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Showing posts with label Legislation. Show all posts

Showing posts with label Legislation. Show all posts

Christie Signs Measure To Help Small Business

Continuing the Christie Administration’s efforts to streamline government bureaucracy, assist small businesses to succeed and grow in New Jersey and improve the state’s climate for job growth, Governor Chris Christie signed into law A-3195. The measure establishes a program within the Department of State to assist small businesses in identifying all of the financial assistance programs for which those businesses may be eligible. This program will help small businesses navigate the numerous finance, incentive and assistance programs administered by various State departments and entities that are available to these businesses.

A-3195 sponsors included Assemblymembers Greenstein (D-Mercer, Middlesex), DeAngelo (D-Mercer, Middlesex), Watson Coleman (D-Mercer), Lampitt (D-Camden), Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen), Conaway (D-Burlington, Camden), and Benson (D-Mercer, Middlesex). Senate sponsors for the substituted bill included Senators Beach (D-Camden) and Whelan (D-Atlantic).

Christie Signs Law Banning 'Designer Drugs'

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie yesterday signed SCS-2829, criminalizing the manufacturing, distribution, sales, and possession of designer drugs labeled as "bath salts" in New Jersey. The bill, known as “Pamela’s Law,” was named in memory of Pamela Schmidt, a Rutgers student and resident of Warren Township, who was believed to have been murdered by an individual under the influence of “bath salts.” The measure codifies previous action taken by the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety.

In signing the legislation, Governor Christie noted, “By signing Pamela’s Law, we are continuing to address the real world impact of these so-called ‘bath salt’ designer drugs that have already negatively impacted the lives of too many New Jerseyans. These chemicals have no valid medical use and can only cause life-threatening harm to those who ingest them. This action, coupled with our efforts statewide to raise awareness of the dangers of these and other drugs, will give law enforcement the tools they need to properly address the proliferation of these drugs and help us to ensure that needless and senseless additional damage is not caused to families in our state.”

These designer drugs, labeled as "bath salts," have been associated with intense, severe side effects that have led to suicidal thoughts, self-mutilation, and violent outbursts. They are frequently marketed as “cocaine substitutes” and recently had been available for purchase on the internet and in retail establishments such as gas stations, convenience stores, and smoke shops. Unlike other legitimate substances that are misused to produce a high, like glue or gasoline, these “bath salts” have no other legitimate purpose other than as a synthetic drug.

The new law makes the following chemicals Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS):

· 3,4 – Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV)

· 4 – Methylmethcathinone (Mephedrone, 4-MMC)

· 3,4 – Methylenedioxymethcathinone (Methylone, MDMC)

· 4 – Fluoromethcathinone (Flephedrone, 4-FMC)

· 3 – Fluoromethcathinone (3-FMC)

· 4 – Methoxymethcathinone (Methedrone, bk-PMMA, PMMC)

The contents of individual packets of designer drugs labeled as "bath salts" vary, but have generally been found to include at least one of these chemicals. The chemicals are synthetic derivatives of cathinone, which is already a Schedule I CDS under Federal law.

In April, Thomas R. Calcagni, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety, reclassified six substances to Schedule I of the “New Jersey Controlled Dangerous Substances Act.” Since issuing the Order, the Division of Consumer Affairs, with the assistance of the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System and local law enforcement, has been monitoring the increasing prevalence of these drugs within New Jersey. At the time of the Order, New Jersey was believed to be the third state to take expedited action classifying the six so-called "bath salts" designer drug chemicals as Schedule I CDS. SCS-2829 creates a separate statute in the NJ Criminal Code for these substances that will allow law enforcement to prevent the sale, distribution and possession of “bath salts."

SCS-2829 sponsors include Anthony R. Bucco (R-Morris), and Christopher “Kip” Bateman (R-Morris, Somerset), as well as Assemblymembers Mary Pat Angelini (R-Monmouth), Jon M. Bramnick (R-Essex, Morris, Somerset, Union), Domenick DiCicco Jr. (R-Camden, Gloucester), and Nancy F. Munoz (R-Essex, Morris, Somerset, Union).

