The State Supreme Court's fact-finding report lists 205 underfunded school districts -- both urban and suburban -- far more than the so-called Abbott 31
By John Mooney, March 29
http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/11/0328/2349/
"Below adequacy." It's not a pleasant phrase, but it could prove to be a critical one as the state Supreme Court weighs what to do next in New Jersey’s ongoing debate over the Abbott v. Burke school funding case.
That's because more than 200 school districts have been found by the court’s latest fact-finding hearings to be spending less than what the state's school funding formula deems as "adequate."
Adequacy is defined through a complex formula used in the state’s School Funding Reform Act (SFRA). It factors in the cost of educating a child with various needs, starting at just below $10,000 for a general education elementary school student and going up with age and requirements.
And the list of 205 districts is not just poor ones, the 31 so-called Abbott districts, but a mix across the state, including suburbs like Ridgefield, Toms River and Middletown. Actually, only about a third are high-poverty districts.
Now those districts -- spending some $1.1 billion less than needed to be found adequate -- could very well be Exhibit A in the next phase before the court, with the plaintiffs saying the 205 will be at the core of their argument for a remedy to the funding imbalance.
Implementing the Formula
"Assuming the court adopts [the fact-finding] report, we’ll be pushing for the prospective implementation of the formula in a manner that provides districts with the benefits that the formula calls for," said David Sciarra, director of the Education Law Center, the Newark group that has led the Abbott litigation.
"And that means a heavy focus on those lower-spending, below-adequacy districts," he said.
Moving up the timetable, the court set a new deadline of April 7 to receive legal briefs from both sides as it decides on what remedy it will take. The options are many, from ordering additional funding -- be it immediate or phased in, for some districts or all -- or taking a different path altogether, given the state’s fiscal crisis.
It’s no small issue, either, looming large over schools statewide and the state’s budget deliberations, just now underway.
In the wake of a fact-finding report that largely backed his argument word for word, Sciarra yesterday gave some other early hints of his upcoming strategy. In an analysis of how much each of the 205 districts fall under the adequacy levels, he stressed the cross-section of urban and suburban districts should put to rest that this is just about poor inner-city schools.
"It really underscores the misleading characterization of what we’re involved in," he said. "It’s no longer just Abbotts and non-Abbotts."
He also said the fact-finding report from Judge Peter Doyne agreed with the premise that the state’s school funding formula was central to determining what schools need to meet the constitutional guarantee to a "thorough and efficient" education, the primary question facing the high court.
"It’s the cost of providing the core curriculum content standards," said Sciarra. "And one of primary aims of the SFRA was to move those districts spending below up to adequacy over three years."
"What Judge Doyne addressed and what the court will be focused on is that formula," he said. "The formula matters."
In an interesting twist, the Christie administration said yesterday that it would bring in former Supreme Court justice Peter Verniero to help argue the case. Verniero is also a former attorney general who presented the state’s Abbott argument before the same court in 1996, on behalf of then Gov. Christine Whitman.
In the first day budget hearings before the legislature yesterday, the topic of the pending Abbott decision wasn’t far from anyone minds. The chief budget watcher with the state’s Office of Legislative Services (OLS), the legislature’s non-partisan staff, listed the pending decision as a wild card in the deliberations ahead.
"It now appears likely that the New Jersey Supreme Court will decide the most recent iteration of the school funding case before the FY12 budget is adopted, and their decision could certainly be consequential," said David Rosen, the OLS's budget and finance officer.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Today in Trenton 3/29/11
GREENWALD OPENING STATEMENT ON CHRISTIE BUDGET PROPOSAL
(TRENTON) – Assembly Budget Chairman Lou Greenwald’s opening statement, as prepared for delivery, on Tuesday as the Assembly Budget Committee opened its hearings on Gov. Chris Christie’s budget plan:
- Good afternoon, and welcome everyone to what is the start of a very important legislative process that sits at the heart of our democracy.
- American democracy is based on the strong checks and balances each branch of government employs upon the others.
- The legislative branch is responsible for creating laws and overseeing the executive branch, and these budget hearings are an important example of that legislative role.
- The governor proposes a budget plan.
- The Legislature reviews it and suggests changes to make it better.
- That process starts with this committee, which has already spent, I would estimate, more than 20 hours listening to the thoughts and opinions of the public at three public hearings held in each region of our great state.
- They were great conversations.
- We’ve heard the concerns about education services for the blind.
- We heard the concerns about education not being a priority.
- We heard the concerns about property taxes that continue to soar.
- We had worries about services for the disabled being curtailed.
- We heard about a continued lack of commitment from the executive branch to health care for women, children and senior citizens.
- We heard worries about jobs with our unemployment rate still hovering above 9 percent after the governor killed numerous job creation initiatives just a few weeks ago.
- We now take those concerns and make them part of the upcoming discussions with Cabinet members about what’s the best spending plan for New Jersey.
- We have several new members of the Assembly Budget Committee this year, and my advice to them is simple – you have a unique opportunity in the weeks ahead to shape our state’s future.
- Don’t waste it.
- Think for yourself.
- These are still among the toughest economic times this nation has faced since The Great Depression.
- New Jerseyans are not interested in theatrics.
- They want solutions and elected officials who show independence and do the right thing to create jobs, jumpstart our economy, tackle property taxes and preserve health care.
- With that in mind, I look forward to a thorough debate in the weeks ahead that will guide us toward a budget that meets the values held dear by hard-working New Jerseyans struggling to make ends meet.
- We need a budget that makes the needs of working class New Jerseyans a focal point.
- We need a budget that creates jobs and economic development.
- We need a budget that takes on property taxes.
- And we need a budget that protects health care.
- Unfortunately, the budget signed last year by the governor did not share those priorities, and this year’s plan seems no different.
- Last year’s budget led to the highest property tax increase in four years.
- It inexplicably eliminated vital health care for women and their children.
- It did little to nothing to create jobs.
- The average property tax bill is now a whopping $7,576 per household, up more than 4 percent from last year.
- With the Governor slashing school aid by $1 billion and municipal aid by $446 million last year, property tax bills grew by their highest margin since 2007.
- And this painful increase doesn’t even include tax increases in the form of ‘student activity fees’ for children just to participate in after-school clubs or athletics.
- In this difficult economy, New Jersey families cannot afford higher property taxes.
- The governor has spoken at length on this point, and I agree.
- But the proof is in the pudding.
- In addition to raising income taxes on the working poor, supporting toll and fare increases for commuters, hiking taxes on health care and vetoing bills to create jobs and put New Jerseyans back to work, the governor delivered the highest property taxes our state has ever seen.
- We cannot see a repeat.
- Granted, everyone knows these are tough economic times, and our state cannot afford to fund every single need.
- But budgets are about priorities, and the governor has made his clear: tax cuts for millionaires while raising taxes on middle class families, seniors and our most vulnerable.
- That's not the priority of New Jersey families.
- I sincerely hope that this year will be different, and that the governor will prove willing to work to ensure the needs of New Jersey’s working class families are the priority.
- Because the ‘new normal’ cannot mean continued unemployment, higher property taxes and attacks on health care for women, children and senior citizens.
- Every year is different, and I hope this year we will see a commitment to put New Jersey’s middle-class, senior and disabled citizens, women, children and those less fortunate at the forefront of this important process.
-Our residents deserve no less.
(TRENTON) – Assembly Budget Chairman Lou Greenwald’s opening statement, as prepared for delivery, on Tuesday as the Assembly Budget Committee opened its hearings on Gov. Chris Christie’s budget plan:
- Good afternoon, and welcome everyone to what is the start of a very important legislative process that sits at the heart of our democracy.
- American democracy is based on the strong checks and balances each branch of government employs upon the others.
- The legislative branch is responsible for creating laws and overseeing the executive branch, and these budget hearings are an important example of that legislative role.
- The governor proposes a budget plan.
- The Legislature reviews it and suggests changes to make it better.
- That process starts with this committee, which has already spent, I would estimate, more than 20 hours listening to the thoughts and opinions of the public at three public hearings held in each region of our great state.
- They were great conversations.
- We’ve heard the concerns about education services for the blind.
- We heard the concerns about education not being a priority.
- We heard the concerns about property taxes that continue to soar.
- We had worries about services for the disabled being curtailed.
- We heard about a continued lack of commitment from the executive branch to health care for women, children and senior citizens.
- We heard worries about jobs with our unemployment rate still hovering above 9 percent after the governor killed numerous job creation initiatives just a few weeks ago.
- We now take those concerns and make them part of the upcoming discussions with Cabinet members about what’s the best spending plan for New Jersey.
- We have several new members of the Assembly Budget Committee this year, and my advice to them is simple – you have a unique opportunity in the weeks ahead to shape our state’s future.
- Don’t waste it.
- Think for yourself.
- These are still among the toughest economic times this nation has faced since The Great Depression.
- New Jerseyans are not interested in theatrics.
- They want solutions and elected officials who show independence and do the right thing to create jobs, jumpstart our economy, tackle property taxes and preserve health care.
- With that in mind, I look forward to a thorough debate in the weeks ahead that will guide us toward a budget that meets the values held dear by hard-working New Jerseyans struggling to make ends meet.
- We need a budget that makes the needs of working class New Jerseyans a focal point.
- We need a budget that creates jobs and economic development.
- We need a budget that takes on property taxes.
- And we need a budget that protects health care.
- Unfortunately, the budget signed last year by the governor did not share those priorities, and this year’s plan seems no different.
- Last year’s budget led to the highest property tax increase in four years.
- It inexplicably eliminated vital health care for women and their children.
- It did little to nothing to create jobs.
- The average property tax bill is now a whopping $7,576 per household, up more than 4 percent from last year.
- With the Governor slashing school aid by $1 billion and municipal aid by $446 million last year, property tax bills grew by their highest margin since 2007.
- And this painful increase doesn’t even include tax increases in the form of ‘student activity fees’ for children just to participate in after-school clubs or athletics.
- In this difficult economy, New Jersey families cannot afford higher property taxes.
- The governor has spoken at length on this point, and I agree.
- But the proof is in the pudding.
- In addition to raising income taxes on the working poor, supporting toll and fare increases for commuters, hiking taxes on health care and vetoing bills to create jobs and put New Jerseyans back to work, the governor delivered the highest property taxes our state has ever seen.
- We cannot see a repeat.
- Granted, everyone knows these are tough economic times, and our state cannot afford to fund every single need.
- But budgets are about priorities, and the governor has made his clear: tax cuts for millionaires while raising taxes on middle class families, seniors and our most vulnerable.
- That's not the priority of New Jersey families.
- I sincerely hope that this year will be different, and that the governor will prove willing to work to ensure the needs of New Jersey’s working class families are the priority.
- Because the ‘new normal’ cannot mean continued unemployment, higher property taxes and attacks on health care for women, children and senior citizens.
- Every year is different, and I hope this year we will see a commitment to put New Jersey’s middle-class, senior and disabled citizens, women, children and those less fortunate at the forefront of this important process.
-Our residents deserve no less.
On the subject of Muhlenberg
Doc as usual sometime we agree and sometime we don’t. I am hoping that after you read this blog you will realize what I have done for the last 10 years for Muhlenberg. I have a lot of respect for you, I see you at meetings and you show real concern for the future of Plainfield. Within the blogger community I am very careful about what I say about individual bloggers – my experience with you is that if you write something that is incorrect you are open enough to allow me an opportunity to correct it. There are too many comments made by bloggers that are slanted or totally incorrect. I am learning that many of these individuals take the issues that they are “concerned” with to an all time low. I find it embarrassing that comments left by “ROB” continue to appear in print. This person continues writing negative comments with no intention of providing any intelligent comments that may lead to improvement for the city.
The topic in one of your recent blogs was the closing of Muhlenberg and what I did or did not do. At what point can we revisit the facts? For the last 10 years with Linda Stender’s support over $10 million dollars was raised to keep the doors of the hospital open. Working with the Synder Family, I raised over $4 million through Trenton to help build the Muhlenberg School of Nursing. This school graduated on average 500 nurses per year.
Therefore to read your blog and find that I am blamed in any manner for the closing of Muhlenberg shows factual ignorance. Interestingly your blog contained a discussion on the lack of leadership yet no mention of the fact that the members of Muhlenberg’s Board of Directors were privy to the information of the closing of this hospital more so than I. Perhaps you should discuss this fact with your neighbors that sat on this board.
Contrary to your statement, I did not sit back until the bitter end. I personally sat down with the commissioner to ensure that the people of Plainfield and the surrounding communities would receive their share of benefits from the monies that Solaris received from the State.
As I read the comments and inference that I crossed the line during this time or that I have done something illegal I can only shake my head in amazement. I have always conducted myself in an above board manner, and as a professional. I pride myself in being a law abiding citizen and as an elected official I follow the rules. As a member of this community, I am learning to ignore these comments because a day of reckoning is coming. At that time I will do what I have to do legally to end this type of libel.
The fact is this: The Board of Directors was aware that the hospital was going to close long before I became aware.
Doc, I have not given up on the campus, I believe that the campus can be used as a facility that will benefit the city.
For the record I was not responsible for the closing of Muhlenberg. Rather than being negative I hope that I can get your support in putting some type of medical facility on the campus that will service all people including people like you and I.
P.s. Why do you and your fellow bloggers suffer from short memory syndrome? How quickly you forget about my role in the Abbot District. The city of Plainfield received $100 million to provide better education for the children, this included helping a first rate basketball team come within one game of being the best in the state of NJ. This was a team of well spoken, well groomed young men that brought positive press to our city. There is also Union County College, I lobbied to keep it open, I brought money in to improve the campus and now it is viewed as one of the best county colleges in the State.
There is no city without its share of problems. A few weeks ago there was a murder in Cranford, a police officer's life was lost in Piscataway, yet this community of bloggers continues to take isolated situations in Plainfield and paint a picture that makes it sound like the city is run by gangsters.
I am hoping that the readers of the blogs will realize that these individuals work to bring the same type of negativity that constantly hurts the city. If there is nothing positive to say about the city then it is time to move on.
Often it reads like you guys are so busy loitering in the gutter that you don’t focus on the good that is happening. I will continue to challenge the naysayers in the blogging community to bring forth their actions… what are you doing to make Plainfield better?
The topic in one of your recent blogs was the closing of Muhlenberg and what I did or did not do. At what point can we revisit the facts? For the last 10 years with Linda Stender’s support over $10 million dollars was raised to keep the doors of the hospital open. Working with the Synder Family, I raised over $4 million through Trenton to help build the Muhlenberg School of Nursing. This school graduated on average 500 nurses per year.
Therefore to read your blog and find that I am blamed in any manner for the closing of Muhlenberg shows factual ignorance. Interestingly your blog contained a discussion on the lack of leadership yet no mention of the fact that the members of Muhlenberg’s Board of Directors were privy to the information of the closing of this hospital more so than I. Perhaps you should discuss this fact with your neighbors that sat on this board.
