June 10, 2010
Assemblyman Bob Schroeder repeated his call today for the Assembly Transportation, Public Works & Independent Authorities Committee to consider legislation repealing dangerous teen driving decals, after the committee's chairman once again neglected to place any measure on the agenda for its last regularly-scheduled meeting before the summer.
"People throughout New Jersey have legitimate concerns that these red stickers are targeting our teens for criminal predators. The decals are dangerous, discriminatory and should be taken off license plates immediately," Schroeder, R-Bergen, said. "Unfortunately, Chairman Wisniewski refuses to listen to the tremendous outcry from the public and legislators representing both political parties."
Schroeder is the prime sponsor for A-2650, which would immediately repeal the new red sticker requirement for teenage drivers. It is one of several anti-decal bills awaiting release from committee, and the only Assembly measure that has secured bipartisan support. Schroeder said there is still time for Transportation committee Chairman John Wisniewski, D-Middlesex, to add the bill to the committee's June 14 agenda, or for the committee to meet again on June 17.
"Repeated requests for Chairman Wisniewski to do the right thing and address this public safety concern continue to be ignored," Schroeder said. "I've heard from constituents whose emails to his office have gone unanswered. The time has come for Speaker Sheila Oliver to be a voice of reason, and schedule this committee to meet again on June 17 so that this important public policy issue can be corrected this month."
Schroeder pointed out that municipalities across the State have begun passing resolutions in support of A2650, asking the Legislature to repeal the decals as soon as possible. He also pointed to several similar decal repeal bills filed in addition to his A-2650, sponsored by members of both parties in both the Senate and Assembly such as A-2703, A-2815, S-1908 and S-2034.
"This is clearly an issue that cuts across political affiliation," Schroeder said, "but Chairman Wisniewksi refuses to post legislation that would immediately take our youth out of harm's way. It is a matter of legitimate public concern that requires leaders to be proactive. A 'wait and see' approach only endangers young drivers and keeps them at risk. Must we wait until a tragedy occurs to address the concerns of our citizens?"