Christie Signs, Vetoes Legislation

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has taken action on the following bills sent to him by the state legislature:

BILLS SIGNED:

S-255/A-854 (Van Drew, Connors/Milam, Albano, Rumpf) – Prohibits towing and transportation of boats during emergency evacuations

S-737/A-2594 (Sacco, Girgenti/Quigley, Prieto, Coughlin, Coutinho, Bramnick, Albano, Schroeder) – Expands DNA database to include samples from certain violent arrestees

S-748/A-1832 (Beck/Mainor, Casagrande) – Appropriates $3.567 million from Clean Waters bond fund for sewerage infrastructure improvements at former Marlboro Psychiatric Hospital

S-1246/A-3255 (S. Kean, Ciesla/Milam) – Creates exception to age requirement for power boat operation conducted during authorized race

S-1807/A-1597 (Sweeney, Singer/Scalera, Chivukula, Wisniewski, Oliver) – Authorizes credit unions to serve as public depositories of public funds; requires credit unions to provide certain funds for financial literacy education

S-1882/A-3258 (T. Kean/Stender, Munoz) – Provides standards and procedures for museum to acquire title to property that is on loan to museum but has not been claimed by lender for period of time

S-1924/A-3577 (Norcross/Burzichelli, Fuentes, Wilson) – “Anti-Snow Dumping Act”; prohibits commercial snowplow operators on private property from depositing snow in public roads, streets, and highways or on public lands

S-1993/A-2972 (Beck, Kyrillos, Wisniewski/O’Scanlon, Casagrande) – Designates “Red Bank Train Station” as “Daniel J. O’Hern Station – Red Bank, New Jersey”

S-2073/A-2938 (S. Kean, Kyrillos, Beck/Angelini, O’Scanlon, Rible, Casagrande) – Designates bridge on Route 36 over Shrewsbury River as “Captain Joseph Azzolina Memorial Bridge”

S-2164/A-3408 (Sweeney/Burzichelli, Prieto, Diegnan) – Concerns employee leasing companies

S-2199/A-3839 (Ruiz, Weinberg/Spencer) - Establishes NJ Advisory Council on End-of-Life Care in DHSS

S-2443/A-3636 (Vitale, Whelan/Coughlin, Greenwald, Polistina, Riley, Munoz) – Establishes Medicaid Accountable Care Organization Demonstration Project in DHS

S-2665/A-3841 (Weinberg, Beck/Vainieri Huttle, Quijano, Wagner, Stender, Voss, Ramos) - Repeals obsolete statutes concerning the status of women

S-2930/A-4224 (Sarlo, T. Kean/Schaer, Chiusano, Coyle) – Revises method of regulation and collection of surplus lines insurance premium taxes

SJR-67/AJR-74 (Weinberg, Singer/Conaway, Tucker, Ramos) – Permanently designates May as “Lupus Awareness Month” in New Jersey

BILLS VETOED:

S-1815/A-2577 (B. Smith/McKeon, Barnes) – - ABSOLUTE - “Ocean County Stormwater Management System Demonstration Act”

S-2946/A-4108 (Sweeney, Smith/McKeon, Chivukula, Stender, Barnes, Gusciora, Vainieri Huttle) - ABSOLUTE - Clarifies intent of P.L. 2007, c.340 regarding NJ’s required participation in Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

NJ Famland Preservation Bills Sponsored By Oroho

Two bills sponsored by New Jersey State Senator Steve Oroho (R-Sussex, Morris, Hunterdon) that help local governments purchase farmland for preservation purposes were recently signed into law.

"These lands are integral to maintaining the beauty and character of our state, maintaining jobs in the farming and agri-tourism sectors as well as supplying healthy, locally grown food options for families," Oroho stated. "This legislation will protect valuable open space while ensuring property owners receive fair market value for their land."

Senate Bill 2895 appropriates $23 million for planning incentive grants to municipalities and Senate Bill 2896 appropriates $39 million in incentive grants to counties to be used for farmland preservation purposes through the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC). The money appropriated was approved by voters on past statewide ballot initiatives. "Even in difficult economic times, New Jersey residents still appreciate the importance of preserving farmland and open space," Oroho continued.