Contrary to your statement, I did not sit back until the bitter end. I personally sat down with the commissioner to ensure that the people of Plainfield and the surrounding communities would receive their share of benefits from the monies that Solaris received from the State.
As I read the comments and inference that I crossed the line during this time or that I have done something illegal I can only shake my head in amazement. I have always conducted myself in an above board manner, and as a professional. I pride myself in being a law abiding citizen and as an elected official I follow the rules. As a member of this community, I am learning to ignore these comments because a day of reckoning is coming. At that time I will do what I have to do legally to end this type of libel.
The fact is this: The Board of Directors was aware that the hospital was going to close long before I became aware.
Doc, I have not given up on the campus, I believe that the campus can be used as a facility that will benefit the city.
For the record I was not responsible for the closing of Muhlenberg. Rather than being negative I hope that I can get your support in putting some type of medical facility on the campus that will service all people including people like you and I.
P.s. Why do you and your fellow bloggers suffer from short memory syndrome? How quickly you forget about my role in the Abbot District. The city of Plainfield received $100 million to provide better education for the children, this included helping a first rate basketball team come within one game of being the best in the state of NJ. This was a team of well spoken, well groomed young men that brought positive press to our city. There is also Union County College, I lobbied to keep it open, I brought money in to improve the campus and now it is viewed as one of the best county colleges in the State.
There is no city without its share of problems. A few weeks ago there was a murder in Cranford, a police officer's life was lost in Piscataway, yet this community of bloggers continues to take isolated situations in Plainfield and paint a picture that makes it sound like the city is run by gangsters.
I am hoping that the readers of the blogs will realize that these individuals work to bring the same type of negativity that constantly hurts the city. If there is nothing positive to say about the city then it is time to move on.
Often it reads like you guys are so busy loitering in the gutter that you don’t focus on the good that is happening. I will continue to challenge the naysayers in the blogging community to bring forth their actions… what are you doing to make Plainfield better?
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
JOHNSON, COUGHLIN & CONNERS BILL TO HELP FAMILIES OF N.J. SOLDIERS ON ACTIVE DUTY RECENTLY APPROVED BY ASSEMBLY
(TRENTON) – Legislation Assembly Democrats Gordon Johnson, Craig J. Coughlin and Jack Conners sponsored to promote donations to a fund that helps the families of New Jersey soldiers called into active duty was recently approved by the Assembly.
The bill (A-2286) would establish the New Jersey National Guard State Family Readiness Council Fund and provide for a spot on the state’s gross income tax return to permit taxpayers to make voluntary contributions to the fund.
"These families are heroes," said Johnson (D-Bergen). "They too have sacrificed to defend our freedom, coping while a loved one ships out to faraway places and providing crucial support to our soldiers, even as they struggle financially with lost income and increased stress. The least we can do is offer them our support, too."
"I am confident that New Jerseyans will be generous enough to donate a few dollars here and there to help these families," said Coughlin (D-Middlesex). "This bill would make it easy to do just that, and that's a good thing for everyone involved."
“The fund would provide support to members of the New Jersey National Guard and their families,” said Conners (D-Burlington/Camden). “This support is intended to help members and their families cope during difficult times when a wage-earner has temporarily left civilian employment to be placed on active military duty. The council provides education, counseling and financial planning so the spouses of deployed Guard members have what they need to cope.”
The bill was approved 77-0-1 and referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
The bill (A-2286) would establish the New Jersey National Guard State Family Readiness Council Fund and provide for a spot on the state’s gross income tax return to permit taxpayers to make voluntary contributions to the fund.
"These families are heroes," said Johnson (D-Bergen). "They too have sacrificed to defend our freedom, coping while a loved one ships out to faraway places and providing crucial support to our soldiers, even as they struggle financially with lost income and increased stress. The least we can do is offer them our support, too."
"I am confident that New Jerseyans will be generous enough to donate a few dollars here and there to help these families," said Coughlin (D-Middlesex). "This bill would make it easy to do just that, and that's a good thing for everyone involved."
“The fund would provide support to members of the New Jersey National Guard and their families,” said Conners (D-Burlington/Camden). “This support is intended to help members and their families cope during difficult times when a wage-earner has temporarily left civilian employment to be placed on active military duty. The council provides education, counseling and financial planning so the spouses of deployed Guard members have what they need to cope.”
The bill was approved 77-0-1 and referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Today in Trenton 3/21/11
BARNES, EVANS & RILEY BILL TO PROTECT UNEMPLOYED NEW JERSEYANS FROM DISCRIMINATION HEADS BACK TO GOVERNOR TO BECOME LAW
(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Peter J. Barnes III, Elease Evans and Celeste Riley to make it illegal for employers to ask out-of-work New Jerseyans not to apply for jobs was re-approved Monday by the Senate, sending it back to the governor to become law.
The bill was approved by the Legislature late last year, but the governor conditionally vetoed it. The Assembly voted 72-5 in February to approve the revised bill. The Senate voted 32-2 to approve it on Monday.
The revamped legislation (A-3359) prohibits an employer from publishing an advertisement for a job that announces that unemployed individuals cannot apply for the job vacancy.
“This unacceptable trend of purposefully bypassing unemployed New Jerseyans when looking to fill job openings is inexplicable but is now closer to coming to an end,” said Barnes (D-Middlesex). “I never saw a reason for this practice that, when you think about, only helped perpetuate a high unemployment rate. It was unfair and it must stop.”
“Telling unemployed people they cannot apply for a job is un-American,” said Evans (D-Passaic/Bergen). “A person should be judged on their ability to do the work, not on whether they had the terrible misfortune of being laid-off. These ads cannot be allowed to continue.”
“This bill is very simply the right thing to do for thousands of New Jerseyans who, through no fault of their own, found themselves without a job in recent years,” said Riley (D-Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem). “Judging a person by whether they have a job is not the way to fill job vacancies. I want to see everyone judged on their skills and ability to do the job.”
The bill would authorize a $1,000 penalty for a first offense and $5,000 penalties for subsequent offenses.
BURZICHELLI, QUIJANO, RILEY & DeANGELO BILL TO CUT RED TAPE & HELP N.J. BUSINESSES CREATE JOBS GETS FINAL LEGISLATIVE APPROVAL
Bill is Another Assembly Dem Measure to Cut Bureacracy & Improve Biz Environment
(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats John J. Burzichelli, Annette Quijano, Wayne DeAngelo and Celeste Riley to ease the bureacracy hurting New Jersey businesses was approved 37-0 by the Senate on Monday, giving it final legislative approval.
The bill is part of ongoing Assembly Democratic efforts to cut the bureacracy impairing New Jersey’s business environment.
“This is a sensible bill that will go along way toward making our state more business friendly,” said Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Cumberland/Salem), chair of the Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee that initially released the bill.
The bill was approved 78-0 by the Assembly on Jan. 10
The bill (A-2849) requires the Board of Public Utilities to issue every order in written form and post them on the Internet.
“We’ve heard time and again from our businesses on how it would be helpful to them to get clearer guidelines from the state, and a written order should help provide the clarity needed to ensure everyone is on the same page,” said Quijano (D-Union).
“Commonsense legislation like this that helps improve our business environment and create jobs is clearly the right direction for our state and for hard-working New Jersey families who benefit from a strong business environment,” said DeAngelo (D-Mercer/Middlesex).
“BPU orders can be among the most important yet complex directives for our businesses, and it’s important to make sure they’re clear so our businesses can spend more time creating jobs and less time cutting through red tape,” said Riley (D-Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem).
The bill allows a written order to be issued within 14 days of an oral order where a matter is an emergency that affects public health and safety if the written order doesn’t differ substantively from the oral order.
Any board order issued orally may be made effective immediately, but if such order is not issued in written form within 14 calendar days thereafter, it shall be void and of no effect.
The bill is among many advanced by the Assembly this session to cut red tape:
- Remove licensing requirements for recreational bingo games (A-1169), sponsored by Assemblywoman Connie Wagner (D-Bergen). It was approved by the Assembly in May;
- Require the state to consider the economic impact of new regulations (A-2129), sponsored by Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula (D-Somerset/Middlesex) and Burzichelli. It was approved by the Assembly in September.
- Require all state agency rules be published in the state register and prohibit the use of regulatory guidance documents (A-2464), sponsored by Burzichelli and Quijano. It was approved by the Assembly in March and recently advanced by a Senate panel.
- Prohibit the adoption of new rules that exceed federal standards (A-2486), sponsored by Burzichelli. It was released by committee in March.
- Establish new procedures for agency rulemaking (A-2720), sponsored by Burzichelli, Quijano and Ralph Caputo (D-Essex). It was signed into law March 1.
- Amend current law concerning state agency rule-making by changing the chapter expiration dates of rules from five years to seven years and establishing a new procedure for the re-adoption of rules without substantive changes (A-2721), sponsored by Burzichelli, Quijano and Caputo. It received final legislative approval on Feb. 17.
- Modify the process for contested case hearings by the Office of Administrative Law with regard to telephone and video conferences, delegation of final decision authority, oral decisions, checklist decisions, electronic filings and settlements.
- (A-2722) sponsored by Burzichelli, Quijano and Caputo. It was approved by the Assembly on Feb. 17 and was recently released by a Senate committee.
- Eliminate numerous inactive boards and commission (A-2851), sponsored by Burzichelli, Quijano, Caputo and DeAngelo. It was signed into law in November.
- Streamline permit approval for economic development projects (A-2853), sponsored by Burzichelli, Matthew J. Milam, Nelson T. Albano (both D-Atlantic/Cape May/Cumberland), Paul Moriarty (D-Gloucester/Camden) and Thomas P. Giblin (D-Essex/Passaic). It was signed into law on March 1.
(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Peter J. Barnes III, Elease Evans and Celeste Riley to make it illegal for employers to ask out-of-work New Jerseyans not to apply for jobs was re-approved Monday by the Senate, sending it back to the governor to become law.
The bill was approved by the Legislature late last year, but the governor conditionally vetoed it. The Assembly voted 72-5 in February to approve the revised bill. The Senate voted 32-2 to approve it on Monday.
The revamped legislation (A-3359) prohibits an employer from publishing an advertisement for a job that announces that unemployed individuals cannot apply for the job vacancy.
“This unacceptable trend of purposefully bypassing unemployed New Jerseyans when looking to fill job openings is inexplicable but is now closer to coming to an end,” said Barnes (D-Middlesex). “I never saw a reason for this practice that, when you think about, only helped perpetuate a high unemployment rate. It was unfair and it must stop.”
“Telling unemployed people they cannot apply for a job is un-American,” said Evans (D-Passaic/Bergen). “A person should be judged on their ability to do the work, not on whether they had the terrible misfortune of being laid-off. These ads cannot be allowed to continue.”
“This bill is very simply the right thing to do for thousands of New Jerseyans who, through no fault of their own, found themselves without a job in recent years,” said Riley (D-Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem). “Judging a person by whether they have a job is not the way to fill job vacancies. I want to see everyone judged on their skills and ability to do the job.”
The bill would authorize a $1,000 penalty for a first offense and $5,000 penalties for subsequent offenses.
BURZICHELLI, QUIJANO, RILEY & DeANGELO BILL TO CUT RED TAPE & HELP N.J. BUSINESSES CREATE JOBS GETS FINAL LEGISLATIVE APPROVAL
Bill is Another Assembly Dem Measure to Cut Bureacracy & Improve Biz Environment
(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats John J. Burzichelli, Annette Quijano, Wayne DeAngelo and Celeste Riley to ease the bureacracy hurting New Jersey businesses was approved 37-0 by the Senate on Monday, giving it final legislative approval.
The bill is part of ongoing Assembly Democratic efforts to cut the bureacracy impairing New Jersey’s business environment.
“This is a sensible bill that will go along way toward making our state more business friendly,” said Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Cumberland/Salem), chair of the Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee that initially released the bill.
The bill was approved 78-0 by the Assembly on Jan. 10
The bill (A-2849) requires the Board of Public Utilities to issue every order in written form and post them on the Internet.
“We’ve heard time and again from our businesses on how it would be helpful to them to get clearer guidelines from the state, and a written order should help provide the clarity needed to ensure everyone is on the same page,” said Quijano (D-Union).
“Commonsense legislation like this that helps improve our business environment and create jobs is clearly the right direction for our state and for hard-working New Jersey families who benefit from a strong business environment,” said DeAngelo (D-Mercer/Middlesex).
“BPU orders can be among the most important yet complex directives for our businesses, and it’s important to make sure they’re clear so our businesses can spend more time creating jobs and less time cutting through red tape,” said Riley (D-Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem).
The bill allows a written order to be issued within 14 days of an oral order where a matter is an emergency that affects public health and safety if the written order doesn’t differ substantively from the oral order.
Any board order issued orally may be made effective immediately, but if such order is not issued in written form within 14 calendar days thereafter, it shall be void and of no effect.
The bill is among many advanced by the Assembly this session to cut red tape:
- Remove licensing requirements for recreational bingo games (A-1169), sponsored by Assemblywoman Connie Wagner (D-Bergen). It was approved by the Assembly in May;
- Require the state to consider the economic impact of new regulations (A-2129), sponsored by Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula (D-Somerset/Middlesex) and Burzichelli. It was approved by the Assembly in September.
- Require all state agency rules be published in the state register and prohibit the use of regulatory guidance documents (A-2464), sponsored by Burzichelli and Quijano. It was approved by the Assembly in March and recently advanced by a Senate panel.
- Prohibit the adoption of new rules that exceed federal standards (A-2486), sponsored by Burzichelli. It was released by committee in March.
- Establish new procedures for agency rulemaking (A-2720), sponsored by Burzichelli, Quijano and Ralph Caputo (D-Essex). It was signed into law March 1.
- Amend current law concerning state agency rule-making by changing the chapter expiration dates of rules from five years to seven years and establishing a new procedure for the re-adoption of rules without substantive changes (A-2721), sponsored by Burzichelli, Quijano and Caputo. It received final legislative approval on Feb. 17.
- Modify the process for contested case hearings by the Office of Administrative Law with regard to telephone and video conferences, delegation of final decision authority, oral decisions, checklist decisions, electronic filings and settlements.
- (A-2722) sponsored by Burzichelli, Quijano and Caputo. It was approved by the Assembly on Feb. 17 and was recently released by a Senate committee.
- Eliminate numerous inactive boards and commission (A-2851), sponsored by Burzichelli, Quijano, Caputo and DeAngelo. It was signed into law in November.
- Streamline permit approval for economic development projects (A-2853), sponsored by Burzichelli, Matthew J. Milam, Nelson T. Albano (both D-Atlantic/Cape May/Cumberland), Paul Moriarty (D-Gloucester/Camden) and Thomas P. Giblin (D-Essex/Passaic). It was signed into law on March 1.
