February 28, 2006
NEW
JERSEY
IS TOPS IN TAXES; DOHERTY
SAYS STATE
CANNOT AFFORD ADDITIONAL TAX HIKES
State
Business Tax Climate Index Report Released Yesterday
The
latest statistics are out and to no one’s surprise,
New Jersey
ranks as one of the worst states in the nation
for the tax burden it places on its residents. According to the Tax
Foundation’s State Business Tax Climate Index (SBTCI) report released
yesterday,
New Jersey
taxpayers pay the highest property taxes in
the
U.S.
The state also has the fourth worst individual
income tax, and aside from
New York
, it has the least hospitable business tax
climate. Overall, the
Garden
State
ranks near the bottom as one of the least tax
friendly states in the nation.
With
additional tax hikes looming as Governor Corzine prepares the state budget,
Assemblyman Michael Doherty yesterday cautioned the Governor against raising
taxes on the state’s already overburdened taxpayers. Instead, Doherty,
R-Warren and Hunterdon, says the Governor and his administration should focus
on fiscal restraint and eliminating fraud.
“
New Jersey
cannot afford to add new taxes or increase our
income and sales taxes as the Governor is indicating he will do,” said
Doherty. “
New Jersey
has become unaffordable for many families and
businesses alike.”
According
to an article in yesterday’s Courier
News, “From July 1, 2004, to July 1, 2005, a record 56,989 people left
the state – more than double than for the same period three years earlier.”
The reason it gave? Taxes.
“We
have had four straight years of record property tax increases with reductions
in property tax relief programs,” Doherty said. “Yet, the Governor seems
intent on passing the state’s debt, the result of fiscal mismanagement and
runaway spending during the McGreevey administration, onto the backs of
taxpayers. It is unfathomable to even discuss new tax hikes without first
identifying and cutting wasteful spending and eliminating fraud.”
According
to the SBTCI,
New Jersey
ranks in the bottom third of states in it’s
overall tax climate. That number reflects what residents pay in state and local
income taxes, property taxes, sales taxes, and luxury and fuel taxes, among
others. Each year, state taxpayers must work until April 25 to have earned
enough to pay their federal, state and local taxes combined.
Doherty
noted that Governor Corzine’s transition team recommended adding a new gross
receipts tax while increasing the state’s sales and unemployment taxes, the
two taxes in which the state received a more favorable ranking. He also pointed
out that property tax relief, one of Corzine’s top priorities during the
campaign, has now been put on the backburner. During a recent radio call-in
show, Corzine told the audience that property tax reform has taken a backseat
to other issues.
“The
numbers don’t lie.
New Jersey
residents are painfully overtaxed and its
business environment is the second worst in the country,” Doherty said.
“It’s no wonder our residents and businesses are moving out. This exodus
will have dire consequences for our state.”
The
Tax Foundation, a nonpartisan, nonprofit policy research group, bases its
rankings on the percentage of per capita income that residents pay in income,
property, sales and other personal taxes it levies at the state and local
levels. In addition, it factors in the portion of business taxes passes along
to state residents through higher prices, lower wages or lower profits.
#####
TOP
February 28, 2006
BARONI AND BECK CALL
ON RUTGERS OFFICIALS TO REJECT
ELIMINATION OF DOUGLASS COLLEGE
Assemblyman Bill Baroni and Assemblywoman Jennifer Beck today said that they
hope to work with their fellow members of the Assembly Higher Education
Committee to convince Rutgers University officials to reject proposals that
Douglass College be eliminated as a separate four-year women’s college.
“This
issue is very important to me and I believe that all of the members of this
committee feel strongly that Rutgers should reject this proposal,” said
Beck, R-Monmouth, Mercer. “I have contacted the Democrat members of the
committee and am inviting them to join me in a bipartisan effort.”
Baroni and Beck said that they have asked all the members of the Higher
Education Committee to sign-off on a letter to Rutgers University President
Richard L. McCormick in which the committee will express its bipartisan
position that Douglass College should not be eliminated as a separate
four-year women’s college.
The
letter is in response to reports that Rutgers officials are considering the
elimination of Douglass as a separate entity as a result of recommendations
from the Rutgers University Task Force on Undergraduate Education.
“We
know that unfortunately women are underrepresented at higher levels of
academia and government,” said Baroni, R-Mercer and Middlesex. “Douglass
College has generated some of this country’s finest women leaders and it
continues to provide the type of environment in which women can be nurtured
to become future leaders of our state and our nation.”
Baroni noted that a distinguished list of Douglass graduates includes Carol
Christ, President, Smith College, Janet Norwood, National award winning
economist, Candy Torres, a NASA Engineer, Terrie Williams, Antarctic
explorer and one of Discover Magazines top 50 women in science and
engineering, Jeanne Fox, President of the BPU and Jaynee LaVecchia, a New
Jersey State Supreme Court Justice.
Beck
pointed out that graduates of the Douglass College have been among the most
loyal and generous alumni of Rutgers University donating $29 million during
the school’s last capital campaign.
