The Clips

Ending Cronyism At The A.G.'s Office
by Kevin McArdle
Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Paula Dow

New Jersey is facing a roughly $2 billion shortfall in the current fiscal year's budget and the deficit for next could soar as high as $11 billion. Clearly the state does not have the money to increase salaries at the State Attorney General's Office. That doesn't mean that raises aren't needed and deserved says Paula Dow who has been selected by Governor Chris Christie to be the state's next A.G..

Testifying before the State Senate Judiciary Committee, Dow was asked if she thinks deputy Attorneys General are underpaid. She responded, "Yes…..I think there's too much evidence out there not to back that conclusion."

Dow is fully aware of the state's dire financial situation, but she explained to the committee that the bad economy will not last forever. As Essex County Prosecutor she worked out a salary increase schedule that could be implemented when the time was right and Dow is hoping to do something similar at the State A.G's Office if confirmed by the full State Senate.

There are some issues against which Dow feels she must guard. As prosecutor in Essex, she saw, "A lack of consistency and favoritism leading to inequities in levels of salaries……..It was who you knew and who got the blessing of a pay increase. I think that is terribly unfair."

If she is to be confirmed as New Jersey's next top cop, Dow says she'll do everything possible to ensure there is no cronyism in the Attorney General's Office. She explains, "I would say that's one thing that we need to look at here. It shouldn't be who you know to depend upon what pay raise you get. It should be the quality and the quantity of the work that you do in that job."

Why It's Good To Be America's Dirtiest State
by Kevin McArdle
Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Click here and listen to Kevin's report

It is not hyperbole when people make the claim that New Jersey is the most toxic state in nation. There is proof to back that up. New Jersey has the highest number of contaminated sites in the nation estimated at more than 20,000. That statistic is actually going to benefit the Garden State when it comes to federal funding.

In President Barack Obama's $3.8 trillion budget for the year 2011, there is a record $1.3 billion allocated for environmental programs. The proposed funding for the environment is 14 percent higher than in the previous year's budget. The federal budget also doubles the funding for Highlands preservation in New Jersey to $5 million.

John McKeon, chairman of the Assembly Environment Committee says, "President Obama's budget shows his responsible stewardship of the environment by recognizing our precious natural resources as a priority. By allocating significant funding for the clean-up of toxic sites and doubling the federal allocation for Highlands preservation, his budget also supports progressive legislation we have advanced in New Jersey…….Not to be glib about it, I guess in this case it now pays to be contaminated."

McKeon sponsored the 2004 Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act to protect the region that supplies drinking water to 5.4 million New Jersey residents - that's more than half the state's population. His site remediation reform legislation enacted in 2009 empowers the DEP to expedite clean-up of contaminated sites by approving Licensed Site Remediation Professionals to work on cases.

"We look forward to manifesting a similar commitment to the environment at the state-level by working together in a bipartisan manner in the Legislature and with the Christie administration to protect and preserve our precious land and water resources," explains McKeon. "An important aspect of our environmental policy needs to be the perpetuation of open space programs that have the mandate of the New Jersey voter. These include preservation of valuable tracts of farmland, flood-prone areas and clean drinking water resources."

Assembly Panel To Consider Pro Sports Betting Measure Today
by Kevin McArdle
Monday, February 8, 2010

Yesterday, tens of millions of dollars and maybe more were bet on the Super Bowl. In Las Vegas it was done legally, but anyone who laid down a few bucks on the game in New Jersey was breaking the law. Today, the Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee will consider a measure that would ask Garden State voters if they would like to amend the constitution to allow pro sports betting in New Jersey.

Assemblyman John Burzichelli chairs the panel. He says, "Yesterday, when America stopped to watch the Super Bowl on TV, Las Vegas was loaded with tourists who not only enjoyed the city of Las Vegas, but also enjoyed the opportunity to legally bet on the Super Bowl. Atlantic City had a decent weekend because weekends are generally strong there, but it would have been an outstanding weekend had people visiting Atlantic City and its casinos been allowed to legally bet on the Super Bowl."

"Sports betting should be allowed in both our casinos and our race tracks," believes Burzichelli. "I think it's a given, people like to bet on sports."

Bets on the Super Bowl, NCAA March Madness and others sports could soon be legal in the Garden State. If a lawsuit filed almost a year ago is successful and the State Constitution is amended, sports betting would be allowed in New Jersey casinos, racetracks, over the phone and on an intra-state website.