Video - Christie: People Are Craving REAL Leaders

We reported this to you yesterday because we were live with New Jersey Governor Chris Christie when he made these comments.
But we thought you'd like to see and hear the Governor yourself.
As always, Chris Christie minces no words and remains eminently quotable. He speaks directly, often from the heart, and without notes or a teleprompter.
Please note how Christie defends Democrat Senate President Steve Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver, as well. Despite Sweeney's later harsh words toward Christie, the Governor continues to laud Sweeney (who faces opposition within his own party and from organized labor) and, of Sweeney, the Governor says: "I think he'll have the last laugh in the long haul."
This video demonstrates once again why Chris Christie remains one of the most fascinating and compelling public figures in America.

Both Extremes Unhappy? That's A Good Sign!

The word out of Washington is that the extremes of the right and the left are unhappy with the reported deal that's been reached on the debt ceiling and proposed cuts.
Frankly, I take that as a good sign.
Early indications (and I stress that these are still FIRST impressions) indicate that this may be a solid, across-the-aisle deal with some good, effective features. I certainly hope this is the case.
And I take it as a healthy indicator that the far ends of the spectrum are disenchanted.
If the leaders of the parties in Congress do their work and a majority can be cobbled together we may have real progress here.

House Passes Boehner Plan; Harry, Barry Balk

House Republicans voted tonight in favor a debt ceiling plan put forward by House Speaker John Boehner.
The proposal received the support of 218 members, while 210 members voted against the measure. No Democrats voted for the measure. The bill would cut $917 billion in government spending over ten years and would require the passage of a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution before raising the debt ceiling for a second time in February.
Several times already Republicans have produced and approved bills to cut spending, attack the deficit and raise the debt ceiling.
The Democrats have approved NOTHING. In fact, they've never come forward with a plan.
But now the ball's in the Democrats' court.
Hurry, Harry! Don't tarry, Barry! It's your move.

Report: Runyan Leaning Toward Yea On Boehner Plan

There's a good story about New Jersey first-term Republican congressman Jon Runyan in this morning's Philadelphia Inquirer.
Runyan has spent his time thus far in Congress listening, learning and trying to make a positive difference when and where he can.
And, he's also written some bills and watched out for his sprawling district which stretches from the New Jersey coast in Ocean county clear across the state to the Philly burbs.
Here's a brief excerpt from the story:

"I have this unique ability to tie anything that happens to sports," Runyan said. Earlier this year, GOP representatives were fighting over pet causes to insert in the continuing resolution needed to keep the government running. Runyan stood up in a meeting and told them to knock it off.
"I was saying that I've been on football teams with that kind of fracture, especially when you're winning. People think, 'We're out front, so I'm doing my thing,' " Runyan said. "But that's not what got you there. You got there by working together."
He thinks his remarks helped Speaker John A. Boehner corral the members and get the job done.
This week, as Boehner tried to rally wayward Republicans around his latest debt-ceiling plan, Runyan was reportedly assuring the GOP caucus that he was on board. Though the plan was "not perfect," a Runyan aide said, "it prevents default."

I tend to agree with Runyan. The Boehner bill isn't perfect but it's preferable to the alternatives. We must be practical and remember that the perfect is the enemy of the good.
Click here to read more.

Christie Signs Bill Encouraging Job Growth

Continuing to act on his commitment to create jobs for New Jersey families, Governor Chris Christie today signed Senate Bill 2972 to expand job-creating tax incentives and provide an immediate economic boost to the state. Governor Christie was joined by Mayor Cory Booker at the Broad Street train station in Newark, a designated Urban Transit Hub, in signing the legislation that makes changes to incentive programs utilized by the state of New Jersey to promote economic growth and job creation – the Economic Redevelopment and Growth Grant (ERGG); the Urban Transit Hub Tax Credit Act; and a residential development program originally created under the New Jersey Economic Stimulus Act. Numerous large-scale development projects currently pending around the state are expected to be jump-started by the expansion of these programs.