“If
this plan goes forward, and Douglass is eliminated as a separate entity, its
financial contribution to the university will be lost,” Beck said. “I think
it is clear that this recommendation should be rejected and I believe that
the Legislature and the Governor should do everything within their power to
stop this plan.”
Baroni and Beck said that they believe members of both parties would be
willing to express this sentiment to the leadership at Rutgers, and they
hope there will be bipartisan support for this initiative.
#####
TOP
February 27, 2006
THOMPSON BILL
EXTENDING HIGHER EDUCATION TUITION ASSISTANCE FOR NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS
CLEARS ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE
Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Sam Thompson that would allow National
Guard members who are called into service to utilize state tuition
assistance credits after their active duty ends was approved Monday by the
Assembly Military & Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
“This bill will correct an injustice,” said Thompson, R-Middlesex and
Monmouth. “No longer will members of the New Jersey National Guard lose
their tuition assistance credits because they were sent overseas to serve
their country.”
Under
current law, active members of the New Jersey National Guard may receive up
to 15 credits per semester tuition free from public institutions of higher
education in the State. Similarly, the child or surviving spouse of a
National Guard member killed in the performance of his duties may also
receive this benefit.
This
bill, A-2542, amends the current law to extend eligibility for this higher
education tuition benefit to members of the New Jersey National Guard whose
use of the free tuition benefit is interrupted by a deployment to active
duty. The change would permit these soldiers to receive their earned
educational benefits should their enlistment expire prior to completing
their studies. The bill also extends this benefit to Guard members who
receive medical discharges.
Lauren Pecoraro of East Brunswick and Tony Rispoli of Old Bridge testified
at the hearing in favor of Thompson’s bill. Both were placed on active duty
and deployed to Iraq for a year, in addition to six months training leading
up to their deployment.
“This
bill will allow New Jersey National Guard members like Lauren and Tony, who
were unable to take advantage of the tuition credit program because of their
deployment, to do so when they return,” Thompson said. “It would be the
ultimate irony if they were to lose this benefit that they earned through
their service, because they missed out on the opportunity to use these
credits when called upon to serve active duty. They have earned this tuition
assistance and they should not be denied access to these funds.”
The
bill also increases the number of credits eligible for funding under this
program from 15 to 16 per semester.
The
bill cleared the Military & Veterans’ Affairs Committee today and now heads
to the full General Assembly for consideration.
#####
TOP
February
24, 2006
DeCROCE
SAYS CORZINE TTF PLAN WILL HURT TAXPAYERS FOR YEARS TO COME
Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce today issued the following
statement in reaction to Gov. Jon Corzine’s Transportation Trust Fund
proposal:
“This is just business as usual. This plan will dump more debt on
taxpayers for generations to come without implementing any long-term reforms or
spending controls. My grandson and his children will wind up paying for this.
“This proposal is bad for taxpayers and ignores their rights as
voters. Instead of looking at ways to cut waste and or save money in the budget
that could then be used for transportation needs, the governor immediately
resorts to more bonding and more debt – without placing the issue on the
ballot for voter approval.
“This is anything but reform. At the end of the day, the TTF will be
broke. But instead of people paying off $7 billion of debt for 20 years,
they’ll be stuck with $13 billion in debt for 30 years.”
#####
TOP
February
24, 2006
REPUBLICAN
ASSEMBLY LEADERS SAY CORZINE
TTF PLAN RAISES
NEW QUESTIONS ABOUT STATE DEBT
PROMISE
TO TAKE CLOSE LOOK AT PLAN, BUT SAY ADMINISTRATION
SHOULD BE LOOKING TO CUT COSTS, NOT ADD NEW DEBT
Assembly Republican Conference Leader Peter Biondi, Assembly Republican
Budget Officer Joseph Malone and Assembly Transportation Committee Member Sean
Kean today said that Governor Corzine’s Transportation Trust Fund proposal
raises as many questions as it provides answers, and that the plan needs to be
closely scrutinized.
“We need to take a close
look at what the Governor is proposing and the fiscal impact it will have on
this state,” said Biondi, R-Somerset and Morris. “
New Jersey
is already buried under a mound of debt and this proposal threatens to make
matters worse.”
Governor Corzine’s
proposal would increase annual spending on the TTF by $400 million per year up
to $1.6 billion annually, but it provides only about $100 million more in
revenue. In addition to restructuring $1.8 billion in existing debt, the plan
would authorize additional borrowing with an extended 30-year repayment period.
Biondi, Malone and Kean
said that among the questions raised by the proposal are:
·How
New Jersey
will pay off this additional debt?
·What justifies a 30-year financing of new debt that will well
exceed the life-span of most transportation projects?
·How will the bidding process on this new financing be structured?
·After five years will we be worse off than today?
“I introduced a
bipartisan proposal last session that would have reformed and streamlined the
management of the TTF,” Biondi said. “I am concerned that we are moving
toward a massive expansion of the state’s debt load without having first
implemented these much-needed reforms to the system.”