State Senator Ray Lesniak has filed a lawsuit on behalf of the State of New Jersey, the Interactive Media Entertainment & Gaming Association, The New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, The Thoroughbred Breeders Association of New Jersey and the Standardbred Breeder & Owners Association of New Jersey to declare unconstitutional a law passed by the United States Congress and signed into law by the President of the United States of America on October 28, 1992.

"As Captain Renault said to Rick, 'I'm shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here!' Gambling is going on here - sports gambling," says Lesniak. "According to a 1999 National Gambling Impact Study, $380 billion dollars a year are illegally wagered on sports betting. Profits from these wagers are lining the coffers of offshore internet operations, backroom bookies and organized crime rings. Sports betting in the U.S. is unregulated, untaxed and illegal: except in Nevada and as allowed in Delaware, Montana and Oregon."

When it was instituted in 1993, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, under the auspices of preserving the integrity of sports, banned sports betting in nearly every state in the nation. States that had casino gambling already in place were given a one-year window in which to pass legislation authorizing legal sports betting and be grandfathered in under the law. New Jersey's leaders at the time opted not to take part, and as a result, only four states - Nevada, Delaware, Oregon and Montana - can maintain legal sports wagering within their borders.

"This federal law deprives the State of New Jersey of over $100 million of yearly revenues, as well as depriving our casinos, racetracks and internet operators of over $500 million of gross income," explains Lesniak. "Rather than supporting thousands of jobs, economic activity and tourism, the federal ban supports offshore operators and organized crime." He adds, "Our casinos are suffering, our racetracks are dying and our State budget needs revenues." Lesniak calls the lawsuit, "the first step to undoing the injustice of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, healing our casinos, saving the lives of our racetracks, adding revenues to our State budget, and preserving and creating thousands of jobs."

State Senator Jeff Van Drew is a long-time advocate of legalized pro sports betting in New Jersey. He says, "Right now, of the four states that are grandfathered, only Nevada has an active sports betting operation. However, as states look for new sources of revenue in the current economic crisis, reports suggest Delaware may be considering instituting its grandfathered rights and may begin regulating sports betting this year. If this happens, it would certainly be detrimental to Atlantic City's casino industry, and will not be productive for South Jersey's regional economy - unless we can put New Jersey on equal footing with its neighboring state."

Professional and scholastic sports leagues vehemently oppose legalized sports gambling, arguing that the integrity of the games must be free of suspicion. They cite a long history of gambling-induced scandal, from the 1919 Black Sox, who threw the World Series at the behest of gamblers, to numerous college point-shaving schemes.

Should New Jersey Tax The Rich Again?
by Kevin McArdle
Monday, February 8, 2010

A temporary surcharge on New Jerseyans earning over $400,000 a year expired on December 31, 2009. Although Governor Chris Christie is adamant that he will not hike taxes to balance a budget, State senate Majority Leader Barbara Buono thinks re-instituting the surcharge on the wealthy should at least be one option on the table. She is not proposing legisaltion that would re-enact the tax increase.

Rather than giving school districts $300 million in education aid, the state is asking district to draw down from their surpluses this year. Buono thinks that could be avoided.

Asked by Buono how much the tax hike could generate, David Rosen, the lead budget analyst with the non-partisan Office of Legislative Services (OLS) said, "In the current fiscal year maybe $300 million and another $700 million would come in in the next fiscal year."

Buono asked, "For the sake of discussion, that $300 million could be used to supplant the $300 million that is estimate to be generated from excess surplus from school districts?" Rosen says it could be used for that.

Republicans claim the tax on the wealthy is driving the rich out of New Jersey. Rosen says, "There's no question that the high income tax rates at the high end affect the behavior of some people, (but) we have not seen any data so far that show the high income tax rates have substantially eroded our tax base."

There's no doubt New Jersey could use some extra revenue. Governor Chris Christie insists the shortfall for the current fiscal year is just over $2 billion and the budget deficit for next year is over $11 billion. Last week, Rosen confirmed that Christie is in the ballpark and he warned that difficult financial times are going to plague New Jersey for quite some time.

Rosen says if New Jersey's economy grows at the historic rate of 4%-5% a year, "It is basically 2014 before we get back to where we were in 2008." He added that most economists do not expect that kind of growth so, "Going beyond 2011, the budget pressures that we face related to the revenue decline are not a short-term blip."