We can stop the ridiculous myth that Gov. Christie didn’t raise taxes
This governor just delivered the highest property tax increase in four years. He alone is responsible for that through his own policies. It’s worth noting that this painful increase doesn’t even show the impact of the Christie school activity taxes imposed on children and parents throughout our state just to join after-school activities. The governor has failed to make true property tax relief for working class New Jerseyans a priority and we’re starting to see the damage. Gov. Christie is simply making matters worse with his anti-working-class policies.
The 2010 property tax increase had nothing to do with the so-called tool kit. The 2 key tool kit items – the 2 percent cap and arbitration reform – take effect this year and were, by the way, approved as Democratic compromises.
FACT
1. New Jersey property taxes increased 4.1 percent in 2010.
2. This is the highest increase since 2007.
3. New Jersey had a 3.3 percent hike in 2009 and 3.7 percent in 2008.
4. The average property tax bill is now $7,576, up $295.
5. The 2010 increase represented a nearly $1 billion jump in the overall property tax levy - from $24 billion to $25 billion.
6. This increase comes after the governor cut school aid by $1 billion and municipal aid by $446 million.
(This is a direct link to the data: http://www.state.nj.us/dca/lgs/taxes/10_data/10taxsummary.htm)
The 2010 property tax increase had nothing to do with the so-called tool kit. The 2 key tool kit items – the 2 percent cap and arbitration reform – take effect this year and were, by the way, approved as Democratic compromises.
FACT
1. New Jersey property taxes increased 4.1 percent in 2010.
2. This is the highest increase since 2007.
3. New Jersey had a 3.3 percent hike in 2009 and 3.7 percent in 2008.
4. The average property tax bill is now $7,576, up $295.
5. The 2010 increase represented a nearly $1 billion jump in the overall property tax levy - from $24 billion to $25 billion.
6. This increase comes after the governor cut school aid by $1 billion and municipal aid by $446 million.
(This is a direct link to the data: http://www.state.nj.us/dca/lgs/taxes/10_data/10taxsummary.htm)
Friday, March 18, 2011
Today while reviewing the blogs,
I read the piece written by Tony Rucker. Tony, I agree that the elimination of the UEZ program in Plainfield will have a devastating impact on the downtown area. I have been speaking with Jeff Dunn (the new President of the Chamber of Commerce) to identify ways of helping the merchants to better promote their businesses, as well as the area. I also speak with Congressman Pallone on a weekly basis. Together we are working on a federal and state level to address ways to find solutions for safety issues, health issues, economic and job issues. Through our joint effort, we are beginning to make some progress. When working on these types of issues it is important to 1) form a viable plan, 2) identify sources of funding and 3) implement solutions for the problems. In the past, various entities representing all levels of the federal, state and local community have talked about the problem but not followed through. I am pleased that I am working with people that are focused on the elimination of these issues and we are making progress.
As Chairman of local government, the Union County Freeholder Board reached out to me to discuss A2501 and for my support of the Board to enact a resolution in support of the statewide UEZ program. Being familiar with Plainfield’s program, I expressed one major concern that I have with the elimination of this program - the elimination of four police officers that currently patrol the downtown area. The salaries for these officers are paid through the UEZ program. The loss of this police manpower will have a serious impact on Plainfield’s downtown district. Additionally, other services are derived from this program. If we lose the UEZ program this will further cut into the city’s deficit leaving the citizens of Plainfield with more of a burden in increased taxes.
I am hoping that in the future, people like Rob will provide some solutions for their concerns rather than print false information. First, as soon as the governor made this announcement, as Chairman of local government I reached out to Speaker Oliver to organize a hearing on this issue. Further, I am inviting the mayors from each of the towns that have the UEZ program to the hearings. Lastly, I invited a representative from the governor’s office to come in and explain the rationale behind recommending these cuts to a program that has brought in several million dollars to the merchants and the city.
Every day the federal government and the state are cutting programs. I believe that had people like Rob spoken up and said something earlier, rather than sit back and complain, these cuts would be less likely to take place at this time. For this reason, I continue to state that these solution-less complaints hurt the city more than anything else.
Therefore to say that I have done nothing is a false statement. Your last sentence is very mild when you speak of the governor. Do you understand that this proposal originates from the governor? It is sad that you do not offer criticism of the governor’s proposal to eliminate UEZ, instead you dedicate your energy speculating that I am not doing anything. Obviously, you are painfully unaware of the actions that I am taking around the state to address this issue. I must ask you Rob … what have you done? I question whether you are one of the individuals that voted the governor into office. Are you?
In fact, I will go further to address your comment. Yes Rob, I am constantly recognized for the position that I hold in the state of NJ. This position is paying dividends because the governor wants me to support a housing program that will hurt cities like Plainfield. A program that will allow towns like Warren to continue to neglect their responsibility to those that need affordable and low income housing.
Frankly Rob, your comments make me question whether you actually live here in Plainfield. When reading the blogs and your comments, I find that you are constantly negative of me. Your comment today falsely reeks with the air of having knowledge of my actions. Simply put, if you wish to continuously challenge me - be my guest. I am happy to debate you and your friends via a display of my actions and my work. In an effort to simplfiy this for you, I have a question for you. Is it possible for you to compare your actions and the solutions that you are proposing (solutions that are not rendered in print) with those that I am openly working to enact? Perhaps an attempt on your end to raise the bar of knowledge for what I am doing verses what you speculate me to be doing will open your eyes to the reality of what we face here in Plainfield and in Union county.
P.S. Rob it now time to put up or shut.
As Chairman of local government, the Union County Freeholder Board reached out to me to discuss A2501 and for my support of the Board to enact a resolution in support of the statewide UEZ program. Being familiar with Plainfield’s program, I expressed one major concern that I have with the elimination of this program - the elimination of four police officers that currently patrol the downtown area. The salaries for these officers are paid through the UEZ program. The loss of this police manpower will have a serious impact on Plainfield’s downtown district. Additionally, other services are derived from this program. If we lose the UEZ program this will further cut into the city’s deficit leaving the citizens of Plainfield with more of a burden in increased taxes.
I am hoping that in the future, people like Rob will provide some solutions for their concerns rather than print false information. First, as soon as the governor made this announcement, as Chairman of local government I reached out to Speaker Oliver to organize a hearing on this issue. Further, I am inviting the mayors from each of the towns that have the UEZ program to the hearings. Lastly, I invited a representative from the governor’s office to come in and explain the rationale behind recommending these cuts to a program that has brought in several million dollars to the merchants and the city.
Every day the federal government and the state are cutting programs. I believe that had people like Rob spoken up and said something earlier, rather than sit back and complain, these cuts would be less likely to take place at this time. For this reason, I continue to state that these solution-less complaints hurt the city more than anything else.
Therefore to say that I have done nothing is a false statement. Your last sentence is very mild when you speak of the governor. Do you understand that this proposal originates from the governor? It is sad that you do not offer criticism of the governor’s proposal to eliminate UEZ, instead you dedicate your energy speculating that I am not doing anything. Obviously, you are painfully unaware of the actions that I am taking around the state to address this issue. I must ask you Rob … what have you done? I question whether you are one of the individuals that voted the governor into office. Are you?
In fact, I will go further to address your comment. Yes Rob, I am constantly recognized for the position that I hold in the state of NJ. This position is paying dividends because the governor wants me to support a housing program that will hurt cities like Plainfield. A program that will allow towns like Warren to continue to neglect their responsibility to those that need affordable and low income housing.
Frankly Rob, your comments make me question whether you actually live here in Plainfield. When reading the blogs and your comments, I find that you are constantly negative of me. Your comment today falsely reeks with the air of having knowledge of my actions. Simply put, if you wish to continuously challenge me - be my guest. I am happy to debate you and your friends via a display of my actions and my work. In an effort to simplfiy this for you, I have a question for you. Is it possible for you to compare your actions and the solutions that you are proposing (solutions that are not rendered in print) with those that I am openly working to enact? Perhaps an attempt on your end to raise the bar of knowledge for what I am doing verses what you speculate me to be doing will open your eyes to the reality of what we face here in Plainfield and in Union county.
P.S. Rob it now time to put up or shut.
TODAY IN TRENTON 3/18/2011
ASSEMBLYWOMAN ANNETTE QUIJANO INTRODUCES WAGE PROTECTION ACT
Measure Would Ensure That Employees Are Fairly Compensated for Work Performed
TRENTON – Assemblywoman Annette Quijano has introduced the Wage Protection Act to protect workers from unscrupulous employers and ensure that employees are compensated for all wages owed.
“Wage theft is an insidious problem that affects all professions and communities,” said Quijano (D-Union). “The Wage Protection Act will provide the appropriate channels for employees to seek earned but unpaid wages from their employers. It also imposes strict penalties for employers convicted of wage theft, which is intended to serve more as a deterrent than a punishment. Bottom line, individuals must be paid properly for their labor.”
The Wage Protection Act would provide recourse for employees who are owed wages or any other type of compensation by an employer and establishes penalties for violating laws regarding the disbursement of wages, compensations and/or benefits.
Quijano noted that the act would not only ensure that an employee is compensated for all wages owed but will also impose fines for first time and additional offenses. Convicted employers may also face annulment of any licenses provided by the Department of Labor.
Several significant provisions of the act include:
1. Employers must pay 100% of wages owed;
2. Employers will face a fine of $1,000 plus 10% of wages owed for a first time offense;
3. Employers will face pay a fine of $2,000 plus 20% of wages owed for each additional offense;
4. An employer will be charged with a disorderly offense for attempting retaliation against an employee filing a claim;
5. An employee may use a pseudonym/address of an attorney if in fear of retaliation;
6. The Department of Labor must be notified of an employer who has been convicted and may choose to indefinitely revoke any licenses from the Department of Labor held by a convicted employer; and
7. A bi-annual report on the effectiveness of this act must be filed by the commissioner, along with recommendations for increasing efficacy.
The Wage Protection Act would revise current provisions of existing laws regarding criminal code in order to strengthen enforcement procedures and criminal sanctions against employers who fail to pay wages, compensation or benefits to their employees.
Measure Would Ensure That Employees Are Fairly Compensated for Work Performed
TRENTON – Assemblywoman Annette Quijano has introduced the Wage Protection Act to protect workers from unscrupulous employers and ensure that employees are compensated for all wages owed.
“Wage theft is an insidious problem that affects all professions and communities,” said Quijano (D-Union). “The Wage Protection Act will provide the appropriate channels for employees to seek earned but unpaid wages from their employers. It also imposes strict penalties for employers convicted of wage theft, which is intended to serve more as a deterrent than a punishment. Bottom line, individuals must be paid properly for their labor.”
The Wage Protection Act would provide recourse for employees who are owed wages or any other type of compensation by an employer and establishes penalties for violating laws regarding the disbursement of wages, compensations and/or benefits.
Quijano noted that the act would not only ensure that an employee is compensated for all wages owed but will also impose fines for first time and additional offenses. Convicted employers may also face annulment of any licenses provided by the Department of Labor.
Several significant provisions of the act include:
1. Employers must pay 100% of wages owed;
2. Employers will face a fine of $1,000 plus 10% of wages owed for a first time offense;
3. Employers will face pay a fine of $2,000 plus 20% of wages owed for each additional offense;
4. An employer will be charged with a disorderly offense for attempting retaliation against an employee filing a claim;
5. An employee may use a pseudonym/address of an attorney if in fear of retaliation;
6. The Department of Labor must be notified of an employer who has been convicted and may choose to indefinitely revoke any licenses from the Department of Labor held by a convicted employer; and
7. A bi-annual report on the effectiveness of this act must be filed by the commissioner, along with recommendations for increasing efficacy.
The Wage Protection Act would revise current provisions of existing laws regarding criminal code in order to strengthen enforcement procedures and criminal sanctions against employers who fail to pay wages, compensation or benefits to their employees.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
The Time is Now For Shared Services, Property Tax Savings
Assembly Sponsors of Shared Services Legislation Say Taxpayers Need Real Reform Now
(TRENTON)—Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt (D-Camden) and Assemblyman Paul Moriarty (D-Gloucester) today announced the introduction of Assembly Bill 3918, which would save taxpayer dollars by promoting the sharing of services by local government entities. A-3918 creates a real financial disincentive for local governments that refuse to save their taxpayers money through sharing services and is the Assembly companion to reform legislation unveiled by Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester).
"Across New Jersey, families are struggling under a crushing property tax burden," said Lampitt. "The time is now for shared services. This legislation will save taxpayer dollars, reduce redundancies, and promote more cost-effective governments. In providing consequences for towns that shortsightedly refuse to share services, this legislation puts taxpayers first."
"With property taxes rising, seniors and middle-class families simply can't afford to wait for real shared services reform," said Moriarty. "Government can and should be more efficient, and towns that refuse to save their taxpayers money by sharing services should face real consequences for that refusal. This legislation provides those consequences, and I look forward to working with Senate President Sweeney and my Assembly colleagues to pass this needed bill."
Under the legislation, the New Jersey Local Unit Alignment, Reorganization and Consolidation Commission (LUARCC) would identify potential tax savings through shared services by studying local government entities, including county, municipal and school governing bodies. If a study identified potential savings in the form of shared services, these entities would face a public referendum on implementation. Towns that fail to pass or refuse to implement the savings would face a loss in state aid equal to the savings proposed by the service sharing.
"In these tough economic times, government must look for new ways to reduce the property tax burden on families," said Moriarty. "This legislation will accomplish those goals. The state offers plenty of 'carrots' for local governments to share services. This legislation adds a 'stick' to those incentives, letting towns know that if they choose inefficiencies over saving tax dollars, they'll face consequences for that choice."
"I look forward to working with Senate President Sweeney, Assemblyman Moriarty, and my Assembly colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass this important legislation," said Lampitt.
(TRENTON)—Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt (D-Camden) and Assemblyman Paul Moriarty (D-Gloucester) today announced the introduction of Assembly Bill 3918, which would save taxpayer dollars by promoting the sharing of services by local government entities. A-3918 creates a real financial disincentive for local governments that refuse to save their taxpayers money through sharing services and is the Assembly companion to reform legislation unveiled by Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester).
"Across New Jersey, families are struggling under a crushing property tax burden," said Lampitt. "The time is now for shared services. This legislation will save taxpayer dollars, reduce redundancies, and promote more cost-effective governments. In providing consequences for towns that shortsightedly refuse to share services, this legislation puts taxpayers first."
"With property taxes rising, seniors and middle-class families simply can't afford to wait for real shared services reform," said Moriarty. "Government can and should be more efficient, and towns that refuse to save their taxpayers money by sharing services should face real consequences for that refusal. This legislation provides those consequences, and I look forward to working with Senate President Sweeney and my Assembly colleagues to pass this needed bill."
Under the legislation, the New Jersey Local Unit Alignment, Reorganization and Consolidation Commission (LUARCC) would identify potential tax savings through shared services by studying local government entities, including county, municipal and school governing bodies. If a study identified potential savings in the form of shared services, these entities would face a public referendum on implementation. Towns that fail to pass or refuse to implement the savings would face a loss in state aid equal to the savings proposed by the service sharing.