Biondi
was the cosponsor of bipartisan legislation last session that would have
reformed the management of the TTF in order to make it more fiscally
responsible. The bill capped bonding at 50 percent, phased-out the use of TTF
funds for operating costs, salaries and maintenance, and it proposed using all
gas tax revenue for TTF purposes.
“Working
in a bipartisan manner, Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts has asked members of
the budget committee to come up with possible savings in the state budget,”
said Malone, R-Burlington, Ocean, Monmouth and Mercer. “The Speaker is on the
right course with this approach to reducing wasteful spending and I think we
should avoid any plan that will increase long-term debt until we’ve
identified how much waste can be cut from the budget.”
As
a member of the Assembly Transportation Committee, Kean, R-Monmouth, said that
Corzine’s proposal raises serious concerns, and the Legislature should
consider what alternatives are available.
“We
should be taking a look at how motor vehicle fees are spent, the amount of
money generated by the toll roads, and what areas of savings may exist in the
budget,” Kean said. “We need to explore options for renewing the trust fund
that do not create billions of dollars in additional debt for future
generations of taxpayers.”
#####
TOP
February
24, 2006
BIONDI
BILL WOULD REQUIRE HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS TO PROVIDE
POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION INFORMATION, SCREENINGS
Legislation sponsored by Assembly Republican Conference Leader Peter
Biondi that would require prenatal and postnatal health care professionals to
provide information and screening for postpartum depression was approved
yesterday by the Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee.
Biondi, R-Somerset and
Morris, said the bill, A-1325, is long overdue and necessary for the health and
well being of new mothers throughout the state. “Studies reveal that 80% of
women experience some degree of the baby blues after giving birth. Often, the
symptoms are mild and last only about two weeks.
“Those same studies show
that one in eight women, or 11,000 to 16,000 women in
New Jersey
, experience a more serious condition known as postpartum depression. This bill
increases the likelihood that new mothers with the disorder will receive
appropriate treatment to overcome its effects.”
Current law addresses the
issue of providing postpartum information and screening to women and their
families, however, it only encourages health care professionals to provide such information. The legislation
sponsored by Biondi would make it a requirement.
Specifically, the bill
requires the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, in conjunction with
the State Board of Medical Examiners and the New Jersey Board of Nursing, to
work with health care facilities and licensed health care professionals in the
state to develop polices and procedures governing postpartum depression
education and screenings.
The bill heads to the full
General Assembly for consideration.
#####
TOP
February
24, 2006
BODINE-CHATZIDAKIS
BILL ASSISTING WITH
FLOOD RECONSTRUCTION PASSES COMMITTEE
Legislation sponsored by Eighth District Assemblymen Francis Bodine and
Larry Chatzidakis, establishing a list of emergency building inspectors to
assist with structural evaluations following a state of emergency, yesterday
passed the Assembly Housing and Local Government Committee.
“
South Jersey
was devastated by the immense flooding that occurred in the summer of 2004,”
said Bodine, R-Burlington. “The
magnitude of the flooding was so severe that we simply didn’t have enough
personnel to get to each structure as quickly as needed. This bill sets up an emergency process where assistance would be
available in this type of situation.”
The measure, A-409, creates
a list of emergency building inspectors to be deployed to assist municipal
housing inspectors following the occurrence of a disaster or emergency. The will be responsible for assisting in the assessment of structural
damage to a building and the determination that building may be reoccupied.
Under the bill, in order to
qualify as an emergency building inspector, an individual must be a licensed
architect, professional engineer, building inspector, or a skilled construction
industry professional with five years experience.
“We need to be prepared
in times of crisis and quickly respond to the needs of the victims of the
disaster,” said Chatzidakis, R-Burlington. “This bill establishes an easy managed program that will be a
tremendous resource to any area that is affected by a natural or man-made
disaster.”
The bill passed by a 6 to 0
vote and now heads to the full New Jersey General Assembly for consideration.
#####
TOP
February 23, 2006
Blee
Legislation Bolsters Voting Power
of Sending District School Board Members
Assemblyman Frank Blee today introduced legislation that expands the
voting rights of representatives of a sending school district who sit on a
receiving board of education.
“Over the last year, some
board members have raised questions regarding the issues in which sending
districts were entitled to vote,” said Blee, R-Atlantic. “The purpose of this bill is to clarify the intent of the original
legislation.”
The Blee measure increases
the list of school issues to be voted upon by a sending district representative
on a receiving district school board. Under
the bill, sending district representatives can vote on:
·Tuition to be charged to sending district by the receiving
district;
·Contracts for the purchase and maintenance of facilities,
equipment and school materials;
·New capital construction projects;
·Appointment, transfer or removal of teaching staff and
administrative staff who provides services to sending district students,
including the school district solicitor or the school board attorney; and
·Any other item that is paid for by the sending district’s
tuition payments.
“School
districts enter into consolidation agreements with the understanding that it
will be mutually beneficial,” Blee said. “When the balance of power favors one side, the relationship between
school districts can become strained. We
need to ensure that both parties’ rights are protected.