What makes crafting next year's budget more difficult says Rosen, "Is the Governor has taken revenues off the table as part of the solution and in the past we've used revenues to make up a significant fraction of the solutions." Rosen says he's not advocating for new or higher taxes. He's simply stating a fact.

State Senator Paul Sarlo heads up the budget panel. He and his Democratic colleagues on the committee met yesterday with acting State Treasurer Andrew Eristoff. Sarlo says, "We were anticipating hearing specifics, but they did not provide us with any specifics………We all anxious and there's a little bit of frustration on our part. We thought we were going to hear specifics."

Sarlo describes the meeting with Eristoff as, "Kind of open-ended about the situation. Confirming it's just a little bit over $2 billion, the current FY 2011 budget problem. Really about how we all have to work together. There were no specifics. There were no specifics at all." Sarlo says he was told Christie will roll out some details next week.

Michael Drewniak, Press Secretary for the Governor says, "Governor Chris Christie will address a special joint session of the Legislature next Thursday, February 11, regarding the state's current year budget deficit. Earlier today, Governor Christie spoke with both Senate President Stephen Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver to request the joint session."

Last week, Christie said, "If you fully fund everything, the numbers I have now are north of $11 billion. That's if you fully fund the pension payment, fully fund the school formula, fully fund all homestead rebates back to the original funding formula, not what was done last year."

Christie says, "It's a deficit of just over $11 billion. $27 billion or so in projected revenues. $38 billion or so in projected expenditures."

The Governor explained some factors playing role in the deficit. He says, "That is with the surcharge on small business and top rate taxpayers which have sunsetted and with the corporate business tax surcharge sunsetting on June 30."

New Jersey's budget shortfall for the current fiscal year could be as high as $2 billion and next's deficit could be five times that. Rosen delivered the sober news to the Senate Budget Committee yesterday.

Rosen said tax collections in almost every category are short of projections. He says the income tax is the only revenue source that is not under-performing.

"A 1.2 billion revenue shortfall for the year is not an unreasonable estimate," said Rosen. "Whatever the number is, if it's $2 billion or $1.5 billion or some other number, this is a budget problem that has to get resolved by June 30."

If spending cuts are made and all spending proposals are fulfilled, "It would suggest a budget problem in the current year, by the end of the year of slightly under $2 billion."

"Our state faces grave financial problems that we cannot ignore for another day," says Malone. "We need solutions and we need them now. The problem worsens every day we wait."

Last month, Rosen said, "You've got a structural deficit for 2011 of $8 billion, or $9 billion or $10 billion…..The precise number really doesn't matter. The magnitude of it is significant. It is similar to the magnitude that we faced last June." Yesterday, Rosen conceded that the FY 2011 deficit could be as high as $11 billion.

Many factors contribute to next year's problems. There is a $3 billion pension payment that may or may not be made. Rosen explains that New Jersey stands to receive $1.6 billion less in federal stimulus money. The State will lose about $1.1 billion as a result of temporary taxes that will expire. Property tax rebates cost the state roughly $1 billion and Rosen says school aid spending will increase by about $600 million due to the new education funding formula.

Recently there was a very public battle between Christie and Corzine over the current fiscal year's shortfall. Josh Zeitz, a spokesman for Corzine, said the Democrat left office with a $496 million surplus. Christie claimed Corzine failed to give a true budget projection through June 30. Zeitz calls Christie's forecast "phantom tax revenue projections" and accuses the new Governor of playing fast and loose with the facts.

Two weeks ago, Christie said the budget deficit for this fiscal year is roughly $1.2 billion. Last wek, he said, "I met for over two hours today with OMB (Office of Management and Budget) and they don't find the surplus that (former) Treasurer (David) Rousseau is talking about…….The hard numbers that I was presented with this morning are an additional $1.33 billion deficit for Fiscal Year 2010."

Rosen says Corzine and Christie are just looking at the same problem from two different points of view. He blames some of the discrepancy of the way the two administrations are doing their calculations.

As The Budget Grows
Friday, February 5, 2010
by Kevin McArdle

Governor Chris Christie insists the shortfall for the current fiscal year is just over $2 billion and the budget deficit for next year is over $11 billion. Yesterday, David Rosen, the lead budget analyst with the non-partisan Office of Legislative Services (OLS) confirmed that Christie is in the ballpark and he warned that difficult financial times are going to plague New Jersey for quite some time.