"In these tough economic times, government must look for new ways to reduce the property tax burden on families," said Moriarty. "This legislation will accomplish those goals. The state offers plenty of 'carrots' for local governments to share services. This legislation adds a 'stick' to those incentives, letting towns know that if they choose inefficiencies over saving tax dollars, they'll face consequences for that choice."
"I look forward to working with Senate President Sweeney, Assemblyman Moriarty, and my Assembly colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass this important legislation," said Lampitt.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
From John Wisniewski, Chairman of NJDC
NY Times: Christie’s Talk Is Blunt, but Not Always Straight
Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey has built a national reputation as a straight talker who will answer tough questions. But a close look at his public statements over the past year shows that some do not stand up to scrutiny.
“Clearly there has been a pattern of the governor playing fast and loose with the details,” said Brigid Harrison, a political science professor at Montclair State University.
His misstatements, exaggerations and carefully constructed claims belie the national image he has built as a blunt talker who gives straight answers to hard questions, especially about budgets and labor relations. Candor is central to Mr. Christie’s appeal, and a review of his public statements over the past year shows some of them do not hold up to scrutiny.
Misstatements have been central to Mr. Christie’s worst public stumbles — about how the state managed to miss out on a $400 million education grant last year, for example, and whether he was in touch enough while he was in Florida during the blizzard in December…
Some overstatements have worked their way into the governor’s routine public comments, like a claim that he balanced the budget last year without raising taxes; in truth, he cut deeply into tax credits for the elderly and the poor. But inaccuracies also crop up when he is challenged, and his instinct seems to be to turn it into an attack on someone else instead of giving an answer.
Mr. Christie fired Bret D. Schundler, his education commissioner at the time, accusing him of lying about the hearing. But Mr. Schundler said he had warned the governor before the news conference that what he was about to tell reporters was false. “His entire point was he likes to be on offense rather than defense,” Mr. Schundler said days later. “He wanted to make this all about the Obama administration’s picayune rules rather than our error.”
A few months later, in November, when the Assembly speaker, Sheila Y. Oliver, a Democrat, and the governor were sparring over pension issues, she said she had requested a meeting with the governor. Mr. Christie called that “a lie.” Ms. Oliver’s office promptly produced text messages from the Assembly staff making the request.
“Everything is an assault, which makes it hard for adversaries to catch their breath and question the substance of what he’s saying before he moves on to the next thing,” said Assemblyman John Wisniewski, the state Democratic chairman.
After the record snowfall in December, Mr. Christie defended his decision to stay on vacation in Florida with his family, saying that he had spoken with the acting governor, Stephen M. Sweeney, during the storm. When Mr. Sweeney, a Democrat and the State Senate president, said they had not talked, the governor attributed his own misstatement to lack of sleep.
The governor sometimes wanders into gray areas.
As a Republican in a Democratic-leaning state who promotes himself as a paragon of straight talk, he might need to stick to the truth more than most.
$1 Billion in Property Tax Hikes from Chris Christie’s Failed Policies Average 4.1% property tax increase follows 23% hike after Christie failed to fund Property Tax rebates
(Trenton) – When asked about an average 4.1% increase in property taxes for New Jersey homeowners in 2010, equating to nearly $1 billion in property tax hikes, the Christie administration recently called it a “transition period.” Following that failed attempt to downplay the impact on New Jersey families, Christie once again tried to blame someone else. New Jersey Democratic State Committee Chairman John Wisniewski offered the following response to the administration’s attempt to ignore the largest property tax increase in years:
“The failed priorities of giving money away to millionaires by Chris Christie and New Jersey Republicans cost middle class families over $1 billion last year in property tax hikes,” said Wisniewski. “Instead of shared sacrifice, Chris Christie has placed the sole burden for fixing our problems on the backs of workers and families causing the largest property tax increase in years. Whether its continued job losses or large property tax increases, the results continue to show the failure of Chris Christie’s policies. Instead of working with Democrats to solve our problems, Chris Christie has continued to do what he does best: Blame someone else for them.”
Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey has built a national reputation as a straight talker who will answer tough questions. But a close look at his public statements over the past year shows that some do not stand up to scrutiny.
“Clearly there has been a pattern of the governor playing fast and loose with the details,” said Brigid Harrison, a political science professor at Montclair State University.
His misstatements, exaggerations and carefully constructed claims belie the national image he has built as a blunt talker who gives straight answers to hard questions, especially about budgets and labor relations. Candor is central to Mr. Christie’s appeal, and a review of his public statements over the past year shows some of them do not hold up to scrutiny.
Misstatements have been central to Mr. Christie’s worst public stumbles — about how the state managed to miss out on a $400 million education grant last year, for example, and whether he was in touch enough while he was in Florida during the blizzard in December…
Some overstatements have worked their way into the governor’s routine public comments, like a claim that he balanced the budget last year without raising taxes; in truth, he cut deeply into tax credits for the elderly and the poor. But inaccuracies also crop up when he is challenged, and his instinct seems to be to turn it into an attack on someone else instead of giving an answer.
Mr. Christie fired Bret D. Schundler, his education commissioner at the time, accusing him of lying about the hearing. But Mr. Schundler said he had warned the governor before the news conference that what he was about to tell reporters was false. “His entire point was he likes to be on offense rather than defense,” Mr. Schundler said days later. “He wanted to make this all about the Obama administration’s picayune rules rather than our error.”
A few months later, in November, when the Assembly speaker, Sheila Y. Oliver, a Democrat, and the governor were sparring over pension issues, she said she had requested a meeting with the governor. Mr. Christie called that “a lie.” Ms. Oliver’s office promptly produced text messages from the Assembly staff making the request.
“Everything is an assault, which makes it hard for adversaries to catch their breath and question the substance of what he’s saying before he moves on to the next thing,” said Assemblyman John Wisniewski, the state Democratic chairman.
After the record snowfall in December, Mr. Christie defended his decision to stay on vacation in Florida with his family, saying that he had spoken with the acting governor, Stephen M. Sweeney, during the storm. When Mr. Sweeney, a Democrat and the State Senate president, said they had not talked, the governor attributed his own misstatement to lack of sleep.
The governor sometimes wanders into gray areas.
As a Republican in a Democratic-leaning state who promotes himself as a paragon of straight talk, he might need to stick to the truth more than most.
$1 Billion in Property Tax Hikes from Chris Christie’s Failed Policies Average 4.1% property tax increase follows 23% hike after Christie failed to fund Property Tax rebates
(Trenton) – When asked about an average 4.1% increase in property taxes for New Jersey homeowners in 2010, equating to nearly $1 billion in property tax hikes, the Christie administration recently called it a “transition period.” Following that failed attempt to downplay the impact on New Jersey families, Christie once again tried to blame someone else. New Jersey Democratic State Committee Chairman John Wisniewski offered the following response to the administration’s attempt to ignore the largest property tax increase in years:
“The failed priorities of giving money away to millionaires by Chris Christie and New Jersey Republicans cost middle class families over $1 billion last year in property tax hikes,” said Wisniewski. “Instead of shared sacrifice, Chris Christie has placed the sole burden for fixing our problems on the backs of workers and families causing the largest property tax increase in years. Whether its continued job losses or large property tax increases, the results continue to show the failure of Chris Christie’s policies. Instead of working with Democrats to solve our problems, Chris Christie has continued to do what he does best: Blame someone else for them.”
Thoughts on March 16, 2011
I was notified by the county manager yesterday that the County of Union has decided to hire Bibi Taylor as their new financial director of the finance department of Union County. She will be the first black woman to hold such a position in Union County. So I am hoping that she can move on with her career and the Mayor and Council can find someone else so that we can deal with this year’s budget, because the Mayor and Council are going to have to make some tough decisions.
Like all other municipalities, like Newark and Patterson, I would like to make my position very clear regarding the financial position of Plainfield. My position is thus: whatever I can do as a Legislator I will do, and I will help where I can. I have no intentions of giving any advice to anyone however because they were elected to the City of Plainfield to make those decisions, not me.
I find it rather embarrassing that on a constant basis, Bernice tries to embarrass me by stating former employees that I hired years ago, and are currently working for the city, were hired because of me. That is not true at all! It is obvious that she is clueless as to how the hiring process works. Because if anyone has the bumping rights to bump employees in which she is citing, then the City has to lay them off, period. No one is protected, everyone gets treated the same.
I realize now that no matter what I say or do Bernice will try her best to ruin my career like she has done to others, but I have been smart enough not to fall into her trap. It is obvious that she picks and chooses who she criticizes, and who she does not. I have never seen nor heard her criticize a New Democrat, as if they live in a perfect world. So I am hoping that in the future, her comments would be about what I do as a State Legislator in the 22nd District, and respect the fact that I am not elected to make decisions for the City of Plainfield, the Mayor and Council were elected to do that. If she has a hard time understanding the difference between an Assemblyman and a local elected official, perhaps she should ask one of her friends for clarification.
Ps
Dealing with the issue of the day workers, I was happy with Congressman Pallone in his reaching out and offering support and help on this issue. As he told me, this is not only a state but a national issue, and that both parties in Congress have not reached a consensus as to how to remedy this issue. My whole concern with this issue is not to put everyone into one category. Just because a person is a day worker does not mean he/she is in this country illegally.
Also, there was a comment referencing a statement I made. For the record, I want to make it clear, that all Hispanics and other groups that live in this City are not all illegal citizens and should be treated with respect, which is what I do daily.
The question of uneducated, I did not make the statement that the Hispanic population in this City is uneducated. Currently, there are a group of day workers that are receiving educational help which is bettering their work skills. I am working with groups here in Plainfield that are providing educational services to these day laborers. I was referring to these day workers, wherein they did not receive educational help in Central America and yet sought it here in Plainfield. In the past, there were some day workers from Cuba that received educational help in Cuba and did not seek it here in Plainfield.
This whole idea of helping day workers is not a plan to help those who are in this country illegally, but to help those who are legal citizens. It is up to the federal and state governments to remedy the illegal entry problem. Meanwhile we can ill-afford the downtown area to deteriorate while no one is making decisions one way or another.
Like all other municipalities, like Newark and Patterson, I would like to make my position very clear regarding the financial position of Plainfield. My position is thus: whatever I can do as a Legislator I will do, and I will help where I can. I have no intentions of giving any advice to anyone however because they were elected to the City of Plainfield to make those decisions, not me.
I find it rather embarrassing that on a constant basis, Bernice tries to embarrass me by stating former employees that I hired years ago, and are currently working for the city, were hired because of me. That is not true at all! It is obvious that she is clueless as to how the hiring process works. Because if anyone has the bumping rights to bump employees in which she is citing, then the City has to lay them off, period. No one is protected, everyone gets treated the same.
I realize now that no matter what I say or do Bernice will try her best to ruin my career like she has done to others, but I have been smart enough not to fall into her trap. It is obvious that she picks and chooses who she criticizes, and who she does not. I have never seen nor heard her criticize a New Democrat, as if they live in a perfect world. So I am hoping that in the future, her comments would be about what I do as a State Legislator in the 22nd District, and respect the fact that I am not elected to make decisions for the City of Plainfield, the Mayor and Council were elected to do that. If she has a hard time understanding the difference between an Assemblyman and a local elected official, perhaps she should ask one of her friends for clarification.
Ps
Dealing with the issue of the day workers, I was happy with Congressman Pallone in his reaching out and offering support and help on this issue. As he told me, this is not only a state but a national issue, and that both parties in Congress have not reached a consensus as to how to remedy this issue. My whole concern with this issue is not to put everyone into one category. Just because a person is a day worker does not mean he/she is in this country illegally.
Also, there was a comment referencing a statement I made. For the record, I want to make it clear, that all Hispanics and other groups that live in this City are not all illegal citizens and should be treated with respect, which is what I do daily.
The question of uneducated, I did not make the statement that the Hispanic population in this City is uneducated. Currently, there are a group of day workers that are receiving educational help which is bettering their work skills. I am working with groups here in Plainfield that are providing educational services to these day laborers. I was referring to these day workers, wherein they did not receive educational help in Central America and yet sought it here in Plainfield. In the past, there were some day workers from Cuba that received educational help in Cuba and did not seek it here in Plainfield.
This whole idea of helping day workers is not a plan to help those who are in this country illegally, but to help those who are legal citizens. It is up to the federal and state governments to remedy the illegal entry problem. Meanwhile we can ill-afford the downtown area to deteriorate while no one is making decisions one way or another.
Friday, March 11, 2011
The Discussion of Day Laborers - Are we ready for an open dialogue?
I would like to comment on some of the blogs posted over the last couple of days and also some of the phone calls that I received in response to the Courier News article covering the issue of the day laborers. There are a group of people that are critical of my blog and critical of me regardless of my contribution - in their opinion, nothing I do is deemed to be of a positive nature. They tend to express their criticism of me anonymously. For the record, anonymous criticism does not bother me.
On the other hand I will not hesitate to speak with anyone that expresses a desire to voice an opinion on an issue by calling my office to discuss any of their concerns or their perceptions about my stance on an issue. This week I spoke with constituents that did not agree with the Courier News article. Their calls to the office afforded me an opportunity to discuss their views and open a dialogue about a major issue here in Plainfield and in the State.
With that said, I will not waste my efforts and time addressing anonymous entities. There are too many people that hide behind anonymity to avoid having an open and decent conversation about any issue. Their preference is to remain negative, while leaving the public clueless as to who is writing.
Today I am going to try to explain what we are trying to accomplish here. I say “WE” because this is an issue that affects the city of Plainfield. We have merchants that are moving into the empty stores in the downtown area. Several of these merchants have come into my office to express their concern for the customers that are afraid to get out of their cars because of the day laborers on the street. I have personally witnessed an incident where a man was harassing pedestrians outside of my office. The current situation of the various corners heavily populated with day laborers is a recipe for trouble. This means trouble for the day laborers, pedestrians and ultimately situations that require police intervention. I believe that we must work to avoid these types of incidents. The Courier News article outlined my ideas on what we can do to move this situation forward in a positive direction.
Interestingly everyone agrees that the daily congregation of day laborers on the streets is an issue and a concern. However, in reading the various comments I am troubled by the assumption of many in the blogger community that every day laborer on the street trying to find work is an illegal. Furthermore, the assumption that I am defending illegal immigrants is incorrect. Again, let me be clear – everyone out there trying to find work is not an illegal immigrant.
As an African American man that has fought against racial profiling and worked for legislation to protect all men of color from this type of discrimination I realize the dangerous path that we as a community are treading upon when we make these types of assumptions for any group of people. It is not my place to assume that a man trying to get work is an illegal immigrant nor is it anyone’s place to assume that any young man seen standing on the corner of South Avenue waiting for a bus is a drug dealer.
Like you, I am a citizen. It is not my responsibility to question or card everyone. I am not attempting to intercede on the responsibility of the Federal and State immigration policies. This is an area that the Federal government has been wrestling with for some time. It is indeed a growing concern for other municipalities in our State. The city of Morristown comes to mind because of its unsuccessful effort in attempting to control this issue.