“Creating good paying, lasting jobs for New Jersey families is a top priority of this Administration, which is why tax cuts and incentive programs that help businesses grow and expand were a core aspect of my budget, and will continue to serve as tools to foster economic growth. Today, we are providing needed changes to incentives that are critical to growing our economy, creating jobs, and providing more opportunities for New Jersey families,” said Governor Christie. “Putting in place targeted incentives to encourage businesses to build, develop and expand in the state is a critical piece of our broader efforts to drive New Jersey’s economic recovery. New Jerseyans put to work as a result of our efforts are the final and most important beneficiaries of everything we do, which is why we will continue working aggressively to build on the positive, early progress we’ve made in returning our state to prosperity and affordability.”

S-2972 expands the ERGG program to make growth areas in the Meadowlands eligible for ERGG grants, adding the Meadowlands to the other areas of the state where growth is encouraged and eligibility for ERGG grants is already provided, including State Planning Areas, Pinelands growth areas, transit villages and closed federal military bases. This change will impact the American Dream at Meadowlands project that Governor Christie has worked to get back on track with a new plan under a new developer – Triple Five, owners of the Mall of America.

In addition, the legislation also makes several changes to the Urban Hub program: increasing the credit for residential projects from 20% to 35% of eligible costs over 10 years; providing that affordable housing requirements for an Urban Hub project are to be determined in the sole discretion of the municipality; allowing mixed use projects to receive tax credits for both the residential component and the commercial components of a project; allowing the tax credits to be carried forward for up to 20 years; clarifying existing law that property located within an Urban Hub area, but adjacent to a rail spur for freight rail that is not within an Urban Hub area, is eligible; and providing new standards and procedures for the net benefit analysis for in-state job moves.

Over the course of the last year, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) has been involved in discussions with developers advancing significant mixed use projects across the state. The goal of the Urban Transit Hub Tax Credit program is promoting vibrant communities where people can work, live and shop, and the changes signed into law today are a significant step forward for impactful revitalization projects. The Christie Administration expects renewed activity in moving them forward. Examples of these projects include the Teachers Village project in Newark, the Gateway project in New Brunswick and Haddon Avenue Transit Village in Camden, each representing game-changing projects with investments aimed at providing housing and retail opportunities with commercial components and each leading to significant job creation and private sector investment.

“This is a significant day for Newark and for New Jersey – a day when the state’s urban centers receive a set of supercharged tools to create jobs and kick-start New Jersey’s economy. The bill Governor Christie signed today is the product of a true bipartisan collaboration. I am grateful to the Governor and his Administration – as well as to Senator Ray Lesniak, Assemblyman Al Coutinho, and the Legislature – for joining forces with cities like ours and crafting this important package,” said Mayor Cory A. Booker. “In Newark, these incentives will enable crucial development projects to break ground. With credit to our collective efforts to date as well as these new measures, over 25 development projects in Newark will be underway in 2011. That represents over $700 million in total development, producing over 2,500 construction jobs and over 2,500 permanent jobs. Together, these projects will have a transformative impact here in New Jersey’s largest city. Thanks to our partnership with Governor Christie and the Legislature, this is Newark’s Groundbreaking Year – and we look forward to making much more progress together.”

In addition, as part of the Fiscal Year 2012 Budget proposal, Governor Christie provided $180 million in targeted tax cuts for small businesses in New Jersey to spur job growth and increase business investment and expansion. Among the tax reforms included were: a change in the corporate business tax formula from a three-factor formula to a single sales factor formula; an option for taxpayers to carry forward losses from certain business-related categories of gross incomes for up to two years; a 25 percent reduction in the minimum tax for S-Corporations; a doubling of the research and development credits; and a phase out of the Transitional Energy Facility Assessment (TEFA) by January 2012. The Governor has consistently stressed the need for reform and fiscal discipline to break from the state’s hostile climate towards business expansion and job growth.

Since Governor Christie took office, the Administration has been committed to bringing real, bipartisan solutions to the critical challenges faced by the state. These include signing into law a Fiscal Year 2012 Budget that provides $180 million in job creating tax cuts for small businesses and that does not raise taxes on New Jersey families, closing an $11 billion budget deficit without tax increases, passing Cap 2.0 to bring real property tax relief, and enacting historic, bipartisan pension and health benefits reforms. Yesterday, Governor Christie and Lt. Governor Guadagno reported that since 2010, new foreign direct investment in New Jersey is expected to support more than 410 new jobs, 1,500 construction jobs and contribute over $1.4 billion of capital investment into the state.

