005

BODINE SAYS DYFS’ LACK OF PROGRESS IS DISAPPOINTING

DISTURBED BY PLAN TO DISSOLVE NEW JERSEY CHILD WELFARE PANEL

 Eighth District Assemblyman Francis Bodine said today that he is very disappointed with the Administration’s ability to satisfactorily reform the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS).

“To say the least, the recent report issued by the New Jersey Child Welfare
Panel is disappointing,” said Bodine, R-Burlington.  “While I appreciate the immense task DYFS has undertaken, it is unacceptable that the State has been unable to adequately meet many of its reform goals.”

Bodine sharply criticized the Administration’s decision to disband the independent panel of experts charged with monitoring New Jersey ’s child welfare reform effort.

The success of this reform effort is dependent on the State embracing the recommendations made by the New Jersey Child Welfare Panel,” Bodine added.  “This advisory panel has provided us with critical insight into the problems DYFS is still experiencing.  Without them to monitor the State’s progress, I fear that situation will only get worse.”

Bodine said DYFS Director Edward Cotton’s resignation in addition to the proposed dismantling of the New Jersey Child Welfare Panel could lead to chaos within the Division.

 “The one man charged with shepherding in these reforms has resigned,” Bodine said.  “We need steady leadership now more than ever.  The New Jersey Child Welfare Panel will provide the necessary guidance needed to properly implement these reform measures.”

“DYFS needs to work quickly to implement these reforms,” concluded Bodine.  “Before another tragedy occurs, Administration officials need to act on the panel’s thoughtful recommendations.”

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October 11, 2005

MUNOZ TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION THAT PROTECTS MOTORISTS FROM PRICE GOUGING

Assemblyman Eric Munoz, M.D., in an effort to combat the rising price of gasoline, today announced his intention to introduce legislation that increases the penalties for retailers found guilty of price gouging.

“Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous gas station owners that have taken advantage of the recent gas price crisis,” said Munoz, R-Essex, Morris, Somerset and Union .  “We need to protect the honorable businessmen and go after those who are purposefully trying to cheat their customers.”

Munoz, stating that existing laws regulating the sale of gasoline are antiquated, has drafted legislation that revises the penalty provisions for the violation of certain laws regulating the retail sale of motor fuels.

“I am working on legislation that if enacted would provide a suitable punishment for those found guilty of price gouging,” added Munoz.  “As it stands, our existing laws do not deter dealers from gouging motorists.  A $50 fine, the cost of one sale, is not an sufficient penalty.”   

Under the legislation, a person found guilty of price gouging can be fined up to $2,500 for the first offense and $10,000 for the second offense.  The bill also provides for the suspension of a retail dealer’s license for the first and second offense.  Additionally, the measure calls for the retail dealer’s license to be permanently revoked upon a third offense.

“Enough is enough!” declared Munoz.  “We simply cannot allow hardworking families to suffer at the hands of dishonest retailers.”

Assemblyman Munoz plans to introduce this legislation once the Legislature is back in session.

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September 29, 2005

BATEMAN DEPLOYED TO NEW ORLEANS TO HELP WITH RECOVERY EFFORTS

Today, Assemblyman Christopher “Kip” Bateman, an American Red Cross volunteer, announced that he has been deployed to New Orleans to help with Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of Hurricane Katrina,” said Bateman, R-Morris and Somerset .  “We must all come together to offer our support and help in way possible to the Gulf Coast region.”

Assemblyman Bateman will deploy tomorrow, October 1 and will return to New Jersey on October 15.

“I am honored that I have the opportunity to assist our neighbors in the Gulf Coast ,” added Bateman.  “There is so much work to be done and I am eager to help in any way that I can.”

Each year, the American Red Cross provides services for hurricane, earthquake, and other disaster victims, including 150 families that are forced from their homes by fires everyday.  Over 160,000 Red Cross workers from all over the nation have come together to lend a hand to Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts.