“Making personnel and
business decisions are among the most important functions of a school board,”
said Blee. “Sending and receiving
schools should both have a say in the process.”
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TOP
February 23, 2006
GREGG
EAGER TO WORK IN BIPARTISAN FASHION
TO ADDRESS EMINENT DOMAIN ABUSES
Assemblyman Guy Gregg today said that he is pleased that Assemblyman
John Burzichelli, Chairman of the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development
Committee, has invited him to participate in a series of hearings on the
current use of eminent domain.
“I greatly appreciate Assemblyman Burzichelli inviting me to address
the committee on an important issue that has the potential to have dire
consequences for landowners,” said Gregg, R-Sussex, Hunterdon, and Morris. “It is encouraging to see this issue being handled in a bipartisan
manner.”
Today’s hearing is the
first of a series of hearings on the issue as legislators began considering
changes to eminent domain laws. Subsequent hearings will be held to gather
input from various constituents affected by the law, including business owners,
property taxpayers and residents of towns where eminent domain has been
proposed.
“I am eager to share my
views with the committee,” said Gregg. “The
way in which eminent domain is currently being utilized is very troubling and I
believe we need to pursue legislation that eliminates unjust land grabs.”
Gregg said that several
legislators have introduced legislation that addresses the use of eminent
domain, including a bill he has sponsored.
“I look forward to
working with Assemblyman Burzichelli and
legislators from both parties in drafting compromise legislation that will
protect our residents from this undue intrusion on their private property,”
concluded Gregg. “Significant
concerns have been raised about the improper use of eminent domain. I am hopeful that this process will yield significant limitations on its
use.”
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TOP
February 23, 2006
BARONI
SAYS S&P REPORT UNDERSCORES NEED TO SHORE UP PUBLIC PENSION FUND
Assemblyman Bill Baroni
says a report released today by the Standard & Poor’s rating service that
shows only five states other than New Jersey have a worse unfunded liability
in its public employee retirement fund underscores the need to include a
full pension fund payment in the state budget Governor Jon Corzine will
unveil in March.
“What makes the situation even
more disturbing is that the data used by S&P is two years old. For the past
two years, New Jersey has made almost no contributions to its three major
pension systems while many other states have enjoyed huge budget surpluses
and made large deposits in their pension funds. If a snapshot were taken
today, it is likely to show New Jersey is in a considerably weaker position
than it was in 2004.
“Public employees are not to
blame for the tenuous position we’re in,” Baroni said. “Government is. The
previous administration failed to live up to its obligations. That’s why I
was encouraged to hear Jon Corzine promise during his campaign for governor
that he would make a full payment into the pension system this year.”
The S&P report says unfunded
pension liabilities are placing a greater strain on state budgets because
the demand for pension benefits and the cost of other government services
are rising. According to the report, New Jersey’s unfunded pension liability
during the 2004 fiscal year was $11.9 billion. California had the worst
unfunded liability, $48.8 billion, followed by Ohio, $28.2 billion;
Illinois, $27.8 billion; Colorado, $12.7 billion; and Connecticut, $12.1
billion.
S&P uses a ratio formula to
measure unfunded liabilities. The higher the ratio, the more assets there
are to cover liabilities. The average ratio has fallen from a high of 100%
or better in 2000 to 84% in 2004. New Jersey’s ratio two years ago was 87%.
“For a decade the Trenton
politicians have ignored their responsibility to fund these pensions,”
Baroni said. “Some then turn and try to blame public employees for the
shortfall. Our hardworking public employees deserve a pension system that is
funded and stable. It’s time for us to do our job and fund the pension
system.”
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TOP
February 23, 2006
HANDLIN TO INTRODUCE
RESOLUTION CONDEMNING PORT SALE
AND URGING PORT AUTHORITY TO VOID ITS LEASE AGREEMENT
Assemblywoman Amy Handlin today introduced a resolution condemning the Bush
administration’s decision to approve the take-over, by a state-run firm from
the United Arab Emirates, of certain maintenance operations at major port
facilities in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.
“New
Jersey is home to two of the largest ports in the nation and we cannot allow
the security of those ports to be compromised,” said Handlin, R-Monmouth and
Middlesex. “The people of our state suffered greatly as a result of the 9/11
terrorist attacks and we are not willing to take our security for granted.”
Handlin represents Middletown, one of the New Jersey towns hardest hit by
the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which lost 37 residents that day.
The
decision by the Bush administration to approve the sale of London-based
Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Co. to the United Arab
Emirates-based Dubai Ports World, has prompted concerns from members of both
parties who believe the move could pose a potential threat to national
security.
The
transaction was approved by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the
United States, which is authorized to examine the sale of businesses to
foreign companies which could have an impact on national security
Handlin said she has serious concerns with any foreign country having
control over the ports and that her opposition isn’t specifically aimed at
the United Arab Emirates. She said that the transfer in control of these
operations should have provided an opportunity to reconsider whether foreign
interests should be managing our ports.