Additionally, the Administration has continued to advance policies to further improve New Jersey’s business climate by sunsetting the corporate business tax surcharge, signing new, robust business attraction legislation, and protecting businesses from an average $400 per employee, or 52% increase in the unemployment insurance payroll tax. Those policies, coupled with recent activities like the Governor’s ‘Creating Jersey Jobs Summit,’ and the Lt. Governor’s ‘100 Businesses’ initiative all demonstrate that New Jersey is well-positioned for business expansion, economic growth and job creation as our economy recovers.

Coulter: GOP Can't Do It All

Last night, during her appearance in Philadehia, Ann Coulter admitted that Republicans are limited in what they can accomplish. She basically said there's only so much the GOP cam do, particularly on the debt ceiling and deficit issues.
"We missed gaining control in the Senate by basically three seats," Coulter said. "So, we have the Houae. But until we have two-thirds majorities in both the House and The Senate, there's not much the GOP can do."
Coulter factored in the ever-present possibility of Obama vetoes. Thus, a. Two-thirds congressional majority would be required in both houses to override any veto.

Doherty Town Hall Tonight On Funding Formula

New Jersey State Senator Michael Doherty, a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, will hold a town hall meeting on his “Fair School Funding” plan. The town hall meeting will be held tonight, Wednesday July, 20th at 7:30PM in the Washington Township Ambulance Hall, Turnersville, N.J.

The Senator has proposed a new school funding formula that is fair and equitable to all students in the state; urban, suburban and rural. The new formula be would implemented by constitutional amendment that would have to approved by the voters.

The proposed constitutional amendment will provide equal school aid for each student, regardless of where the student resides. New Jersey needs to establish a fair, simple, transparent, and straightforward educational funding formula that takes the income tax fund and distributes the fund equally to each student.

Who: Senator Michael Doherty

When: Wednesday July 20, 2011 at 7:30 P.M.

What: Town Hall meeting on the “Fair School Funding” plan

Where: Washington Township Ambulance Hall 4 Willow Street, Turnersville, NJ

There will be a question and answer session following the presentation. For more information contact the office of Senator Doherty at (908) 835-0552.

Memo To GOP Leaders: Hold The Line

Congressional Republican leaders have just announced that they will vote next week on a cut, cap and balance bill.They are remaining united so they will have the votes to pass this legislation in the House and they will move it to the Senate.
Remember: All revenue legislation must originate in the House.
That gives the GOP-controlled House and Speaker John Boehner the upper hand.
The challenge for the Republicans is to remain firm and remain united -- to hold the line on taxes and spending.
My memo to my fine Republican congressman and to the entire GOP congressional leadership is this: Stand firm. Cut, cap and balance. Take the proper action and theN let the Democrats in the Senate figure out what they want to do about it.
The imperative is now with the GOP To keep its commitment to the American people and act boldly and decisively. Real, solid action CAN break this logjam.

Dinniman Champions End Of 'R' Word; PA Senate Agrees

The Pennsylvania Senate has unanimously approved Senator Andy Dinniman’s “Words Do Matter” bill, which seeks to strike the “R Word” from state statutes and state use.

State Senator Andy Dinniman on Wednesday said his Senate Bill 458 is now before the House of Representatives’ Human Services Committee, and he is confident that House members will approve the legislation this fall in a show of respect for Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities.

“Words do matter,” Dinniman said. “They can either convey disrespect and ignorance or respect and understanding.”

“And that is the objective and message of this bill,” Dinniman continued. “It is a way for the Commonwealth to publicly state and show that it values those Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities and that it will thus use words that convey that respect.”

Senate Bill 458 would amend the Mental Health and Mental Retardation Act of 1966 and rename it the Mental Health and Intellectual Disability Act. The language change applies to and makes language changes to the entire act’s 34 pages, which defines the term and controls the Department of Public Welfare’s use of the term. Already, some county agencies including Chester County’s have updated their department titles with more appropriate terms.