Last week, on NJ 101.5 FM's "Ask the Governor" program Christie said that this week he would unveil at least some of his budget balancing cuts. According to the chairman of the State Senate Budget Committee, that is not going to happen.

Earlier this week, Christie said, "If you fully fund everything, the numbers I have now are north of $11 billion. That's if you fully fund the pension payment, fully fund the school formula, fully fund all homestead rebates back to the original funding formula, not what was done last year."

Christie says, "It's a deficit of just over $11 billion. $27 billion or so in projected revenues. $38 billion or so in projected expenditures."

Rosen said tax collections in almost every category are short of projections. He says the income tax is the only revenue source that is not under-performing.

If spending cuts are made and all spending proposals are fulfilled, "It would suggest a budget problem in the current year, by the end of the year of slightly under $2 billion."

Joe Malone, the ranking Republican on the Assembly Budget Committee has asked Rosen to compile a list of funds that could be used as, "the Legislature grapples with a $2 billion hole in the state's current budget."

"Our state faces grave financial problems that we cannot ignore for another day," says Malone. "We need solutions and we need them now. The problem worsens every day we wait."

Last week, Rosen said, "You've got a structural deficit for 2011 of $8 billion, or $9 billion or $10 billion…..The precise number really doesn't matter. The magnitude of it is significant. It is similar to the magnitude that we faced last June." Yesterday, Rosen conceded that the FY 2011 deficit could be as high as $11 billion.

Direct Wine Shipping Bill Advances In Trenton
Friday, February 5, 2010
by Racquel Williams

Frustrated New Jersey wine lovers who can't have their favorite vintage shipped to their home directly from vineyards across the U.S. is one step closer to popping the cork. Legislation to allow direct shipments from wineries to consumers was released Thursday by a senate committee.

The bill's sponsors say lifting the direct-shipping ban would not only be beneficial to consumers, but would also be a boon to the state's emerging wine industry, as many small wineries only have their products available for sale in a limited number of stores or on-site.

Opponents say allowing direct shipping of wine from wineries would open the door to the higher chance of minors indulging in alcohol, and effect the livelihood of brick and mortar packaged goods stores.

Steven Some with uncorknj.com says contrary to some beliefs;

"It is virtually impossible for minors to get their hands on alcohol under the strict provisions contained in the law which exists right now." says Some.

But Jeffery Warsh-Executive Director and General Council to the New Jersey Wine and Spirits Wholesalers Association, cites stats from The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration;

"An increasing number of teens have credit or debit cards proving an easy and anonymous way for getting alcohol off the web." Warsh said.

The bill would authorize the state alcoholic beverage commission to issue direct-shipping licenses to holders of either a New Jersey plenary winery license with retail privileges, or a New Jersey farm winery license. Out-of-state shippers also would be allowed to receive a shipping license, with the stipulation that they provide the division of taxation payment for any excise and sales taxes due and an annual report noting quantity and type of alcoholic beverages shipped to New Jersey consumers.

New Jersey is the sixth-largest wine producing state in the country. Thirty-five other states that currently have direct-shipping laws on the books. The bill is now poised for a vote by the full senate.

Christie Orders Commission To Review Gaming & Sports Agencies
by Kevin McArdle
Thursday, February 4, 2010

A newly created seven-member commission has until no later than July 1 to produce suggestions as to how to fix New Jersey's failing gaming, sports and entertainment industries. In announcing the panel created by Executive Order, Christie explained that the industries have significant problems and a major impact on the state's economy.

The commission will examine what to do with the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, the Meadowlands and Xanadu retail and entertainment complex and the state's horse racing industry. Christie also wants recommendations on how to promote Atlantic City as a resort destination.

"All of these things were at one time enormous assets for the State of New Jersey that contributed to the bottom line both from a tax perspective and an economic growth perspective," says Christie. "We have to return these industries to the positive side of the ledger."

The Governor says, "We have a horse racing industry that is in severe distress. We have a gaming industry in Atlantic City that has some significant problems and issues that we need to deal with." He wants the commission to determine how to, "Improve the competitiveness of the Atlantic City gaming industry and promote the city as a destination resort and ensure that horse racing will finally become financially self-sustaining."