“I
want our Legislature to send a message to the administration that this
decision is out-of-step with the high priority President Bush has placed on
homeland security,” Handlin said. “The sale of this company has provided us
with an excellent opportunity to reevaluate our approach to the management
and security of these ports.”
Handlin said she agrees with State Senator Thomas Kean Jr. who stated
yesterday the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has the authority to
void its lease deal as being contrary to the public interest.
Noting that both Republican and Democrat lawmakers have expressed
disapproval of the decision to approve this transaction, Handlin said that
she will introduce her resolution at the next Assembly quorum call and hopes
to have bipartisan support in sending this message to the president.
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TOP
February
22, 2006
McHOSE criticizes SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION
REVIEW COMMISSION’S Failure to
Meet
Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose said today that she is extremely
disappointed that the School Construction Review Commission, to which she was
appointed last year, has thus far failed to meet.
“This is a travesty,”
McHose said, R-Sussex, Morris, and Hunterdon. “The School Construction Review Commission was established more than
seven months ago and has yet to meet. This
committee is charged with a very important task and needs to immediately get to
work. The taxpayers of
New Jersey
deserve answers now.”
Legislation establishing
the School Construction Review Commission was signed into law on
June 29, 2005
. According to the bill, A-3542,
appointments to the Commission were to be made 30 days after enactment. The measure also states that the group must organize within 30 days of
the appointment of its members. Additionally,
the committee is charged with submitting an initial report no later than six
months from the date of organization.
“I find it very troubling
that several vacancies on the commission have not even been filled,” McHose
said. “I take my appointment to
this body very seriously and would like to see it up and running as soon as
possible.”
On
September 29, 2005
, Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce selected Assemblywoman Alison Littell
McHose to serve on the School Construction Review Commission.
“The School Construction
Corporation (SCC) appears to have been grossly mismanaged,” McHose added. “In order to prevent further damage, the Commission should immediately
meet and begin a thorough investigation of the SCC.
“Information from this
investigation is needed to determine if funds provided to the SCC were used in
a cost effective manner and if additional funds should be allocated to the
program,” McHose said. “Additionally,
reports produced by the Commission will help determine how this program will be
managed in the future.”
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TOP
February 17, 2006
MERKT
CAUTIONS GOVERNOR AGAINST
GROSS RECEIPTS TAX PROPOSAL
Assemblyman Richard Merkt today said he is concerned about Governor
Corzine’s statement regarding the possibility of creating a new gross
receipts tax here in
New Jersey
.
“I am troubled that once
again the Corzine Administration is considering raising taxes as a means of
balancing the state budget,” said Merkt, R-Morris. “The first priority in the budget process must be cutting spending and
eliminating waste.”
During a radio interview on
Wednesday, Governor Corzine said he was considering creating a gross receipts
tax to fix this year’s budget shortfall. A gross receipts tax is a tax placed on the total sales of affected
businesses.
“This proposed tax would
penalize small business,” said Merkt. “It
is likely that businesses that currently do not pay
New Jersey
’s sales tax would now be taxed. Without
a doubt, the tax will be passed through to the consumer.”
During the interview on NJ
101.5, Governor Corzine also stated that, “It (a gross receipts tax) is a lot
more efficient tax to collect.”
“Instead of looking for
more efficient ways to impose added burdens on taxpayers, the Administration
should be looking for more efficient ways to run state government,” commented
Merkt, adding, “Over the last
four years, state spending has grown by $8 billion. I am certain that if the Governor took the time, he could find a
multitude of ways to cut back.”
Merkt
said he is hopeful that, given time to examine the issue, Governor Corzine will
reject any budget proposal that creates a gross receipts tax.
“Creating a new tax to
plug a budget hole will not solve
New Jersey
’s underlying spending problem, ” Merkt said. “I strongly urge Governor Corzine to abandon this proposal because in
this state once a new tax is created it never goes away.”
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February 17, 2006
BIONDI
SAYS TRANSPORTATION TRUST FUND REFINANCING PLAN
WOULD EXACERBATE STATE’S GROWING DEBT CRISIS
STRETCHING TTF
BORROWING FROM 20 TO 30 YEARS WILL BALLOON
STATE’S
ALREADY GROWING DEBT BURDEN
Assemblyman Peter Biondi today said he
has grave concerns about a Corzine administration proposal to fund the
Transportation Trust Fund by refinancing its debt and stretching repayment
of those bonds from 20 to 30 years.
“We have been working hard to create a
Transportation Trust Fund that is better managed and more fiscally
responsible,” said Biondi, R-Somerset. “This massive borrowing proposal may
mark a major set-back for that effort.”
Biondi was the cosponsor of bipartisan
legislation last session that would have reformed the management of the TTF
in order to make it more fiscally responsible. The bill capped bonding at 50
percent, phased-out the use of TTF funds for operating costs, salaries and
maintenance, and it proposed using all gas tax revenue for TTF purposes.