“Without volunteers, the Red Cross would not be able to provide the services they do to the victims of Hurricane Katrina,” Bateman said.  “I encourage everyone to reach out to their local Red Cross to see how they can help in their cause.  It doesn’t matter what you can offer, whether its your time or a financial donation, every bit counts.”

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September 29, 2005

DeCROCE SELECTS McHOSE TO SERVE ON SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION REVIEW COMMISSION

        Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce announced today that he has selected Assemblywoman Alison McHose, (R-24) to serve on the School Construction Review Commission.

   As a member of the School Construction Review Commission, Assemblywoman McHose will be responsible for evaluating the school construction program.  Specifically, the commission will review if the money that has been used for the school construction program has been spent in a cost efficient manner.  McHose is also charged with studying the need for the allocation of additional funds for the program.

   “Assemblywoman McHose is a fierce advocate for the taxpayer,” said DeCroce, R-Morris and Passaic .  “She has demonstrated, time and again, that she will do what is necessary to root out waste, fraud and abuse of taxpayer dollars.  She is exactly the type of person we need on this commission to get to the bottom of what appears to be widespread mismanagement.” 

   “There is cause for great concern,” said McHose, R-Sussex, Morris and Hunterdon.  “The School Construction Corporation (SCC) will now be under the microscope. I would like to know how billions of dollars in school construction funding has already been depleted.”

   McHose said she is eager to share her thoughts on how New Jersey can reform the poorly managed school construction program.

  “I look forward to meeting the challenges before the Commission,” said McHose. “I will certainly be fighting to make sure that money is available for school construction projects in the more suburban and rural school districts that I represent.”

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September 27, 2005

ASSEMBLY REPUBLICANS WELCOME SENATE REPUBLICANS SUPPORT OF BILL PACKAGE
 THAT WILL COMBAT SOARING GAS PRICES

ENCOURAGE ASSEMBLY DEMOCRATS TO TAKE ACTION ON LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS

    Republican members of the Assembly Transportation Committee said today they welcome the Senate Republicans’ support of a bill package that will helps motorists cope with high gas prices.

“After carefully listening to the concerns and suggestions of consumers, advocacy groups, and industry experts, we proposed concrete solutions that address many of the issues raised at the gas price hearings,” said Assembly Jack Gibson, R-Cape May, Atlantic and Cumberland.  “I applaud the Senate Republicans for recognizing the importance of this issue and introducing this vital legislation in their house.”

In the past two weeks, the Assembly Transportation Committee has held two hearings to discuss the dramatic rise in the price of motor fuel.

“It wasn’t clear what direction the Democrats were taking by holding these hearings,” said Assemblyman Francis Bodine, R-Burlington. “Throughout the process, Assembly Democrats failed to discuss our proposals or take any legislative action on their own initiatives.”

Assembly Democrats have decided not call a quorum, despite repeated calls by Republicans to return from recess so that this and many other important matters may be addressed.  

“While the hearings proved to be informative, the time for talk is over,” said Assemblyman Kevin O’Toole, R-Bergen, Essex , and Passaic .  “The committee needs to come back in and take deliberative action on proposals that address the outrageous price of fuel.”

“Trenton Democrats are notorious for their inaction,” said Assemblyman Peter Biondi, R-Morris and Somerset .  “Just add this to the list of issues they have failed to address.  The cost of commuting to work is hitting New Jersey residents hard.  They deserve more than just talk from their elected officials.”

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September 26, 2005

DeCROCE PANS DEMOCRAT DECISION TO PURSUE APPEAL ON BOND RULING 

Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce today issued the following statement in response to the Codey Administration’s decision to appeal Judge Linda Feinberg’s ruling to prohibit using $150 million from the sale of bonds by the New Jersey Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation as general revenue in the state budget:

 “I am very disappointed that at the last moment the Codey Administration has decided to pursue an appeal.  How many times do they need to be told that this type of borrowing is unconstitutional?

“Republicans have repeatedly gone to court to stop the reckless fiscal policy of borrowing to cover state operating expenses. This is not only an example of poor fiscal management, but it is a violation of the New Jersey State Constitution.  Sadly, these concepts seem to be lost on the Democrats.