It is well understood that this problem has multiple layers. Several Hispanic organizations have reached out to offer assistance to the day laborers. My objective is to make the streets safe and make the downtown area attractive for shoppers. I believe that this can happen by working with the organizations and resources that are available for members of the Hispanic community. It is my intent to give the day laborers a place to go where they can get the help they need to move their lives in the right direction. I neither support nor am I trying to defend anyone that is in this country illegally and at the same time, I will not place a tag on a person as being in this country illegally because they are looking for work.
The safety of the downtown area is not limited to the reduction of day laborers from the street. I encourage you to pay attention to the current discussion for the elimination of the UEZ program. The result would be an elimination of the salaries of four police officers. This would be devastating to the downtown area since police personnel are currently undermanned as it is.
I am hoping that my comments today make it clear that this is not about supporting people that are here illegally. It is an attempt to deal with a situation that has been whispered about and ignored as though it would go away. The good citizens of Plainfield and the State of New Jersey must recognize and address the issue of congregating day laborers.
Lastly, it is the responsibility of the Federal and State immigration agencies to document the legitimacy of any immigrant in this country. It is not my place to assume or profile a day laborer or any other person as being here illegally.
On the other hand I will not hesitate to speak with anyone that expresses a desire to voice an opinion on an issue by calling my office to discuss any of their concerns or their perceptions about my stance on an issue. This week I spoke with constituents that did not agree with the Courier News article. Their calls to the office afforded me an opportunity to discuss their views and open a dialogue about a major issue here in Plainfield and in the State.
With that said, I will not waste my efforts and time addressing anonymous entities. There are too many people that hide behind anonymity to avoid having an open and decent conversation about any issue. Their preference is to remain negative, while leaving the public clueless as to who is writing.
Today I am going to try to explain what we are trying to accomplish here. I say “WE” because this is an issue that affects the city of Plainfield. We have merchants that are moving into the empty stores in the downtown area. Several of these merchants have come into my office to express their concern for the customers that are afraid to get out of their cars because of the day laborers on the street. I have personally witnessed an incident where a man was harassing pedestrians outside of my office. The current situation of the various corners heavily populated with day laborers is a recipe for trouble. This means trouble for the day laborers, pedestrians and ultimately situations that require police intervention. I believe that we must work to avoid these types of incidents. The Courier News article outlined my ideas on what we can do to move this situation forward in a positive direction.
Interestingly everyone agrees that the daily congregation of day laborers on the streets is an issue and a concern. However, in reading the various comments I am troubled by the assumption of many in the blogger community that every day laborer on the street trying to find work is an illegal. Furthermore, the assumption that I am defending illegal immigrants is incorrect. Again, let me be clear – everyone out there trying to find work is not an illegal immigrant.
As an African American man that has fought against racial profiling and worked for legislation to protect all men of color from this type of discrimination I realize the dangerous path that we as a community are treading upon when we make these types of assumptions for any group of people. It is not my place to assume that a man trying to get work is an illegal immigrant nor is it anyone’s place to assume that any young man seen standing on the corner of South Avenue waiting for a bus is a drug dealer.
Like you, I am a citizen. It is not my responsibility to question or card everyone. I am not attempting to intercede on the responsibility of the Federal and State immigration policies. This is an area that the Federal government has been wrestling with for some time. It is indeed a growing concern for other municipalities in our State. The city of Morristown comes to mind because of its unsuccessful effort in attempting to control this issue.
It is well understood that this problem has multiple layers. Several Hispanic organizations have reached out to offer assistance to the day laborers. My objective is to make the streets safe and make the downtown area attractive for shoppers. I believe that this can happen by working with the organizations and resources that are available for members of the Hispanic community. It is my intent to give the day laborers a place to go where they can get the help they need to move their lives in the right direction. I neither support nor am I trying to defend anyone that is in this country illegally and at the same time, I will not place a tag on a person as being in this country illegally because they are looking for work.
The safety of the downtown area is not limited to the reduction of day laborers from the street. I encourage you to pay attention to the current discussion for the elimination of the UEZ program. The result would be an elimination of the salaries of four police officers. This would be devastating to the downtown area since police personnel are currently undermanned as it is.
I am hoping that my comments today make it clear that this is not about supporting people that are here illegally. It is an attempt to deal with a situation that has been whispered about and ignored as though it would go away. The good citizens of Plainfield and the State of New Jersey must recognize and address the issue of congregating day laborers.
Lastly, it is the responsibility of the Federal and State immigration agencies to document the legitimacy of any immigrant in this country. It is not my place to assume or profile a day laborer or any other person as being here illegally.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Today in Trenton 3/10/11
QUIJANO, BURZICHELLI, RILEY & EVANS BILL TO TRANSFORM VACANT URBAN SITES INTO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ENGINES NOW LAW
(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Annette Quijano, John Burzichelli, Celeste Riley and Elease Evans to help transform vacant urban sites into economic development engines is now law.
“We want to encourage nonprofit corporations and associations to help transform the vacant properties in our urban areas into vibrant fields of flowers, plants, fruits and vegetables,” said Quijano. “Too often such parcels cannot be sold, blocking economic development, but with this law we’ll help move these neighborhoods in a new direction.”
“Many of our cities – from Newark to Bridgeton – have been working for decades to overcome the problems tied to vacant lots that block job growth and stagnate the economy,” said Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Cumberland/Salem). “This is an effort to transform those lots, clearing the way for renewed economic development in these areas.”
“Economic development takes many forms, including measures like this that can reinvigorate a neighborhood, leading to increased investment and the job creation that follows,” said Riley (D-Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem). “Urban gardens can help build small businesses, create jobs and turn unproductive properties into centerpieces for an economic revival.”
“We need to ensure economic development occurs in all areas of the state,” said Evans (D-Passaic/Bergen). “Cities have been struggling to overcome vacant properties for years, but if we can allow nonprofits and community associations to take over these sites and turn them into assets, we can benefit everyone.”
Former law authorized municipalities and counties to lease or sell public property not needed for a public use to nonprofit entities
This law (A-2859) adds the cultivation and sale of fresh fruits and vegetables to the list of purposes for which local units may lease or sell public land for nominal consideration.
It also authorizes local units to sell land to nonprofit entities for the provision of gardening services to the general public.
Former law allowed for the long-term lease of excess public land, but not the sale thereof, to nonprofits for gardening purpose.
Recognizing that the transformation of excess vacant public lands into vibrant urban farms is a public purpose, the law affords these lands exemptions from property taxation.
The bill was signed March 1 by the governor.
COUGHLIN, WAGNER & CONNERS BILL TO HELP REDEVELOP contaminated PROPERTIES CONTINUES ADVANCING
Measure to Provide No-Interest Loans for Site Remediation Clears Panel
(TRENTON) – A bill sponsored by Assembly Democrats Craig J. Coughlin, Connie Wagner and Jack Conners to help local governments clean up contaminated properties continues advancing.
The bill (A-3167) would authorize the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to provide a no-interest loan to a municipality, county or redevelopment entity for up to 25 percent of the cost of a remedial action in a Brownfield development area.
It was approved 78-0 by the Assembly in October and released 5-0 Thursday by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.
“In the current economic environment, with towns everywhere hurting for revenue and credit all but frozen, this is not just a much-needed environmental measure, it’s an economic stimulus measure,” said Coughlin (D-Middlesex) whose 19th Legislative District includes four sites totaling nearly 1,000 acres that would qualify for funding under this bill.
The loans would come from the state’s Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund and be repayable over no more than 10 years.
The state has 31 sites designated as Brownfields redevelopment areas which would qualify for funding under this bill. Altogether, the sites total 3,290 acres.
“This is not only a quality of life issue, but an economic issue. If private developers can’t get access to credit and local governments can’t afford to offer tax abatements, hazardous properties will continue to remain a blight on the community. Redeveloped properties will put people back to work and provide a desperately needed boost to local tax bases,” said Wagner (D-Bergen) whose 38th legislative district includes a 15-acre site in Lodi that would qualify for funding under this bill.
“New Jersey has had a great deal of success in remediating Brownfields properties over the last several decades. But that success has largely been dependent on state and federal assistance, something this bill is mindful of,” said Conners (D-Burlington/Camden), whose 7th legislative district includes a 650-acre site in Pennsauken and a 190-acre site in Palmyra that would qualify for this funding
(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Annette Quijano, John Burzichelli, Celeste Riley and Elease Evans to help transform vacant urban sites into economic development engines is now law.
“We want to encourage nonprofit corporations and associations to help transform the vacant properties in our urban areas into vibrant fields of flowers, plants, fruits and vegetables,” said Quijano. “Too often such parcels cannot be sold, blocking economic development, but with this law we’ll help move these neighborhoods in a new direction.”
“Many of our cities – from Newark to Bridgeton – have been working for decades to overcome the problems tied to vacant lots that block job growth and stagnate the economy,” said Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Cumberland/Salem). “This is an effort to transform those lots, clearing the way for renewed economic development in these areas.”
“Economic development takes many forms, including measures like this that can reinvigorate a neighborhood, leading to increased investment and the job creation that follows,” said Riley (D-Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem). “Urban gardens can help build small businesses, create jobs and turn unproductive properties into centerpieces for an economic revival.”
“We need to ensure economic development occurs in all areas of the state,” said Evans (D-Passaic/Bergen). “Cities have been struggling to overcome vacant properties for years, but if we can allow nonprofits and community associations to take over these sites and turn them into assets, we can benefit everyone.”
Former law authorized municipalities and counties to lease or sell public property not needed for a public use to nonprofit entities
This law (A-2859) adds the cultivation and sale of fresh fruits and vegetables to the list of purposes for which local units may lease or sell public land for nominal consideration.
It also authorizes local units to sell land to nonprofit entities for the provision of gardening services to the general public.
Former law allowed for the long-term lease of excess public land, but not the sale thereof, to nonprofits for gardening purpose.
Recognizing that the transformation of excess vacant public lands into vibrant urban farms is a public purpose, the law affords these lands exemptions from property taxation.
The bill was signed March 1 by the governor.
COUGHLIN, WAGNER & CONNERS BILL TO HELP REDEVELOP contaminated PROPERTIES CONTINUES ADVANCING
Measure to Provide No-Interest Loans for Site Remediation Clears Panel
(TRENTON) – A bill sponsored by Assembly Democrats Craig J. Coughlin, Connie Wagner and Jack Conners to help local governments clean up contaminated properties continues advancing.
The bill (A-3167) would authorize the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to provide a no-interest loan to a municipality, county or redevelopment entity for up to 25 percent of the cost of a remedial action in a Brownfield development area.
It was approved 78-0 by the Assembly in October and released 5-0 Thursday by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.
“In the current economic environment, with towns everywhere hurting for revenue and credit all but frozen, this is not just a much-needed environmental measure, it’s an economic stimulus measure,” said Coughlin (D-Middlesex) whose 19th Legislative District includes four sites totaling nearly 1,000 acres that would qualify for funding under this bill.
The loans would come from the state’s Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund and be repayable over no more than 10 years.
The state has 31 sites designated as Brownfields redevelopment areas which would qualify for funding under this bill. Altogether, the sites total 3,290 acres.
“This is not only a quality of life issue, but an economic issue. If private developers can’t get access to credit and local governments can’t afford to offer tax abatements, hazardous properties will continue to remain a blight on the community. Redeveloped properties will put people back to work and provide a desperately needed boost to local tax bases,” said Wagner (D-Bergen) whose 38th legislative district includes a 15-acre site in Lodi that would qualify for funding under this bill.
“New Jersey has had a great deal of success in remediating Brownfields properties over the last several decades. But that success has largely been dependent on state and federal assistance, something this bill is mindful of,” said Conners (D-Burlington/Camden), whose 7th legislative district includes a 650-acre site in Pennsauken and a 190-acre site in Palmyra that would qualify for this funding
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Today in Trenton 3/9/11
ASSEMBLY PANEL APPROVES QUIJANO, VAINIERI HUTTLE BILL PROTECTING ELDERLY & DISABLED IN ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES
TRENTON) – An Assembly panel has approved legislation sponsored by Assemblywomen Annette Quijano and Valerie Vainieri Huttle that would protect some of the state’s most vulnerable residents from having their rights abused by assisted living facilities and personal care homes.
The measure (A-3732) would strengthen protections for these patients by codifying into law the more than 40 rights designed to protect a patient’s safety, well-being and privacy; and requiring each facility to provide patients with a copy of these rights.
“Assisted living facilities care for some of our most vulnerable residents, many of whom are in the twilight of their life,” said Quijano (D-Union). “It’s morally incumbent upon us to ensure that they are taken care of with a measure of dignity and respect. Hopefully this measure will help people sleep easier at night, knowing their loved one is being cared for in a dignified manner.”
The legislation was born out of a 2009 report by the state Public Advocate, which found that Assisted Living Concepts was violating its Certificate of Need (the license obtained by the state) by attempting to kick out patients when they ran out of money and became Medicaid-eligible.
“When you have a loved one, particularly a mother or father, who is being cared for by a licensed facility, you hope and pray that they are in the best of hands,” said Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen). “But this shouldn’t be left to chance. We need to put the weight of law behind it to make sure they are receiving the best treatment in a fair manner.”
The bill would require assisted living facilities and comprehensive personal care homes to distribute the statement of resident rights to each resident, and post it in a conspicuous, public place in the facility or home.
In addition, the bill requires providers to inform each resident, the resident’s family member, and the resident’s legally appointed guardian, if applicable, of the resident’s rights, provide explanations if needed, and ensure that each resident, or the resident’s legally appointed guardian, as applicable, signs a copy of the statement of rights.
The measure also builds upon a law (A-3405) passed in January, and sponsored by Vainieri Huttle, that ensures that Medicaid-eligible residents of a state-licensed assisted living residence or comprehensive personal care home, which has promised not to discharge residents who become Medicaid-eligible, are able to reside in another such facility if the former facility opts to surrender its license after making that promise.
The bill, which was reported out of the Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee, would take effect on the 30th day after enactment.
BENSON, MORIARTY CONSUMER PROTECTION MEASURE ADVANCES IN ASSEMBLY
Bill Would Help Prevent Consumers from Getting Roped Into Endless Contracts
(TRENTON) – A consumer protection measure sponsored by Assemblymen Dan Benson and Paul Moriarty has been approved by an Assembly panel, moving New Jersey one step closer to requiring notification to customers when a contract is about to be automatically renewed.
“So many highly-used services out there today include automatic renewal clauses in their contracts,” said Benson (D-Mercer/Middlesex). “In an era of paperless billing and automatic charges to credit cards or bank accounts, consumers often get perpetually roped into extended and costly contracts. By requiring these terms to be clearly displayed and advance notice before renewal, this bill will give consumers the opportunity to make more informed choices for themselves.”
This bill (A-3770) would require businesses that sell or lease any type of service under a contract to clearly inform a consumer if there is an automatic renewal provision tied to the contract and notify the consumer when the automatic renewal provision is about to be activated.