Christie is also asking the panel to figure out, "How to deal with the competition between the Izod Center and the Prudential Center to ensure their mutual success."

The Executive Order also directs the commission to find out why the Xanadu entertainment project is stalled and why the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA) is suddenly hemorrhaging money.

"We have a $38 million deficit at the Sports and Exposition Authority. We've blown through $160 million in rent pre-payments by Xanadu," explains the Governor. "The model going on up there right now is by definition a failure. It (Xanadu) hasn't opened. It's beyond the date for when it was supposed to have opened. There is no work going on up there at the moment. It is lying fallow right now as we speak on some of the most valuable real estate in the State of New Jersey. I don't think it can really be debated that what the original model for Xanadu was is a failed model. Now the question is: What do you do with it from here?"

The NJSEA was created in 1971. The Authority operates the Meadowlands, which includes the stalled Xanadu retail and entertainment project and the new Giants and Jets football stadium, as well as the nearby Izod Center, the Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport, and the new and historic Atlantic City Convention Centers.

Leading the governor's commission will be Jon Hanson, a former NJSEA chairman who was also the chairman of the Christie's transition team on gaming, sports and entertainment. The panel has many problems to solve.

Xanadu is the stalled giant retail and entertainment complex next to the Izod Center and across a highway from Giants Stadium was slated to open in 2007. A new opening date for the sprawling $2 billion complex has not been set and the viability of the project is in question.

A deal to move the New Jersey Nets from the Izod Center to Newark's Prudential Center for two years while a new arena is being built in Brooklyn is on hold. At issue is whether the Nets will pay $7.5 million in penalty fees for breaking the team's lease at the Meadowlands. The Nets are planning to move to Brooklyn by
2012.

The state's horse racing industry is projected to lose millions in 2010, the transition team suggests forcing horse racing to become self-sufficient; having Monmouth Park consider moving to a 50-day summer meet with high purses; and letting the NJSEA oversee all off-track wagering and video.

Other suggestions by the transition team include studying whether the Meadowlands can be redeveloped for NASCAR racing, creating a public-private venture to market Atlantic City as a destination resort, and privatizing the state lottery.

State Senator Barbara Buono has scheduled legislative hearings to examine the overall fiscal operations of the NJSEA. She has not said whether the committee will issue a report or suggestions.

Christie's new commission will consider input from former Governor Jon Corzine's horse racing commission, which was expanded to include the casino industries because Atlantic City casinos supplement track purses with $30 million annually. That commission will then be dissolved by April 1.

Elected Officials Hope To Squeeze Something From Xanadu
by Martin DiCaro
Thursday, February 4, 2010

Drive around the Xanadu complex at the Meadowlands and you'll feel like you're in a post-apocalyptic science fiction film. It's quiet and empty. Buildings' windows are shuttered and parking towers are vacant. You don't need to be an architect to determine the place is half finished. Nothing is happening at the $2 billion project that was once envisioned as a mecca of shopping and entertainment in East Rutherford.

The worst part of the incomplete Xanadu must be it's strange color pattern towering high above Route 3 and the Turnpike in the form of an indoor ski slope. You can almost here passing motorists saying, "What is that thing?"

Despite all its woes, many elected officials reluctantly conceded on Wednesday that the state should try to get something out of the site, after Governor Chris Christie announced he will form a commission to study Xanadu and other sports and entertainment complexes in New Jersey.

"There is going to be some money that has been spent that will never been used and they'll have to change it, but I think they should seriously look at some type of convention center," said East Rutherford Mayor James Cassella, who said he was against the project from the start because of the increased traffic it would create, among other issues. He said retail components should be scaled down and the ski slope should be done away with.

State Assemblyman Gary Schaer (D), who represents the district encompassing East Rutherford, said it would be very difficult to walk away from some many buildings.

"You've got a huge physical complex there. Is the suggestion to walk away from it? We're not talking about a barren piece of land where we are going to have a discussion about what should we do with it," Assemblyman Schaer said. He supported the governor's decision to study the issue, as did State Senator Barbara Buono, the chair of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

According to a report in the Bergen Record, billionaire Stephen Ross is in talks with Xanadu developer Colony Capital about becoming a partner in the project so it can open by 2010. Ross would chip in $500 million, according to the report.