The Assemblyman noted that the last
time a refinancing of the TTF was done, in 1995, the state’s total debt load
was much lower than today’s $30 billion and the repayment schedule was for
just 20 years – not the currently discussed 30 years. Also at that time,
there was $1.3 billion in TTF-related debt, while today that number is more
than $7.4 billion.
“With total state debt now near $30
billion, including the TTF debt of over $7.4 billion, it is clear New Jersey
is already on very shaky fiscal footing,” Biondi said. “The proposal now
being floated by Corzine administration officials would only worsen our
long-term financial picture in order to implement what would be, at best, a
two or three-year fix.”
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TOP
February 16, 2006
KEAN WELCOMES
DEMOCRAT SUPPORT FOR COST CUTTING PROPOSAL
Assemblyman Sean Kean said today that he welcomes Democrat
Assemblymen Jeff Van Drew’s and Reed Gusciora’s support for a proposal he
made last year.
“As I stated in April
2005, putting a halt to massive and expensive advertising and public
relations expenditures is an excellent way to save taxpayer’s money,” said
Kean, R-Monmouth. “I look forward to working with my Democrat colleagues in
making this cost cutting proposal reality.”
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TOP
February 16, 2006
MALONE, WOLFE AND
BARONI CALL FOR SPECIAL PROSECUTOR
TO INVESTIGATE SCHOOL BUILDING FUND
Assembly Education Committee members Joseph Malone, David Wolfe and
Bill Baroni today sent a letter to Governor Jon Corzine requesting that the
governor appoint a special prosecutor to investigate possible criminal
mismanagement, waste, and fraud within the Schools Construction Corporation
(SCC).
“As members of the
Assembly Education Committee, we believe it’s time to determine exactly what
went wrong with the SCC and to hold accountable any individuals who may have
abused this fund,” said Baroni, R-Mercer and Middlesex. “That’s why we are
calling on the Governor to appoint a special prosecutor to look into this
mismanagement.”
Following an investigation
of the SCC, Inspector General Mary Jane Cooper issued a report in April 2005
detailing “mismanagement, fiscal malfeasance, conflicts of interest and
waste, fraud and abuse of taxpayer dollars” in the state’s $8.6 billion
school building project. After conducting a follow-up investigation,
Cooper last month suggested some of the mismanagement at the SCC may have
been criminal. In a report issued in January 2006, she detailed additional
wasteful spending and mismanagement of funds.
Malone, R-Burlington,
Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean, said the three legislators will be introducing
legislation to authorize this investigation.
“We hope the governor will
join us in helping taxpayers get to the bottom of this mess,” Malone said.
Wolfe, R-Ocean and
Monmouth, concurred. He noted that a newspaper report revealed that six
schools built by the SCC cost 45% more than 19 schools built without SCC
oversight during the same time period.
“Only an independent
prosecutor, free from political influence, can instill public confidence in
this investigation,” Wolfe said. “We hope the governor will support our
effort to have this matter thoroughly investigated.”
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February 16, 2006
McHOSE
QUESTIONS THE PROPRIETY OF WATER TAX PROPOSAL
Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose said today that a Senate Democrat
proposal to raise the water tax is ill-advised and will do more harm than
good.
“Two years ago, the
Democrat-controlled Legislature raised income taxes pledging that the money
would be used to provide property tax relief,” said McHose, R-Sussex,
Morris, and Hunterdon. “The very next year they turned around and slashed
property tax rebate checks. How can the public trust they will use the
water tax for its intended purpose?”
Democrat legislators
recently introduced legislation that would place a tax on water consumption,
claiming money generated from the tax would be used to purchase watershed
lands in the Highlands region.
“I opposed the Highlands
Water Protection and Quality Act. One of the many faults with the bill is
that the Democrat-controlled Legislature failed to identify a permanent
funding source for the program,” added McHose. “Creating a program with an
unstable and insufficient funding source was grossly irresponsible.
“Now going back two
years later and proposing to raise taxes to fund the program only adds
insult to injury,” McHose said. “The
solution to this dilemma is not to raise taxes but to cut wasteful
government spending.”
McHose noted that there is
nothing in the current bill that would require the Legislature to use the
monies generated from the tax to purchase watershed lands in the Highlands
region.
“I am deeply skeptical of
any proposal that relies on raising taxes,” McHose said. “I worry that in
the future this money will be diverted to the general fund and used to plug
a budget hole. After raising 67 taxes and increasing state spending by $6
billion, when are the Democrats going to make fiscal restraint a priority?”
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February 16, 2006
MALONE SAYS CORZINE
MUST MAKE TAX INCREASES A LAST RESORT
Assembly Republican Budget Officer
Joseph Malone today issued the following statement in response to Governor
Jon Corzine’s statement on New Jersey 101.5 last night that there
will “probably” be tax increases in his budget proposal:
“The Assembly Budget
Committee is just now beginning its effort to uncover government waste and
areas for potential budget cuts. I believe the Governor should refrain from
committing to yet another tax increase until we have determined just how
much fat we can cut from the budget.