“Sometimes contracts are entered into a year, or even two years, before the automatic renewal clause kicks in,” said Moriarty. “This bill will protect consumers by ensuring that they have the opportunity to cancel any unwanted service prior to renewal of an additional term.”
Specifically, any business or individual that sells or leases (or offers to sell or lease) any service to a consumer that is tied to a contract with an automatic renewal provision must disclose the automatic renewal provision clearly and conspicuously in the contract or contract offer. This provision would apply to contracts offered for a specified period of more than one month, unless the consumer cancels that contract.
The bill also stipulates that when the service contract is for twelve months or longer, and the renewal is for a period of one month or longer, the seller must provide either written or electronic notification to the consumer not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days prior to the cancellation deadline provided in the contract.
In addition, the bill states that this notification to the consumer must disclose that unless the consumer cancels the contract, the contract will automatically renew, and indicate methods by which the consumer may obtain details of the automatic renewal provision and cancellation procedure, whether by contacting the seller at a specified telephone number or address, by referring to the contract, or by any other method.
The bill also stipulates that if an error occurs on the part of the seller, causing them to fail to comply with the provisions of this bill, the unearned portion of the contract subject to the automatic renewal provision shall be refunded to the consumer as of the date on which the seller is notified of the error.
This act would take effect on January 1, 2011, and would apply to service contracts entered into on or after that date.
ASSEMBLY DEMOCRATIC BILLS TO CUT RED TAPE IMPAIRING N.J. BUSINESSES NOW LAW; ADDITIONAL BILLS SET FOR THURSDAY & MONDAY ACTION
Burzichelli, Caputo, Quijano, Giblin, Albano, Milam, & Moriarty Laws Help Create Jobs & Economic Development.
(TRENTON) – Two bills Assembly Democrats sponsored to spark economic development by revising burdensome rules and regulations that impair New Jersey’s business climate are now law, with yet another set for a Thursday hearing and another up for a Monday Assembly vote.
The bills were spearheaded by Assemblyman John Burzichelli, chairman of the Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee that was created to streamline burdensome business regulations.
"New Jerseyans have been waiting for too long for us to find ways to reduce the mountains of regulation affecting their daily lives, while still honoring our responsibility to protect the environment and citizens,” said Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Cumberland/Salem). “We’ve already taken steps to ease burdensome regulations, and these new laws bring about even more reform for the betterment of our state.”
The laws:
· Establish new procedures in the Administrative Procedure Act to allow substantial changes to agency rule-making upon adoption (A-2720). It’s sponsored by Burzichelli, Ralph Caputo and Annette Quijano.
· Streamline the process by which the state issues economic development permits (A-2853). It’s sponsored by Burzichelli, Matthew W. Milam, Nelson T. Albano, Paul Moriarty and Thomas P. Giblin.
“These reforms will go a long way toward less bureaucracy and more productivity for our businesses, boosting our economy and creating jobs,” said Quijano (D-Union).
“Streamlining these regulations is a key step toward creating jobs and a better business environment for our state,” said Caputo (D-Essex).
“We should not be standing in the way of economic development and job creation,” said Milam (D-Atlantic/Cape May/Cumberland). “The last thing we should do to a business looking to expand is put roadblocks in front of it.”
“Promoting economic development and job creation is a top priority,” said Albano (D-Atlantic/Cape May/Cumberland). “Businesses have told us repeatedly that our system is a burden to achieving those goals, so change is needed and that’s just what this bill would accomplish.”
“A thriving business environment clear of unnecessary red tape is also good news for New Jersey’s working class residents,” said Moriarty (D-Gloucester/Camden). “Good jobs go hand-in-hand with a strong business environment.”
“Job-creating New Jersey businesses and our hard-working residents are the ones who will benefit most from this initiative,” said Giblin (D-Essex/Passaic). “This change will bring us a modern system that will help position our economy to thrive and compete in the years ahead.”
"Businesses devoted to economic development and creating jobs that benefit this state shouldn’t have to run through an obstacle course to get the permits they need,” Burzichelli said. “It makes no sense to obstruct economic development, so we need a streamlined system that makes creating jobs as easy as possible.”
The Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee, meanwhile, is scheduled on Thursday to consider an Assembly-approved bill to:
· Modify the process for contested case hearings by the Office of Administrative Law with regard to telephone and video conferences, delegation of final decision authority, oral decisions, checklist decisions, electronic filings and settlements. It’s sponsored by Burzichelli, Quijano and Caputo.
The Assembly on Monday is scheduled to vote on a bill (A-2486) sponsored by Burzichelli that would prohibit adoption of new rules exceeding federal standards unless specifically authorized by state law or necessary to protect public health, safety, or welfare.
TRENTON) – An Assembly panel has approved legislation sponsored by Assemblywomen Annette Quijano and Valerie Vainieri Huttle that would protect some of the state’s most vulnerable residents from having their rights abused by assisted living facilities and personal care homes.
The measure (A-3732) would strengthen protections for these patients by codifying into law the more than 40 rights designed to protect a patient’s safety, well-being and privacy; and requiring each facility to provide patients with a copy of these rights.
“Assisted living facilities care for some of our most vulnerable residents, many of whom are in the twilight of their life,” said Quijano (D-Union). “It’s morally incumbent upon us to ensure that they are taken care of with a measure of dignity and respect. Hopefully this measure will help people sleep easier at night, knowing their loved one is being cared for in a dignified manner.”
The legislation was born out of a 2009 report by the state Public Advocate, which found that Assisted Living Concepts was violating its Certificate of Need (the license obtained by the state) by attempting to kick out patients when they ran out of money and became Medicaid-eligible.
“When you have a loved one, particularly a mother or father, who is being cared for by a licensed facility, you hope and pray that they are in the best of hands,” said Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen). “But this shouldn’t be left to chance. We need to put the weight of law behind it to make sure they are receiving the best treatment in a fair manner.”
The bill would require assisted living facilities and comprehensive personal care homes to distribute the statement of resident rights to each resident, and post it in a conspicuous, public place in the facility or home.
In addition, the bill requires providers to inform each resident, the resident’s family member, and the resident’s legally appointed guardian, if applicable, of the resident’s rights, provide explanations if needed, and ensure that each resident, or the resident’s legally appointed guardian, as applicable, signs a copy of the statement of rights.
The measure also builds upon a law (A-3405) passed in January, and sponsored by Vainieri Huttle, that ensures that Medicaid-eligible residents of a state-licensed assisted living residence or comprehensive personal care home, which has promised not to discharge residents who become Medicaid-eligible, are able to reside in another such facility if the former facility opts to surrender its license after making that promise.
The bill, which was reported out of the Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee, would take effect on the 30th day after enactment.
BENSON, MORIARTY CONSUMER PROTECTION MEASURE ADVANCES IN ASSEMBLY
Bill Would Help Prevent Consumers from Getting Roped Into Endless Contracts
(TRENTON) – A consumer protection measure sponsored by Assemblymen Dan Benson and Paul Moriarty has been approved by an Assembly panel, moving New Jersey one step closer to requiring notification to customers when a contract is about to be automatically renewed.
“So many highly-used services out there today include automatic renewal clauses in their contracts,” said Benson (D-Mercer/Middlesex). “In an era of paperless billing and automatic charges to credit cards or bank accounts, consumers often get perpetually roped into extended and costly contracts. By requiring these terms to be clearly displayed and advance notice before renewal, this bill will give consumers the opportunity to make more informed choices for themselves.”
This bill (A-3770) would require businesses that sell or lease any type of service under a contract to clearly inform a consumer if there is an automatic renewal provision tied to the contract and notify the consumer when the automatic renewal provision is about to be activated.
“Sometimes contracts are entered into a year, or even two years, before the automatic renewal clause kicks in,” said Moriarty. “This bill will protect consumers by ensuring that they have the opportunity to cancel any unwanted service prior to renewal of an additional term.”
Specifically, any business or individual that sells or leases (or offers to sell or lease) any service to a consumer that is tied to a contract with an automatic renewal provision must disclose the automatic renewal provision clearly and conspicuously in the contract or contract offer. This provision would apply to contracts offered for a specified period of more than one month, unless the consumer cancels that contract.
The bill also stipulates that when the service contract is for twelve months or longer, and the renewal is for a period of one month or longer, the seller must provide either written or electronic notification to the consumer not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days prior to the cancellation deadline provided in the contract.
In addition, the bill states that this notification to the consumer must disclose that unless the consumer cancels the contract, the contract will automatically renew, and indicate methods by which the consumer may obtain details of the automatic renewal provision and cancellation procedure, whether by contacting the seller at a specified telephone number or address, by referring to the contract, or by any other method.
The bill also stipulates that if an error occurs on the part of the seller, causing them to fail to comply with the provisions of this bill, the unearned portion of the contract subject to the automatic renewal provision shall be refunded to the consumer as of the date on which the seller is notified of the error.
This act would take effect on January 1, 2011, and would apply to service contracts entered into on or after that date.
ASSEMBLY DEMOCRATIC BILLS TO CUT RED TAPE IMPAIRING N.J. BUSINESSES NOW LAW; ADDITIONAL BILLS SET FOR THURSDAY & MONDAY ACTION
Burzichelli, Caputo, Quijano, Giblin, Albano, Milam, & Moriarty Laws Help Create Jobs & Economic Development.
(TRENTON) – Two bills Assembly Democrats sponsored to spark economic development by revising burdensome rules and regulations that impair New Jersey’s business climate are now law, with yet another set for a Thursday hearing and another up for a Monday Assembly vote.
The bills were spearheaded by Assemblyman John Burzichelli, chairman of the Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee that was created to streamline burdensome business regulations.
"New Jerseyans have been waiting for too long for us to find ways to reduce the mountains of regulation affecting their daily lives, while still honoring our responsibility to protect the environment and citizens,” said Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Cumberland/Salem). “We’ve already taken steps to ease burdensome regulations, and these new laws bring about even more reform for the betterment of our state.”
The laws:
· Establish new procedures in the Administrative Procedure Act to allow substantial changes to agency rule-making upon adoption (A-2720). It’s sponsored by Burzichelli, Ralph Caputo and Annette Quijano.
· Streamline the process by which the state issues economic development permits (A-2853). It’s sponsored by Burzichelli, Matthew W. Milam, Nelson T. Albano, Paul Moriarty and Thomas P. Giblin.
“These reforms will go a long way toward less bureaucracy and more productivity for our businesses, boosting our economy and creating jobs,” said Quijano (D-Union).
“Streamlining these regulations is a key step toward creating jobs and a better business environment for our state,” said Caputo (D-Essex).
“We should not be standing in the way of economic development and job creation,” said Milam (D-Atlantic/Cape May/Cumberland). “The last thing we should do to a business looking to expand is put roadblocks in front of it.”
“Promoting economic development and job creation is a top priority,” said Albano (D-Atlantic/Cape May/Cumberland). “Businesses have told us repeatedly that our system is a burden to achieving those goals, so change is needed and that’s just what this bill would accomplish.”
“A thriving business environment clear of unnecessary red tape is also good news for New Jersey’s working class residents,” said Moriarty (D-Gloucester/Camden). “Good jobs go hand-in-hand with a strong business environment.”
“Job-creating New Jersey businesses and our hard-working residents are the ones who will benefit most from this initiative,” said Giblin (D-Essex/Passaic). “This change will bring us a modern system that will help position our economy to thrive and compete in the years ahead.”
"Businesses devoted to economic development and creating jobs that benefit this state shouldn’t have to run through an obstacle course to get the permits they need,” Burzichelli said. “It makes no sense to obstruct economic development, so we need a streamlined system that makes creating jobs as easy as possible.”
The Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee, meanwhile, is scheduled on Thursday to consider an Assembly-approved bill to:
· Modify the process for contested case hearings by the Office of Administrative Law with regard to telephone and video conferences, delegation of final decision authority, oral decisions, checklist decisions, electronic filings and settlements. It’s sponsored by Burzichelli, Quijano and Caputo.
The Assembly on Monday is scheduled to vote on a bill (A-2486) sponsored by Burzichelli that would prohibit adoption of new rules exceeding federal standards unless specifically authorized by state law or necessary to protect public health, safety, or welfare.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Today in Trenton 3/8/11
POU, QUIGLEY, WATSON COLEMAN POINT TO TRAGIC IRONY OF CHRISTIE CUTS AS WORLD CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
(TRENTON) – As the global community today celebrates the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, the Democratic women on the Assembly Budget Committee pointed out the tragic irony that in New Jersey women are suffering monumental setbacks under the Christie administration.
“As countries around the world, even those far less progressive than the United States, celebrate major advancements for women, in New Jersey we are witnessing budget choices that have left women stripped of critical access to health care,” said Assemblywoman Nellie Pou (D-Bergen/Passaic). “On this 100th anniversary, New Jersey has unfortunately taken a monumental step backwards.”
“For the second straight year, the Christie administration has decided that access to cancer screenings, birth control and preventative care are unimportant for the working poor women of this state,” said Assemblywoman Joan Quigley (D-Bergen/Hudson). “New Jersey has long been known as a progressive and compassionate state, but under the Christie administration we have taken a major step in the wrong direction.”
“It is tragic that the ‘new normal’ under Governor Christie means adjusting to a lower standard of living unless you are part of the wealthiest one percent in this state,” said Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Mercer). “With unemployment still hovering at near record levels, this is no time to be balancing our budget on the backs of the working poor and the middle class.”
Since 1911, the global community has marked International Women's Day (8 March) with a celebration that has expanded over the years to honor the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. In some places like China, Russia, Vietnam and Bulgaria, International Women's Day is a national holiday.
The lawmakers noted, however, that in New Jersey, for the second straight year, the Christie administration has proposed eliminating the entire state subsidy for vital women’s health and family planning services to some of New Jersey’s poorest women. In the past, the $7.5 million subsidy provided by the state helped family planning and health centers throughout the state service more than 136,000 patients, preventing 40,000 pregnancies and 19,000 abortions and saving the state more than $150 million.
These services involve contraception; routine gynecological exams; screening for high blood pressure, anemia and diabetes; breast and cervical cancer screening and education; screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections; HIV testing and counseling, pre-pregnancy counseling and education; pregnancy testing and confirmation; and prenatal care.
ASSEMBLY DEMOCRATS: FIRST BUDGET HEARING SHOWS CHRISTIE BUDGET OUT-OF-STEP WITH NEW JERSEY WORKING CLASS
(TRENTON) – Assembly Budget Committee Democrats released the following statements Tuesday as the panel convened the first public hearing on Gov. Chris Christie’s proposed state budget:
Assembly Budget Chairman Lou Greenwald (D-Camden):
“Today’s hearing makes it even more clear that Gov. Christie’s priorities are not those of working class New Jersey families.
“As we heard today, time and again this governor pushes the heaviest burden onto the backs of working class New Jerseyans through increased property taxes and reduced access to quality health care, whether it be for women and children or assistance for the blind.