“I honestly believe this is an exercise in futility on the Democrats part.  I am confident that any further legal action will yield another favorable ruling.   Using the extra $150 million created by the bond sale to cover state operating expenses is clearly unconstitutional.

“It is in the best interest of the New Jersey taxpayers to put an end to these financial games.   It is time for the Democrats to come clean and consider budget alternatives that do not cause irreparable fiscal damage.”

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September 23, 2005

DeCROCE TO BONNIE WATSON COLEMAN:

'YES $500 IS A LOT OF MONEY FOR THE MIDDLE CLASS; SO WHY DID YOU VOTE TO LOWER REBATES TO $350?'

Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce said today Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, who protests that “middle class rebate checks make a big difference” after she voted to slash the maximum rebate from $800 to $350 this year, “just doesn’t get it.”

“How in the world can she claim you champion the cause of the middle class, which is being crushed by the burden of high property taxes, and then support slashing rebates for the middle class by more than half?” asked DeCroce, R-Morris and Passaic. “Does she really expect a wave of gratitude from the taxpayers next month when they get a check that is hundreds of dollars less than they did in 2004?

“Yes, Bonnie...the rebate program is ‘lame.’ You and your fellow Democrats crippled it when you supported this year’s budget.”

DeCroce said Watson Coleman, who also serves as chairman of the Democratic State Committee, should embrace the Assembly Republican proposal to cut property taxes 30 percent because, unlike rebates, the tax reduction would be significantly higher and permanent. It would also make the dream of home ownership more affordable for tenants and help senior citizens keep their homes.

“A 30 percent tax cut would mean a $789 savings for the average homeowner in Trenton,” DeCroce noted. “Under our plan, the savings for senior homeowners would be no lower than the rebate they received in 2004, which ranged as high as $1,200.

“Let’s look at the rest of her district: a 30 percent property tax cut for the average homeowner in Ewing would be $1,446; Hopewell Borough, $2,132; Hopewell Township, $2,452; Lawrence Township, $1,663; Pennington Borough, $2,785; Princeton Borough, $3,689; and Princeton Township, $3,834. I challenge the assemblywoman to go door-to-door and ask her constituents which plan for property tax relief they prefer. There’s no contest.

“Yes, Bonnie...$500 is a lot of money for most families. But $789, $1,446, $1,663, $2,132, $2,452, $2,785, $3,689 and $3,834 is a lot more – unless you don’t think your constituents deserve tax relief.”

DeCroce also suggested Watson Coleman may want to consider what her fellow Democrats have said about rebates in the past before she continues defending the program in the future:

§“It didn’t take long to figure out that the rebate will be gobbled up by rising property taxes before the check arrives.”

- Acting Governor Richard Codey (then Senate Minority Leader)

The Record of Hackensack, 2/21/1999

§“These rebates are akin to extinguishing a wildfire with a squirt gun. the property taxpayers of this state want genuine relief, not legislative peanuts in an election year.”

- Senator Joseph V. Doria (the Assembly Minority Leader)

 The Record of Hackensack,, 9/3/1999

§“Issuing SAVER rebates is like giving leaky lifeboats to New Jerseyans who are drowning in the nation’s highest property taxes.”

- Senator Wayne Bryant

The Record of Hackensack, 4/16/1999

§(The rebate program is) the biggest shell game ever. (The Governor) takes taxpayers’ money in, shuffles it around awhile and then expects them to be grateful when she gives them back some of their own money.”

- Senator Shirley Turner (Assemblywoman Watson Coleman’s running-mate)

The Star-Ledger, 1/14/1999

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September 22, 2005

BODINE CALLS PLAN TO SELL/LEASE TURNPIKE A POLITICAL SHELL GAME THAT DOES NOT
 SOLVE THE STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSPORTATION TRUST FUND

Assemblyman Francis Bodine said today he opposes the lease or sale of the New Jersey Turnpike and any other state toll roads as a way to rescue the nearly bankrupt Transportation Trust Fund (TTF).