“In his radio
appearance the Governor indicated that a tax increase, if necessary, could
be repealed if his job proposal strategies are successful. If he believes a
tax increase may only be needed in the short-term, I would ask whether he
would consider placing a ‘sunset’ provision on that tax increase.
“He also should state
whether he intends for any of these ‘probable’ tax increases to be
constitutionally dedicated to property tax relief rather than using it to
support new spending programs.
“I look forward to
working with the Governor during this budget process and am still hopeful
that we will be able to craft a fiscally responsible budget that does not
include tax increases.”
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February 9, 2006
ROBERTS-DeCROCE BILL EXTENDS DEADLINE
FOR CORZINE'S BUDGET MESSAGE
Legislation co-sponsored by Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts and Assembly
Republican Leader Alex DeCroce that would extend the deadline for Governor
Corzine to deliver his first budget address was approved by the General
Assembly today.
“As we all know,
balancing the budget this year will be an arduous task,” said DeCroce,
R-Morris and
Passaic
. “So I agree with Speaker Roberts that Governor Corzine should be given
extra time to put his first budget together.”
The bill, A-2288 would
extend the transmittal date of the Fiscal Year 2007 gubernatorial budget
message to the Legislature until
March 23, 2006
. The budget address is typically delivered in February, but traditionally it
has been extended for a new administration.
“My members are prepared
to work with the other side of the aisle to help the Governor craft a budget
that is fiscally responsible and that does not add to the taxpayers’
burden,” DeCroce said. “I would encourage the governor to respect the
expressed wishes of both sides of the political aisle here in the Assembly and
submit a budget that cuts waste and restrains spending before higher taxes are
even contemplated.”
The bill passed the
Assembly 78-0 and is expected to be approved in the Senate.
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February
9, 2006
DOHERTY:
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE FUND MUST BE STUDIED
MORE CLOSELY BEFORE TAX HIKES ARE PROPOSED
Assemblyman Michael Doherty today
challenged an assertion in the Trenton Times today by Corzine administration labor policy advisors
who said that a tax increase is inevitable to deal with the potential
insolvency of the state’s Unemployment Insurance Fund.
“It is not clear that the
UI Fund is on the brink of insolvency and the non-partisan Office of
Legislative Services (OLS) has cast doubt on that assumption,” said Doherty,
R-Warren and Hunterdon. “To the extent that there are financial problems with
the UI Fund, we should be exploring ways to streamline its management and cut
other state expenses – not another way to increase taxes.”
The Trenton
Times this morning reported that Governor Corzine’s labor policy group
has warned that the state’s unemployment insurance (UI) fund is
“dangerously close to insolvency,” and that unemployment tax increases for
employers and employees are inevitable.
Doherty, a member of the
Assembly Appropriations Committee, pointed out that OLS, the Legislature’s
non-partisan research office, has informed Republican legislative staff that
“UI benefit payments are down, revenues are up” and that without another
large diversion, they “wouldn’t necessarily project a schedule change at
all.”
It is therefore not clear
that the fund is facing the dire financial situation being portrayed by Corzine
officials.
“My concern is that the
administration is being advised to explore yet another tax hike without having
determined if the fund is even in jeopardy,” Doherty said. “And once again,
we find the state looking at tax increases before finding ways to cut spending
and eliminate government waste. That is the wrong approach.”
Doherty called on
Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nellie Pou to hold hearings as soon as
possible to determine the extent of the fiscal problems being faced by the UI
Fund, and what alternatives may be available to stabilize the fund short of a
tax increase.
He said the committee
should focus on determining the current fiscal health of the fund, what reforms
can be made to make the fund more efficient and stable, and how much money
would be needed to secure the fund if it is on the brink of insolvency.
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February
9, 2006
PENNACCHIO
RENEWS CALL FOR STUDY OF
ABBOTT FUNDING DURING BUDGET PROCESS
RESPONDS
TO LETTER FROM
EDUCATION
LAW
CENTER
Assemblyman Joseph
Pennacchio today sent a letter to David Sciarra, the executive director of the
Education
Law
Center
responding to a letter from Sciarra questioning Pennacchio’s suggestion that
state funding for Abbott school districts be re-examined.
“In my letter to the
Assembly Speaker I suggested that we at least look at the issue of funding for
Abbott Districts as part of the budget review process,” said Pennacchio,
R-Morris and
Passaic
. “Since Mr. Sciarra felt compelled to respond to my letter, I wanted to make
sure he understands why I feel that any serious discussion of budget policy
must include the school funding issue.”
Pennacchio’s letter was
sent in response to a letter Sciarra sent to Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts
challenging the Assemblyman’s position supporting a bipartisan study of
funding in the Abbott Districts.
“Abbott funding comprises
the largest portion of the state’s Education budget,” Pennacchio writes in
his letter. “If we are serious about identifying and cutting wasteful
spending, and to do otherwise would be irresponsible - then its time to begin
re-evaluating the criteria for Abbott designation.”