Arc of Chester County Executive Director Diane Carey on Wednesday said, “The Arc of Chester County applauds Senator Dinniman for taking the leadership in making this important change in the language of the Mental Health and Mental Retardation Act of 1966. We hope this is just the first step in changing attitudes in our Commonwealth about people with intellectual disabilities.”

Senator Dinniman introduced Senate Bill 458 after attending an event hosted by Speaking for Ourselves and the Arc of Chester County that noted the need where participants pledged to refrain from using the words “retard” or “retarded” and encourage others to do the same. Senator Dinniman signed the pledge and introduced Senate Bill 458 in an effort to move past this archaic and hurtful terminology in favor of language that is proper and accepted by the community of those with intellectual disabilities.

Cynthia McCurdy of West Pikeland is a spokeswoman for Rejoicing Spirits, an innovative ministry that reaches out to enrich the spiritual lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, friends and other supportive community members.

On Thursday, McCurdy said, “This legislation represents more than just a name change; it represents a shift in how we think about people with intellectual disabilities. Moving away from the negative connotations associated with the outdated language will certainly help to foster the respect and dignity our friends with intellectual disabilities truly deserve. I applaud Senator Dinniman for his sensitivity to and for this issue, his impact will be great."

NJ Ed. Commissioner: Christie Championed Education

Acting Education Commissioner Chris Cerf today released the following statement regarding Assembly Democrats’ hearing next Tuesday:

“When it comes to being committed to New Jersey’s children, Governor Christie has dedicated more money than almost any other state to what matters most - K-12 education. In the fight to ensure that every child has an opportunity for success regardless of zip code or birth circumstances, Governor Christie has acted on that commitment with $850 million in increased funding, spending more on children’s education now than when he first became governor. For the Assembly Democrats to claim anything otherwise is simply inaccurate. To so do while simultaneously blocking an array of substantive education reforms that unquestionably would enhance the life prospects of New Jersey's neediest children is especially unfortunate.”

Thanks, Commissioner Cerf. Let's say it flat out: The games that the Democrats are playing in Trenton these days are nothing short of unconscionable.

Senate President: 'I've Never Been A Fan Of Merit Pay'

New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney is blocking any consideration of Governor Chris Christie's education reforms in part because Sweeney objects to merit pay.
Here's an excerpt from a story in the Philadelphia Inquirer:

New Jersey Senate President Stephen Sweeney won't allow two of the governor's major education overhaul proposals to get a vote, effectively killing the proposals before they were ever formally introduced as bills.The Democratic lawmaker said Monday that he objects to Christie's proposals to link teacher salaries to performance and to eliminate teacher seniority protections.
"I've never been a fan of merit pay. I don't believe in it," Sweeney said Monday.

Sweeney says he objects to merit pay because under a merit pay system a hard-working teacher may be passed over for a raise because he or she is not "a favorite."
Does Sweeney even know what merit pay is?
Merit pay is a system under which employees are evaluated according to a set of agreed-upon, objective standards and criteria. Goals, strategies and performance are regularly reviewed by the employee and the employer. A performance evaluation is rendered usually annually or semi-annually.
For almost my entire working life (and we're talking multiple decades, here) I've worked under a merit pay system as an at-will employee, meaning I could be fired at any time. I can assure you of this: I have rarely a been a candidate for the title of "favorite."
But my salary steadily increased and I was never fired. I worked hard. I performed. I gave my all.
Most people work under some sort of merit evaluation (merit pay) system. Indeed, how else can the performance of employees be measured?
A system that gives automatic raises to all employees on a year-by-year basis seems like no system at all. It's certainly not a system that rewards effort since I may be minimally productive and you may be a powerhouse employee and, at the end of the year we will both get the same raise. Why bother to achieve? What's the motivation?
Is this with Sweeney advocates? Or is he simply playing to (and shoring up) his base (unions, etc.) as the November legislative election approach?

Click here to read more from the Inquirer story.