Voters Set Bar High For Christie
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
by Kevin McArdle

Click here and read the full poll

Garden State residents generally like what they've seen from Chris Christie so far, but they're also setting the bar very high for the New Jersey according to a new Monmouth University-Gannett New Jersey poll to be released today. In the survey, residents acknowledge that he has a tough task ahead of him, but they have some definite expectations about what a Christie term should achieve and what it should do to get there.

New Jerseyans continue to see lowering property taxes as a defining issue by which they will judge the success of a Christie administration. They also remain skeptical that taxes will actually come down. 7-in-10 residents (71%) say they will be very upset with Christie if property taxes remain high four years from now, another 18% would be somewhat upset and just 9% would not be upset by this.

Only 4-in-10 New Jerseyans say it is likely (8% very and 34% somewhat) that the state will enact reforms to significantly lower property taxes in the next few years. A majority, feels that such reforms are either not too (29%) or not at all (27%) likely to happen. While optimism on the property tax issue is not particularly high, the current results do exceed the 26% who thought such reforms were likely four years ago when Jon Corzine took office.

Poll director Patrick Murray says, "The public has spoken, Governor Christie. You are hereby expected to defy expectations."

The budget shortfall for the current fiscal year is estimated to be as high as $2 billion. Nest year's deficit is projected to be nearly $10 billion. 51% of Garden State residents would be very upset with the governor if he doesn't reduce state spending during his term but, even more - 62% - would be very upset if school funding was cut. 54% of New Jerseyans would be very upset if programs for the poor were cut and 42% would be very upset if environmental regulations were relaxed.

Few Garden State residents would be particularly troubled if Christie didn't come through with cuts in the state workforce. Just 33% of the public would be very upset if he did not reduce the number of state employees. Another 32% of the public would be just somewhat upset if such reductions were not made and 28% would not be upset if Christie failed to make such cuts.

When asked specifically whether they would support the governor if he needed to lay off thousands of state workers in order to balance the budget, public opinion is nominally opposed - 40% would support this move while 47% would oppose it. Only Republicans clearly support potential layoffs, by a 56% to 26% margin. Independents would back the governor on layoffs by a slimmer 47% to 40% margin. Democrats would oppose this move (67% against to 24% for).

"It's important for Governor Christie to remember that New Jersey voters handed him a scalpel, not an axe," explains Murray. "He needs to tread carefully where job cuts are concerned and have strong budget justifications for large numbers of layoffs. While the state unions may not be held in high regard, the public sympathizes with the average state worker who has a family to feed. If job cuts appear to be indiscriminate, it could hurt the governor in the court of public opinion."

Christie's budget plan won't be unveiled until March 16, but still just over half (54%) of state residents say they are at least somewhat confident that he will be able to get state spending under control. Only 10% are "very" confident at this point. Just 16% of the public feel they have a clear idea what specific policies Christie will pursue. Another 39% have some idea and 42% have not much or no idea at all.

Regardless of which programs get cut from the state budget, many Garden State residents believe that the magnitude of those expected cuts will probably mean pain in their own pocketbooks. More than 4-in-10 (43%) believe their family's financial situation will be hurt by anticipated budget cuts, while 39% say they will not really be affected and only 12% believe their personal finances will actually be helped by whatever spending cuts are coming.

74% say they would be very upset with Christie if political corruption was not reduced during his term. This produced the highest level of concern among the areas asked about in the poll, outpacing even property taxes.

"This result may seem surprising since corruption registered as only a small blip on voters' radar screens during the fall campaign, falling far behind taxes, state spending, and economic issues, but I think voters see corruption as something of a 'gimme' for Chris Christie," says Murray. "If the former U.S. Attorney can't fix corruption with minimal effort, there's little hope that he will be able to tackle the big ticket items on the public's agenda."

Christie's initial job rating is generally positive - 33% approve to 15% disapprove - although 52% withhold opinion at this early stage. The New Jersey legislature is viewed negatively - only 26% of the public approve of the job their representatives in Trenton are doing versus 46% who disapprove. 29% of New Jerseyans think the state is headed in the right direction while 56% feel it is on the wrong track. The "wrong track" number is at its lowest level in two years.

The poll was conducted by telephone with 803 New Jersey adults from January 27 to 31, 2010. The sample has a margin of error of + 3.5 percent.