“At best, the management of the Transportation Trust Fund has been inadequate,” said Bodine, R-Burlington.  “Selling the Turnpike is just another quick fix.  Without fundamental structural and fiscal reform, the TTF crisis will never truly be resolved.”

Bodine said he fears the sale or lease of toll roads would lead to hefty toll increases.

“Any private business that would enter into this type of agreement would be doing it to make a profit,” added Bodine.  “It is not unreasonable to think they would increase tolls as a way to boost business.”

Bodine said that he is also concerned that the sale or lease of the Turnpike would not provide a stable revenue stream for the Transportation Trust Fund.

“The Transportation Trust Fund has been repeatedly raided to balance the budget or fund other state agencies and programs,” remarked Bodine.  “I am leery of this proposal because I am not convinced the money from the sale would be used as it was intended.  Plus, what happens once we have spent all the money?”

Bodine said a large change in public policy like this requires a public referendum.

“The public should decide whether or not they want to lease or sell their toll roads.   A decision of this magnitude should be left up to the voters,” concluded Bodine.

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TOP

September 22, 2005

ASSEMBLY REPUBLICAN BILL PACKAGE WILL COMBAT SOARING GAS PRICES

EAGER TO DISCUSS LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES AT GAS HEARING  

Republican members of the Assembly Transportation Committee today announced their intention to introduce a number of bills that will decrease the impact of skyrocketing gas prices on consumers.

“ New Jersey is a tremendously expensive state and rising gas prices are only contributing to our already high cost of living,” said Assemblyman Jack Gibson, R-Cape May, Atlantic and Cumberland .  “We are proposing several legislative initiatives to protect motorists from fluctuating fuel costs.  These are sensible, pro-consumer measures that address the soaring price of fuel.”

Assembly Republicans intend to introduce the following cost control measures:

·A bill that permits retailers to sell fuel at the posted price or below cost if the consumer uses a pre-paid gas card to make the purchase;

·A measure that allows a retailer to lower the price of gas an unlimited amount of times in a 24-hour period;

·Legislation that authorizes retailers to sell gas at a price below net cost plus selling expenses during a period of unpredictable price fluctuation, as deemed by the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and public safety;

·A bill that makes it unlawful for a distributor or wholesaler to raise the price of fuel more than once in a 24-hour period;

·A measure that increases the penalty for the theft of fuel;

·An initiative that makes it unlawful for a person to sell or offer to sell fuel oil for an excessive price increase; and

·An act that requires suppliers to establish gasoline, diesel fuel, and heating oil reserves.

 “We even have a bill modeled after the heating oil industry that allows consumers to lock into cheaper fuel prices,” said Assemblyman Pete Biondi, R-Morris and Somerset .  “New Jersey Transit and the Department of Transportation purchase their fleet fuel at a locked in price so why can’t New Jersey motorists?”

Assembly Republicans said they have proposed both short-term and long-term solutions.

“We can’t just look at quick fixes,” said Assemblyman Francis Bodine, R-Burlington.  “We need to consider long-term solutions as well.  This process should include a discussion on several legislative initiatives that I have proposed that promote the use of electric vehicles.”

Assemblyman Bodine has introduced several bills this session encouraging alternative modes of transportation, they are:

·A-992:  Establishes a $5,000 state subsidy for the lease of a solely electric vehicle.

·A-993:  Exempts residential electric vehicle charging systems from real   property taxation.

·A-994:  Provides for an exemption for 50 percent of the tax imposed under the Sales and Use Tax for retail sales of electric vehicles.  

“My hope is that these hearings will yield real legislative action,” said Assemblyman Kevin O’Toole, R-Bergen, Essex and Passaic .  “While these hearings have proved to be informative, we need to make better use of our time and act on actual legislative proposals.  We have absorbed the testimony of industry experts and consumer advocates and now we must act upon their recommendations.”