Video: Christie On Taxes, Budget, Spending

Both in Washington and in the states, Democrats refuse to get real on the need to cut spending and be fiscally responsible -- to balance budgets without raising taxes.
In New Jersey, the Democrat legislature's budget rhetoric is simply history repeating itself.
No matter the budget year or circumstances, Democrats in the legislature have their budget rhetoric on repeat as they trot out the same recycled, overused and rabidly partisan rhetoric to distract from their own empty promises.
Governor Chris Christie knows that New Jerseyans are sick of the political gamesmanship and tired attacks. Instead of engaging in more political theatrics, legislative Democrats' efforts would be better spent addressing the issues they neglected over the past year -- like education reform for every New Jersey child and the unfinished business of the Governor's property tax relief tool kit.
Christie is determined to avoid the theatrics. He will not be lured into the political games. Instead, he will stick to his bold reform agenda for the Garden State.
He wants to do the Big Things.

Christie To NJ Dems: Stop Playing Budget Games

Today, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie released the following statement:

“The proposed budget from the Democrats is just more of the same unrealistic, pie in the sky, fantasy budgeting they brought to New Jersey for the eight years before we arrived. Instead of continuing to put New Jersey on strong fiscal footing, this proposal reaffirms the Democrats’ commitment to job-killing tax increases and an unrepentant addiction to spending. New Jerseyans are the most over-taxed citizens in America and they want us to reduce spending and make government smaller. This proposal only serves to denigrate all of the hard choices made over the last year that broke from decades of state government spending money that just doesn’t exist.

“New Jerseyans know better and aren’t going to fall for the same spend at any cost mentality that got us into a fiscal mess in the first place.”

Christie Certifies Total Funds For Budget

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie today certified the total funds available to be appropriated for the Fiscal Year 2012 State Budget. The certification fulfills the constitutional obligation of the Governor to provide an official revenue statement identifying the total amount of revenue on hand and anticipated which will be available to meet appropriations during Fiscal Year 2012.

The Governor’s certification reflects a total of $29,640,697,000 in revenue available for the Fiscal Year 2012 Budget, and $696,366,000 in undesignated fund balances, resulting in a combined total of $30,337,063,000. These figures comport with the May 17 budget hearing testimony of state Treasurer Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff.

“As required under our state Constitution and consistent with budget testimony delivered to the Legislature by the state Treasurer, I am submitting a certification of available revenue that is both realistic and achievable,” said Governor Christie. “Following modest revenue estimates that are based in reality is the only responsible course to avoid the same type of panicked, mid-year cuts that have plagued overly optimistic budget projections in prior years. That is our limit and our guidepost in developing a responsible, balanced and constitutional state budget.”

Under Article VIII, Section II, Paragraph 2 of the New Jersey Constitution, the Governor has the exclusive responsibility to certify revenues available to support a constitutional balanced budget.

Christie Signs Bills Into Law

On Tuesday, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed the following bills into law:

S-125/A-322 (Connors, Van Drew/Rumpf, Milam, Albano, Vainieri Huttle, Conaway) – Establishes NJ Alzheimer’s Disease Study Commission

S-2541/A-3602 (Madden, Norcross/Moriarty, Ramos, Mainor, Wilson) – Enhances penalty for killing police dog or dog engaged in search and rescue efforts

Last week, Governor Christie also signed the following bill into law:

S-114/A-2299 (Connors, Madden/Wagner, Conners, Ramos, Gove, Rumpf) – Allows municipalities to provide free or reduced fee beach badges to active military and NJ National Guard personnel

Senator Urges Approval Of 'Strong Medicine'

Following full Senate passage of legislation aimed at restoring solvency and affordability to public employee pensions and benefits, New Jersey State Senator Jennifer Beck urged her Assembly colleagues to approve the measure at its Thursday, June 23rd voting session:

"This bill is strong medicine, but it is the right medicine for a state pension and benefits system in crisis," said Beck, who is a co-sponsor of the legislation (S-2937). "Simply put, the pension fund will go bankrupt and subject residents to ever higher taxes if we do not enact these reforms. We are beyond the point of assigning blame for the situation we find ourselves in, and must work together across party lines to ensure that these systems are preserved for employees at a cost taxpayers can afford. This bill provides $120 billion in tax relief to the most highly taxed people in America while still providing employees with quality healthcare and retirement security at an affordable price. It is fair to all parties involved, and I encourage my colleagues in the Assembly to take the final step in sending these important reforms to the Governor."