“This may please the national conservatives, but it does nothing for middle-class and poor New Jerseyans struggling to make ends meet and get the health care they need.
“We have a lot of work ahead of us to ensure this Christie budget does its best to meet the needs of hard-working New Jerseyans.”
Assembly Budget Vice Chairman Gary Schaer (D-Passaic/Bergen/Essex):
“Once again our state faces imposing budget woes for next fiscal year, and many services we’ve come to depend on will be curtailed, but that’s why it’s especially important that this budget represent shared sacrifice for all New Jerseyans.
“The governor’s plan again targets working families with the heaviest burdens while reaffirming policies that have created an unprecedented wealth gap in the United States. That is not good news for our middle-class and poor.”
Assembly Appropriations Chairwoman Nellie Pou (D-Passaic/Bergen):
“Everyone knows these are tough economic times, which is why we need a state budget that lifts hard-working New Jerseyans struggling daily to make ends meet.
“We do not need another budget that targets working class New Jersey families. We do not need another budget that attacks the health care so many women and families need for their quality of life.
“We will take a close look at the governor’s budget plan, but the result cannot be more property tax increases and less access to health care.”
Assemblyman John Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland):
“Today’s hearing shines a light on how this budget will do little to help middle-class and poor New Jerseyans struggling with property tax increases.
“Sadly, this budget represents more of the same Christie policies of pushing the property tax burden onto working families. Hopefully, the governor will be willing to work with us to ease that blow and ensure this budget is built upon shared sacrifice by everyone.”
Assemblyman Albert Coutinho (D-Essex):
“This budget plan, as we heard today, puts our health care safety net at risk and increases the burden on working class families struggling to make ends meet. New Jerseyans deserve better than a plan that exacerbates the struggles of middle-class and poor families.
“The governor has made a regular pattern out of disinvesting in cities, whether it be going after economic development incentives or threatening the financial wellbeing of hospitals and health clinics. This cannot continue or we’ll be dealing with even worse problems.”
Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Mercer):
“The governor has repeatedly attacked women’s health care and working class values since the day he took office, so it should be no surprise that the testimony we heard here today shows the assault continues.
"This Christie budget plan does not represent the core values of working class New Jerseyans. It does not represent shared sacrifice, create jobs, provide adequate property tax relief or preserve the health care so vital to working families.”
(TRENTON) – As the global community today celebrates the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, the Democratic women on the Assembly Budget Committee pointed out the tragic irony that in New Jersey women are suffering monumental setbacks under the Christie administration.
“As countries around the world, even those far less progressive than the United States, celebrate major advancements for women, in New Jersey we are witnessing budget choices that have left women stripped of critical access to health care,” said Assemblywoman Nellie Pou (D-Bergen/Passaic). “On this 100th anniversary, New Jersey has unfortunately taken a monumental step backwards.”
“For the second straight year, the Christie administration has decided that access to cancer screenings, birth control and preventative care are unimportant for the working poor women of this state,” said Assemblywoman Joan Quigley (D-Bergen/Hudson). “New Jersey has long been known as a progressive and compassionate state, but under the Christie administration we have taken a major step in the wrong direction.”
“It is tragic that the ‘new normal’ under Governor Christie means adjusting to a lower standard of living unless you are part of the wealthiest one percent in this state,” said Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Mercer). “With unemployment still hovering at near record levels, this is no time to be balancing our budget on the backs of the working poor and the middle class.”
Since 1911, the global community has marked International Women's Day (8 March) with a celebration that has expanded over the years to honor the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. In some places like China, Russia, Vietnam and Bulgaria, International Women's Day is a national holiday.
The lawmakers noted, however, that in New Jersey, for the second straight year, the Christie administration has proposed eliminating the entire state subsidy for vital women’s health and family planning services to some of New Jersey’s poorest women. In the past, the $7.5 million subsidy provided by the state helped family planning and health centers throughout the state service more than 136,000 patients, preventing 40,000 pregnancies and 19,000 abortions and saving the state more than $150 million.
These services involve contraception; routine gynecological exams; screening for high blood pressure, anemia and diabetes; breast and cervical cancer screening and education; screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections; HIV testing and counseling, pre-pregnancy counseling and education; pregnancy testing and confirmation; and prenatal care.
ASSEMBLY DEMOCRATS: FIRST BUDGET HEARING SHOWS CHRISTIE BUDGET OUT-OF-STEP WITH NEW JERSEY WORKING CLASS
(TRENTON) – Assembly Budget Committee Democrats released the following statements Tuesday as the panel convened the first public hearing on Gov. Chris Christie’s proposed state budget:
Assembly Budget Chairman Lou Greenwald (D-Camden):
“Today’s hearing makes it even more clear that Gov. Christie’s priorities are not those of working class New Jersey families.
“As we heard today, time and again this governor pushes the heaviest burden onto the backs of working class New Jerseyans through increased property taxes and reduced access to quality health care, whether it be for women and children or assistance for the blind.
“This may please the national conservatives, but it does nothing for middle-class and poor New Jerseyans struggling to make ends meet and get the health care they need.
“We have a lot of work ahead of us to ensure this Christie budget does its best to meet the needs of hard-working New Jerseyans.”
Assembly Budget Vice Chairman Gary Schaer (D-Passaic/Bergen/Essex):
“Once again our state faces imposing budget woes for next fiscal year, and many services we’ve come to depend on will be curtailed, but that’s why it’s especially important that this budget represent shared sacrifice for all New Jerseyans.
“The governor’s plan again targets working families with the heaviest burdens while reaffirming policies that have created an unprecedented wealth gap in the United States. That is not good news for our middle-class and poor.”
Assembly Appropriations Chairwoman Nellie Pou (D-Passaic/Bergen):
“Everyone knows these are tough economic times, which is why we need a state budget that lifts hard-working New Jerseyans struggling daily to make ends meet.
“We do not need another budget that targets working class New Jersey families. We do not need another budget that attacks the health care so many women and families need for their quality of life.
“We will take a close look at the governor’s budget plan, but the result cannot be more property tax increases and less access to health care.”
Assemblyman John Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland):
“Today’s hearing shines a light on how this budget will do little to help middle-class and poor New Jerseyans struggling with property tax increases.
“Sadly, this budget represents more of the same Christie policies of pushing the property tax burden onto working families. Hopefully, the governor will be willing to work with us to ease that blow and ensure this budget is built upon shared sacrifice by everyone.”
Assemblyman Albert Coutinho (D-Essex):
“This budget plan, as we heard today, puts our health care safety net at risk and increases the burden on working class families struggling to make ends meet. New Jerseyans deserve better than a plan that exacerbates the struggles of middle-class and poor families.
“The governor has made a regular pattern out of disinvesting in cities, whether it be going after economic development incentives or threatening the financial wellbeing of hospitals and health clinics. This cannot continue or we’ll be dealing with even worse problems.”
Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Mercer):
“The governor has repeatedly attacked women’s health care and working class values since the day he took office, so it should be no surprise that the testimony we heard here today shows the assault continues.
"This Christie budget plan does not represent the core values of working class New Jerseyans. It does not represent shared sacrifice, create jobs, provide adequate property tax relief or preserve the health care so vital to working families.”
Friday, March 4, 2011
Utterly groundless by free public service freely offered
Right now, I am currently spending my time in Trenton dealing with the budget, affordable housing, the cap and all of the other issues that are going to affect the taxpayers here in the state of NJ. I am hoping in the future people like Dan Damon (a person with a history of misleading the public with lies and misinformation, who has proven himself more of a problem to the city of Plainfield then any other citizen) will focus on the issues and stop constantly misrepresenting them. Today in his blog, I am included in the concerns that he has about the PMUA.
First, I am supportive of the people of Plainfield. I am supportive of the city’s agencies. Contrary to Dan’s continued and misleading commentaries, I do not make the decisions concerning the city of Plainfield. We have a city council that has been controlled by his friends for years. Members of this council are responsible for some of the problems that we have had at the PMUA.What Dan forgets to disclose is that his partner(the number one love in his life)was a PMUA commissioner. Surely, there were many opportunities in the past for Dan to address PMUA issues. However, this did not happen, no articles or press were written during this time. Could it be due to his partner receiving $4,500 per year with full medical benefits? Or was Dan content with his own $65,000 position plus full benefits? Nonetheless, during this period, Dan had no issue with the structure for the PMUA commissioners nor did he voice complaints about his annual $65,000 salary for a city position with no merit as there is nothing substantiating the duties that he performed to earn this salary. Where was Dan then with his cry for free public service? It does not appear that Dan or his partner were left utterly groundless by free public service freely offered? In reviewing the history of events it appears that you both were sitting pretty, fat and happy.
The cry of investigation should start with the misuse precipitated through appointments in the prior administration. Appointments of commissioners such as your partner, a commissioner that was not effective yet effectively drew a paycheck.
Dan continuously attempts to switch the blame of Plainfield’s issues to others, especially to me. His actions show a severe lack of respect for the people of Plainfield. This is alarming being that Dan and his partner have been adversarial to any positive development in the city’s government from day one of their involvement.
Dan as you read this, understand that I realize that it is campaign time but can we focus on issues? What is your service record, what are your contributions of service to the city of Plainfield? I have a record and I am proud of it. I work everyday, 50+ hours per week, my job is a fulltime job.
P.s.
There is no mention of the city council members in today’s blog. Are your readers aware that council members are paid $10,000 plus full medical benefits? Are they aware that a majority of the council members don’t do anything at all except show up for their paycheck?
First, I am supportive of the people of Plainfield. I am supportive of the city’s agencies. Contrary to Dan’s continued and misleading commentaries, I do not make the decisions concerning the city of Plainfield. We have a city council that has been controlled by his friends for years. Members of this council are responsible for some of the problems that we have had at the PMUA.What Dan forgets to disclose is that his partner(the number one love in his life)was a PMUA commissioner. Surely, there were many opportunities in the past for Dan to address PMUA issues. However, this did not happen, no articles or press were written during this time. Could it be due to his partner receiving $4,500 per year with full medical benefits? Or was Dan content with his own $65,000 position plus full benefits? Nonetheless, during this period, Dan had no issue with the structure for the PMUA commissioners nor did he voice complaints about his annual $65,000 salary for a city position with no merit as there is nothing substantiating the duties that he performed to earn this salary. Where was Dan then with his cry for free public service? It does not appear that Dan or his partner were left utterly groundless by free public service freely offered? In reviewing the history of events it appears that you both were sitting pretty, fat and happy.
The cry of investigation should start with the misuse precipitated through appointments in the prior administration. Appointments of commissioners such as your partner, a commissioner that was not effective yet effectively drew a paycheck.
Dan continuously attempts to switch the blame of Plainfield’s issues to others, especially to me. His actions show a severe lack of respect for the people of Plainfield. This is alarming being that Dan and his partner have been adversarial to any positive development in the city’s government from day one of their involvement.
Dan as you read this, understand that I realize that it is campaign time but can we focus on issues? What is your service record, what are your contributions of service to the city of Plainfield? I have a record and I am proud of it. I work everyday, 50+ hours per week, my job is a fulltime job.
P.s.
There is no mention of the city council members in today’s blog. Are your readers aware that council members are paid $10,000 plus full medical benefits? Are they aware that a majority of the council members don’t do anything at all except show up for their paycheck?
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Today in Trenton 3/2/11
ASSEMBLY & SENATE TO MOVE TO OVERRIDE CHRISTIE JOB-KILLING VETOES & CONSIDER NEW DEMOCRATIC TAX CUT MEASURES
(TRENTON) - The Assembly and Senate on Thursday will meet to advance new job-creating Democratic business tax cuts and overturn Gov. Chris Christie's job-killing vetoes.
Both sessions are scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday and will streamed live at http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/media/live_audio.asp.
Both houses will move to override Feb. 18 vetoes by the governor on job creation and economic development bills approved by the Legislature as part of its Back to Work NJ package. They will also advance new corporate tax reform legislation similar to the bills recently vetoed by the governor, only to be included in his proposed budget just four days later.
Both houses will consider the following new legislation:
· A bill (A-3869/S-2753) to streamline corporate tax laws and encourage more businesses to locate in New Jersey by modifying the formula used to determine the corporate income subject to tax by the state from a three-factor formula to a single-sales factor formula. This is a slightly revised version of a bill (A-1637/S-1646) approved by the Legislature in January, only to be vetoed by the governor, then included in his budget four days later.
· A bill (A-3870/S-2754) to provide a vital tax break to the small businesses that employ many New Jerseyans by giving small business owners the same ability to recoup losses over 20 years that large corporations currently enjoy. This is a slightly revised version of a bill (A-3535/S-1540) approved by the Legislature in January, only to be vetoed by the governor, then included in his budget four days later.
The Assembly will move to override the following vetoes:
· A-2215, to allow developers to receive low-interest New Jersey Economic Development Authority loans when building environmentally friendly buildings.
· A-3353, to establish a fund to attract economic development projects to New Jersey.
· A-3513, to establish a loan redemption program for students who enter fields suffering from labor shortages.
· A-3584, to create the "Back to Work NJ" job creation program to provide on-the-job training for out-of-work New Jerseyans.
The Senate will move to override the following vetoes:
· S-690, to expand the state's existing film and digital media production tax credit programs.
· S-1216, to permits small, women or minority owned businesses located in designated regional centers to qualify for loans from EDA as if located in designated urban center.
· S-2345, to expand the gross income tax exclusion for pensions, annuities and other retirement income for senior citizens.
· S-2398, to direct the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and Commission on Higher Education to promote the establishment of higher education and business partnerships.
· S-2454, to provide tax credits for investing in New Jersey emerging technology businesses.
Both houses will be prepared to immediately consider override measures that pass the other house.
O'DONNELL INTRODUCES PVSC REFORM BILL REQUIRING MORE ACCOUNTABILITY AND ACCESS
Publicly Funded Entity Must be Held Accountable
(TRENTON) - Assemblyman Jason O'Donnell has introduced legislation aimed at restoring public confidence in the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission (PVSC). As an Assemblyman for two communities served by the PVSC, O'Donnell believes his legislation will establish both transparency and accountability.
"The events and practices at PVSC that have come to light within the past few months have been unacceptable. As a public entity, PVSC needs to be held to a higher standard of accountability to the people it serves," said Assemblyman O'Donnell, (D-31). "This legislation will revise the law governing the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commissioners and ensure that their business is conducted in full view of the public."
Bill A-3820 will establish the following:
· Commissioners must come from member communities and must be an equal number from each county served;
· Commissioners can serve for only a single five-year term and may not be reappointed;
· Authority budget and annual capital plan must be submitted to governing bodies of member communities for review and approval;
· Budget must contain a list of all employees who earn over $75,000 per year and a description of their duties;
· No pay or benefits will be provided for commissioners;
· Commissioners may not be employed by the authority they serve for five years after their term expires;
· Meetings must be taped and a video of the authority's proceedings must be made available within 48 hours for broadcast in member communities; and,
· Annual budget, audit, agendas and meeting minutes must be made available on the agencies website.