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September 21, 2005

KEAN AND CORODEMUS LEND SUPPORT TO LEGAL EFFORT ON HOMELAND SECURITY FUNDS

LEGAL FUND WILL SEEK FINANCING FOR LAWSUIT TO PUT
AN END TO POLITICAL MANIPULATION OF GRANT MONEY  

Assemblymen Sean Kean and Steve Corodemus today said that they will lend their full support to an effort to create a legal fund that will raise the money necessary to sue state officials for the politicization of the New Jersey ’s homeland security grant program as well as other taxpayer funded grant programs.

“The political manipulation of these grant programs is an appalling abuse of power by officials in Trenton ,” Kean said. “If our effort to raise the money necessary for this lawsuit is successful, we can go to court and fight for the proper distribution of these taxpayer dollars.”

Kean and Corodemus were joined at the news conference in Asbury Park by firefighters, police and other first responders as well as a number of local elected officials. Thomas DeSeno, Esq., an attorney from Asbury Park , said he was working to organize the legal fund, and Kean and Corodemus announced that they will help provide the seed money to get the fund up and running.

Of the $23 million in homeland security grants distributed during the past three years, nearly $21 million – 93 percent – went to Democrat-controlled legislative districts. In 2003 alone, $7.8 million of the $8.3 million in grants went to Democrat districts. Many Republican districts, like the 11^th in Monmouth County received no funding.

A more recent analysis of ten state grant programs showed that 90 percent of these grants have gone to Democrat districts in the past three years. This includes homeland security grants, community affairs grants, and tourism grants.

“The safety of our citizens was jeopardized by the improper distribution of this homeland security grant money,” Corodemus said. “The decision by state officials to ignore legitimate applications that local officials put significant time, effort and money into preparing, is a slap in the face to the taxpayers in each of those towns.”

Kean and Corodemus said that they will offer their full assistance to DeSeno by helping to raise the money necessary to file the lawsuit. They called on local officials from both political parties to support the effort, noting that many Democrat towns in Republican legislative districts were also ignored in the grant process.

The proposed lawsuit would seek to enjoin the Treasurer, the Attorney General and the DEP from expending any monies associated with three specific grant programs.

The New Jersey State Constitution provides that "the powers of government shall be divided among three distinct braches, the legislative, executive, and judicial.  No person or persons belonging to or constituting one branch shall exercise any of the powers properly belonging to either of the others, except as expressly provided in this Constitution."

Thus, pursuant to this provision, no branch of the government may usurp the powers of another or interfere in one branch’s duties. Furthermore, the Constitution provides that it is the role of the Legislature to appropriate funds and role of the Executive to administer those funds.

In CWA v. Florio, 130 N.J. 439 (1992), the Supreme Court recognized that the Legislative Branch could not interfere with the Executive Branch’s administration of funds appropriated by the Legislative Branch.

There are numerous examples in these state grant programs of Democrat legislators communicating with the departments as to where the grant funds are to be spent.

Corodemus pointed to a recent Herald News story in which the Wallington Board of Education was struggling to decide how to use a one-time grant of $750,000 from the State.

According to the story, “The school district, Mayor Walter Wargacki and state Sen. Paul Sarlo, D-Wood-Ridge, who helped obtain the grant, have discussed the possibility of giving about $140,000 to the borough.”

“Here we have a situation where a Democrat legislator got money for a town in his district, and they don’t even know how to spend the money,” Corodemus said. “Yet towns in our district, that have specific needs, get shut out of the process. This is not the way these programs should work.”

“It is time we put a stop to this mismanagement of these grant programs so that our communities can have a fair shot at the funding they so desperately need,” Kean said. “This lawsuit will hopefully put an end to the abuse of these programs.”

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September 16, 2005

BODINE CALLS ON ACTING GOVERNOR CODEY TO PREPARE FOR 
WINTER HEATING OIL CRISIS  

Assemblyman Francis Bodine said that while it is clear New Jersey was not prepared to handle the soaring price of gasoline, the state may very well be equally unprepared for the potential of a home heating oil crisis.

“At yesterday’s Assembly Transportation Committee meeting evidence was presented that clearly shows that New Jersey was not prepared for the dramatic rise in fuel prices ca