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February 1, 2006
MALONE CALLS ON
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
TO NOT DIVERT SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION FUNDS
Assembly Republican Budget Officer Joseph Malone today called on
officials in the Department of Education to abandon plans to take $18.9 million
of school construction funds to provide more funding for
New Jersey
’s Abbott school districts.
“This seems like Enron
accounting to me,” said Malone, R-Burlington, Monmouth, Ocean, and Mercer.
“We have a school construction program that is reportedly running out of
money with many projects still in the pipeline and now we are diverting money
away from that program.”
Malone was responding to a
letter he received from the Department of Education’s Office of State Budget
and Accounting. The letter, addressed to the Joint Budget Oversight Committee,
was in response to a letter Malone had sent on January 19 asking how the state
intended to make up a $105 million shortfall in funding for Abbott School
Districts.
In that letter, the
director informed the Joint Budget Oversight Committee that a portion of the
Abbott shortfall would be made up by transferring $18.9 million from the School
Construction and Renovation Fund which is available because debt service costs
were less than anticipated.
“If lower than expected
debt service costs have freed up money in the school construction fund than we
should put that money toward school construction projects,” Malone said.
“It doesn’t make any sense to take money from one financially struggling
program and use it to plug a hole in another financially troubled program.”
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January 31, 2006
DeCROCE STATEMENT ON
THE DEATH OF CORETTA SCOTT KING
Assembly
Republican Leader Alex DeCroce, R-Morris, Passaic, issued the following
statement today on the passing of Coretta Scott King:
“Coretta
Scott King will always be an inspiration for those fighting for racial
equality and justice. Following the death of her husband, Coretta Scott King
picked up the torch and continued the struggle for civil rights. She did so
with passion, class and resolve.”
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January 31, 2006
GREGG PRAISES SENATE
VOTE CONFIRMING ALITO
Assemblyman Guy Gregg,
R-Sussex, Morris and Hunterdon, today issued the following statement
regarding the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of New Jersey native Samuel Alito
to the United States Supreme Court:
“Samuel
Alito will be an excellent Supreme Court Justice and he will make his fellow
New Jersey residents proud. Justice Alito is one of the most qualified
nominees to be appointed to the Supreme Court bringing extensive experience
as an attorney and judge to the court. I have every confidence that he will
distinguish himself as a fair-minded justice who will reach decisions rooted
firmly in our nation’s constitutional principles.
“Justice
Alito’s story is one that New Jerseyans can be proud of. The son of Italian
immigrants, he was born in Trenton, raised in Hamilton and he worked
diligently through his academic and legal careers to become one of the most
respected members of his profession.
“I am
disappointed that New Jersey’s two United States Senators were unable to put
aside partisan politics to do the right thing and support a well-qualified,
thoughtful, and diligent legal scholar to our Supreme Court. But today while
we may not be proud of our representatives in the Senate, New Jersey can be
proud of our native son and newest Supreme Court Justice.
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January 30, 2006
CORODEMUS AND
HANDLIN TO INTRODUCE BILL CREATING
REVISED CLEAN ELECTIONS PROGRAM
Assemblyman Steve Corodemus and Assemblywoman Amy Handlin today announced
they will be introducing legislation next Monday that will create a new
clean elections program that will address many of the problems identified in
last year’s failed program.
“It
is clear that the 2005 clean elections program did not work the way its
supporters had intended,” said Corodemus, R-Monmouth. “Amy and I are
committed to the concept of clean elections and our bill will revise the
program in a way we believe makes it more likely to achieve success.”
The
legislation would make changes to last year’s clean elections program based
on the concerns that were raised by candidates who attempted to participate
in the program. In Handlin’s legislative district – one of two districts
where the program was run on a trial basis – neither the Republican or the
Democrat candidates were able to qualify.
“Many
of us were excited about the potential of the clean elections program to get
big money out of politics and to return power to the voters,” said Handlin,
R-Monmouth and Middlesex. “Unfortunately, the original pilot program
collapsed because of a multitude of procedural flaws. The changes we have
made to the program will make it easier for candidates to qualify and will
ensure a level playing field for those candidates who do participate.”
Among
the key provisions of the Corodemus-Handlin bill would be:
· Candidates who collect
between 210 and 419 contributions of $5 each will qualify for half of the
money available to candidates in the Clean Elections program and candidates
who collect 420 or more contributions of $5 each will receive the full
$100,000 allotment;
· The $100,000 spending
limit will remain in place;
· Contributions can be
made online in the form of e-check, debit cards, or credit card payments;
· Candidates will have
until September 15 to collect contributions;
· Candidates can receive
contributions from any registered voter in the state;
· Each candidate is
allowed to raise up to $6,000 in seed money;
· Candidates can hold
small events (barbecues, house parties) to collect contributions;
· Candidates who do not
qualify can keep the seed money, and all contributions will be returned to
the contributor;
· Any candidate wishing to
participate must file a “Code of Fair Campaign Practices” pledge with
ELEC;
· Candidates ma | 
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