O'Donnell stated that by having Commissioners from the communities that pay the PVSC bills, there is more likely to be a sense of responsibility for the actions of the Commissioners.
"I think that these measures go a long way towards eliminating any future possibility of an entrenched, faceless bureaucracy that operates without public scrutiny," said O'Donnell. "Our citizens and businesses who pay the PVSC's charges should be able to have confidence that their money is being well spent."
GREENWALD RELEASES ASSEMBLY BUDGET PANEL PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULE
(TRENTON) - Assembly Budget Committee Chairman Lou Greenwald on Wednesday announced residents will have three opportunities in the coming weeks to address the Assembly Budget Committee on Gov. Chris Christie's proposed state budget for next fiscal year.
"I firmly believe that these public hearings are among the most important sessions this committee holds each year," said Greenwald (D-Camden). "It's a chance for lively public discussion with citizens directly impacted by the governor's proposal. We stay all day long and into the night and listen to every idea and opinion. It's an invaluable opportunity to hear from constituents and try to match the needs of the communities with fiscal realities."
This year's public hearings will be held:
· Tuesday, March 8 at 9:30 a.m. at the State House Annex, Fourth Floor, Committee Room 11 in Trenton. Topics - Health, Human Services, Senior, Family and Children's Issues.
· Wednesday, March 16 at 9:30 a.m. at the University Hall Conference Center, Montclair State University, 1 Normal Ave. in Montclair. Topics - Education, Higher Education and Local Government Issues.
· Wednesday, March 23 at 9:30 a.m. at Camden County College, Blackwood Campus, 311 College Drive in Blackwood. Topics - Public Safety, Economic Development, Transportation, Environment, Arts, History and Cultural Issues and all other subjects not listed above.
"The governor's budget proposal is the same-old-same-old, again putting the heaviest property tax burden on working class New Jerseyans and continuing his assault on women's health care," Greenwald said. "That's why it's more important than ever for everyone to provide potential solutions that ensure true shared sacrifice, create jobs and protect our most vulnerable."
Persons wishing to testify can register online by visiting www.njleg.state.nj.us and clicking on "online registration" under the "Budget Public Hearings" heading. Those wishing to testify can also call the Legislative Budget and Finance Office at (609) 292-1170 to register by phone. Those presenting written testimony are asked to provide 20 copies on the day of the hearing.
For questions or other inquiries call (609) 292-8030.
GREENWALD ASKS FOR PROMPT DETAILING OF STATE PLANS TO PAY FOR SNOW REMOVAL
(TRENTON) - Assembly Budget Chairman Lou Greenwald sent a letter to the state transportation commissioner Wednesday requesting a prompt detailing of how the department plans to pay for this season's snow removal.
The letter comes after a story in The Star-Ledger indicated that snow removal costs for this fiscal year have reached $44.4 million, more than double the amount originally appropriated.
The article also indicated that the DOT will wait until the end of the snow season to come to the Legislature to request the additional appropriations authority and in the interim will transfer funds from other accounts to cover costs.
"While understanding the importance of the snow removal operation and the need to respond to every snow event, we are now fully engaged in the budget process and need to be informed promptly of significant expenditures in excess of the budgeted amounts," Greenwald wrote. "We need to review the most up-to-date data available while recognizing that there is more than a month left in snow season and final revisions may need to be submitted later."
Greenwald asked for the following information:
· From which DOT accounts and at what level of funding will the state be transferring funds to pay for snow removal?
· What is the impact of these transfers on the Dest accounts?
· Will any of these transfers require Joint Budget Oversight Committee approval?
· How much does the state expect to be reimbursed from the federal government for our request for federal disaster reimbursement to cover damages and costs related to the severe snow storms that impacted 13 New Jersey counties on December 26-27, 2010?
· How much of this funding would go to the state and how much to the municipalities and counties?
ASSEMBLY OKAYS JOHNSON & VAINIERI HUTTLE BILL TO PROMOTE ONLINE GIVING AS DONATIONS DECLINE NATIONWIDE
Legislation Assemblyman Gordon M. Johnson and Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle sponsored to encourage more online donations to many of the beneficial programs intrinsically linked to New Jersey has cleared the full Assembly.
The bill (A-2727), approved by a vote of 77 - 0, would provide easy, online access to make donations to the special funds listed on New Jersey's gross income tax return forms.
"In this day and age, it's just common sense to let people donate online and not just on their tax returns," said Johnson (D-Bergen). "If we can provide residents with the knowledge and access to lend a helping hand, I have no doubt that we can increase support for many of New Jersey's worthwhile programs."
"We know that New Jerseyans have big hearts and, if given the opportunity, they always rise to the occasion," said Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen). "With more and more people filing their taxes online, it's important that we take advantage of these tools to promote the worthwhile programs near and dear to our state, which are in need of support."
Currently, only the New Jersey Children's Trust Fund to Prevent Child Abuse, one of a handful of specific tax check-off items listed on New Jersey's gross income tax return, allows for online donations.
This bill would require the state Division of Taxation to create a separate online donation form for any of the special funds designated under current law, including the NJ Endangered Wildlife Fund, the NJ Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Fund, the NJ Breast Cancer Research Fund, the state's Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Program, and the U.S.S. New Jersey Educational Museum Fund.
According to a June report from the Giving U SA Foundation and the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, total charitable contributions nationwide declined for the first time since 1987, down 3.6 percent in 2009. It was also just the second decline in contributions since the foundation began publishing annual reports in 1956.
Roughly 50 to 60 percent of organizations that provided data to the Giving USA Foundation reported lower gift receipts in 2009 than in 2008. Hit particularly hard were charities that promote education and the arts, which suffered two consecutive years of decline. They lost 8.8 percent and 8.7 percent of donations, respectively, between 2007 and 2009.
(TRENTON) - The Assembly and Senate on Thursday will meet to advance new job-creating Democratic business tax cuts and overturn Gov. Chris Christie's job-killing vetoes.
Both sessions are scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday and will streamed live at http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/media/live_audio.asp.
Both houses will move to override Feb. 18 vetoes by the governor on job creation and economic development bills approved by the Legislature as part of its Back to Work NJ package. They will also advance new corporate tax reform legislation similar to the bills recently vetoed by the governor, only to be included in his proposed budget just four days later.
Both houses will consider the following new legislation:
· A bill (A-3869/S-2753) to streamline corporate tax laws and encourage more businesses to locate in New Jersey by modifying the formula used to determine the corporate income subject to tax by the state from a three-factor formula to a single-sales factor formula. This is a slightly revised version of a bill (A-1637/S-1646) approved by the Legislature in January, only to be vetoed by the governor, then included in his budget four days later.
· A bill (A-3870/S-2754) to provide a vital tax break to the small businesses that employ many New Jerseyans by giving small business owners the same ability to recoup losses over 20 years that large corporations currently enjoy. This is a slightly revised version of a bill (A-3535/S-1540) approved by the Legislature in January, only to be vetoed by the governor, then included in his budget four days later.
The Assembly will move to override the following vetoes:
· A-2215, to allow developers to receive low-interest New Jersey Economic Development Authority loans when building environmentally friendly buildings.
· A-3353, to establish a fund to attract economic development projects to New Jersey.
· A-3513, to establish a loan redemption program for students who enter fields suffering from labor shortages.
· A-3584, to create the "Back to Work NJ" job creation program to provide on-the-job training for out-of-work New Jerseyans.
The Senate will move to override the following vetoes:
· S-690, to expand the state's existing film and digital media production tax credit programs.
· S-1216, to permits small, women or minority owned businesses located in designated regional centers to qualify for loans from EDA as if located in designated urban center.
· S-2345, to expand the gross income tax exclusion for pensions, annuities and other retirement income for senior citizens.
· S-2398, to direct the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and Commission on Higher Education to promote the establishment of higher education and business partnerships.
· S-2454, to provide tax credits for investing in New Jersey emerging technology businesses.
Both houses will be prepared to immediately consider override measures that pass the other house.
O'DONNELL INTRODUCES PVSC REFORM BILL REQUIRING MORE ACCOUNTABILITY AND ACCESS
Publicly Funded Entity Must be Held Accountable
(TRENTON) - Assemblyman Jason O'Donnell has introduced legislation aimed at restoring public confidence in the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission (PVSC). As an Assemblyman for two communities served by the PVSC, O'Donnell believes his legislation will establish both transparency and accountability.
"The events and practices at PVSC that have come to light within the past few months have been unacceptable. As a public entity, PVSC needs to be held to a higher standard of accountability to the people it serves," said Assemblyman O'Donnell, (D-31). "This legislation will revise the law governing the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commissioners and ensure that their business is conducted in full view of the public."
Bill A-3820 will establish the following:
· Commissioners must come from member communities and must be an equal number from each county served;
· Commissioners can serve for only a single five-year term and may not be reappointed;
· Authority budget and annual capital plan must be submitted to governing bodies of member communities for review and approval;
· Budget must contain a list of all employees who earn over $75,000 per year and a description of their duties;
· No pay or benefits will be provided for commissioners;
· Commissioners may not be employed by the authority they serve for five years after their term expires;
· Meetings must be taped and a video of the authority's proceedings must be made available within 48 hours for broadcast in member communities; and,
· Annual budget, audit, agendas and meeting minutes must be made available on the agencies website.
O'Donnell stated that by having Commissioners from the communities that pay the PVSC bills, there is more likely to be a sense of responsibility for the actions of the Commissioners.
"I think that these measures go a long way towards eliminating any future possibility of an entrenched, faceless bureaucracy that operates without public scrutiny," said O'Donnell. "Our citizens and businesses who pay the PVSC's charges should be able to have confidence that their money is being well spent."
GREENWALD RELEASES ASSEMBLY BUDGET PANEL PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULE
(TRENTON) - Assembly Budget Committee Chairman Lou Greenwald on Wednesday announced residents will have three opportunities in the coming weeks to address the Assembly Budget Committee on Gov. Chris Christie's proposed state budget for next fiscal year.
"I firmly believe that these public hearings are among the most important sessions this committee holds each year," said Greenwald (D-Camden). "It's a chance for lively public discussion with citizens directly impacted by the governor's proposal. We stay all day long and into the night and listen to every idea and opinion. It's an invaluable opportunity to hear from constituents and try to match the needs of the communities with fiscal realities."
This year's public hearings will be held:
· Tuesday, March 8 at 9:30 a.m. at the State House Annex, Fourth Floor, Committee Room 11 in Trenton. Topics - Health, Human Services, Senior, Family and Children's Issues.
· Wednesday, March 16 at 9:30 a.m. at the University Hall Conference Center, Montclair State University, 1 Normal Ave. in Montclair. Topics - Education, Higher Education and Local Government Issues.
· Wednesday, March 23 at 9:30 a.m. at Camden County College, Blackwood Campus, 311 College Drive in Blackwood. Topics - Public Safety, Economic Development, Transportation, Environment, Arts, History and Cultural Issues and all other subjects not listed above.
"The governor's budget proposal is the same-old-same-old, again putting the heaviest property tax burden on working class New Jerseyans and continuing his assault on women's health care," Greenwald said. "That's why it's more important than ever for everyone to provide potential solutions that ensure true shared sacrifice, create jobs and protect our most vulnerable."
Persons wishing to testify can register online by visiting www.njleg.state.nj.us and clicking on "online registration" under the "Budget Public Hearings" heading. Those wishing to testify can also call the Legislative Budget and Finance Office at (609) 292-1170 to register by phone. Those presenting written testimony are asked to provide 20 copies on the day of the hearing.
For questions or other inquiries call (609) 292-8030.
GREENWALD ASKS FOR PROMPT DETAILING OF STATE PLANS TO PAY FOR SNOW REMOVAL
(TRENTON) - Assembly Budget Chairman Lou Greenwald sent a letter to the state transportation commissioner Wednesday requesting a prompt detailing of how the department plans to pay for this season's snow removal.
The letter comes after a story in The Star-Ledger indicated that snow removal costs for this fiscal year have reached $44.4 million, more than double the amount originally appropriated.
The article also indicated that the DOT will wait until the end of the snow season to come to the Legislature to request the additional appropriations authority and in the interim will transfer funds from other accounts to cover costs.
"While understanding the importance of the snow removal operation and the need to respond to every snow event, we are now fully engaged in the budget process and need to be informed promptly of significant expenditures in excess of the budgeted amounts," Greenwald wrote. "We need to review the most up-to-date data available while recognizing that there is more than a month left in snow season and final revisions may need to be submitted later."
Greenwald asked for the following information:
· From which DOT accounts and at what level of funding will the state be transferring funds to pay for snow removal?
· What is the impact of these transfers on the Dest accounts?
· Will any of these transfers require Joint Budget Oversight Committee approval?
· How much does the state expect to be reimbursed from the federal government for our request for federal disaster reimbursement to cover damages and costs related to the severe snow storms that impacted 13 New Jersey counties on December 26-27, 2010?
· How much of this funding would go to the state and how much to the municipalities and counties?
ASSEMBLY OKAYS JOHNSON & VAINIERI HUTTLE BILL TO PROMOTE ONLINE GIVING AS DONATIONS DECLINE NATIONWIDE
Legislation Assemblyman Gordon M. Johnson and Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle sponsored to encourage more online donations to many of the beneficial programs intrinsically linked to New Jersey has cleared the full Assembly.
The bill (A-2727), approved by a vote of 77 - 0, would provide easy, online access to make donations to the special funds listed on New Jersey's gross income tax return forms.
"In this day and age, it's just common sense to let people donate online and not just on their tax returns," said Johnson (D-Bergen). "If we can provide residents with the knowledge and access to lend a helping hand, I have no doubt that we can increase support for many of New Jersey's worthwhile programs."
"We know that New Jerseyans have big hearts and, if given the opportunity, they always rise to the occasion," said Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen). "With more and more people filing their taxes online, it's important that we take advantage of these tools to promote the worthwhile programs near and dear to our state, which are in need of support."
Currently, only the New Jersey Children's Trust Fund to Prevent Child Abuse, one of a handful of specific tax check-off items listed on New Jersey's gross income tax return, allows for online donations.
This bill would require the state Division of Taxation to create a separate online donation form for any of the special funds designated under current law, including the NJ Endangered Wildlife Fund, the NJ Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Fund, the NJ Breast Cancer Research Fund, the state's Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Program, and the U.S.S. New Jersey Educational Museum Fund.
According to a June report from the Giving U SA Foundation and the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, total charitable contributions nationwide declined for the first time since 1987, down 3.6 percent in 2009. It was also just the second decline in contributions since the foundation began publishing annual reports in 1956.
Roughly 50 to 60 percent of organizations that provided data to the Giving USA Foundation reported lower gift receipts in 2009 than in 2008. Hit particularly hard were charities that promote education and the arts, which suffered two consecutive years of decline. They lost 8.8 percent and 8.7 percent of donations, respectively, between 2007 and 2009.
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