Educators Plea For Level Funding
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
by Martin DiCaro

In testimony before the State Senate Education Committee in Trenton on Tuesday the state's largest teachers' union, school administrators, and education advocacy groups said despite the state's fiscal woes, state lawmakers would be wise to maintain level funding of local school districts. The state faces an estimated $10 billion deficit, an estimate that has grown significantly in recent months.

The Education Committee convened to listen to educators' priorities for the 2010 legislative session. While several people testified about educational goals, the money issue was not left out of any remarks.

"We have a billion dollar shortfall in revenues this year. Give or take another billion or two, we're looking at a $10 billion deficit next year," said John Donahue, the executive director of the New Jersey Association of School Business Officials, which represents financial officers in school districts.

"If by some chance the state cannot meet its abilities to give us our state aid this year and forces us to use our excess surplus, that money will not be available to give back to the taxpayers next year," he said. Donahue echoed a recommendation in a report issued by Governor Christie's education transition team that school districts could save millions by not putting up annual budgets to a public vote if they stay below a four percent spending cap.

"Not voting on a budget could save the state immediately $10 to $15 million," he said.

Lobbyist Jennifer Keyes-Maloney of the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association said the state could help reduce the financial burden on school districts by eliminating un-funded educational mandates.

"Too often a well intentioned but nonetheless expensive, administratively difficult proposal becomes law without consideration for the potential cost impact on local districts," she said.

Budget Puts Everyone In The Same Boat
by Kevin McArdle
Monday, February 1, 2010

The State's fiscal ship is sinking and we're all in the same boat. That's the message from Joe Malone, the ranking Republican on the Assembly Budget Committee. He says members of both political parties have no choice but to work together.

"It is going to be a significantly bad situation and the only way out of that situation is the cooperation of the members of this committee," says Malone. "We have to assure the public of the state of New Jersey that we're going to put them before political careers and political expediency…….I think the gravity of the situation this year will cause us to forge some new relationships."

New Jersey's budget shortfall for the current fiscal year could be as high as $2 billion and next's deficit could be five times that. David Rosen, the lead budget analyst with the non-partisan Office of Legislative Services (OLS) delivered the sober news to the Assembly Budget Committee at an early budget hearing lat week.

Rosen said tax collections in almost every category are short of projections. He says the income tax is the only revenue source that is not under-performing.

If spending cuts are made and all spending proposals are fulfilled, "It would suggest a budget problem in the current year, by the end of the year of slightly under $2 billion."

Malone has asked Rosen to compile a list of funds that could be used as, "the Legislature grapples with a $2 billion hole in the state's current budget."

"Our state faces grave financial problems that we cannot ignore for another day," says Malone. "We need solutions and we need them now. The problem worsens every day we wait."

Fiscal year 2011 looks even worse. Rosen says, "You've got a structural deficit for 2011 of $8 billion, or $9 billion or $10 billion…..The precise number really doesn't matter. The magnitude of it is significant. It is similar to the magnitude that we faced last June."

There was a very public battle last week between Christie and Corzine over the current fiscal year's shortfall. Josh Zeitz, a spokesman for Corzine, said the Democrat left office with a $496 million surplus. Christie claimed Corzine failed to give a true budget projection through June 30. Zeitz calls Christie's forecast "phantom tax revenue projections" and accuses the new Governor of playing fast and loose with the facts.

On Wednesday, Christie said the budget deficit for this fiscal year is roughly $1.2 billion. Yesterday, he said, "I met for over two hours today with OMB (Office of Management and Budget) and they don't find the surplus that (former) Treasurer (David) Rousseau is talking about…….The hard numbers that I was presented with this morning are an additional $1.33 billion deficit for Fiscal Year 2010."

Housing Market Collapse Has Domino Effect
by Kevin McArdle
Monday, February 1, 2010

New Jersey's budget picture looks very bleak and the collapse in the housing market continues to play a huge role in the state's fiscal mess. David Rosen, the lead budget analyst with the non-partisan Office of Legislative Services (OLS) says all aspects of the housing market are factors. He says that's the case practically and psychologically.

New Jersey home building permits have fallen more than 70% since the peak in 2005. Clearly when people aren't buying as many homes there is less collected in sales tax revenue. There's more as Rosen explains, "When people buy homes they also buy things to put in those homes and almost all of those things are subject to the sales tax."

Housing values in New Jersey fell 18% from 2006 to the low point in early 2009. Rosen says a drop in home value has a psychological effect, because when values were on the rise, "Many people took advantage of the growing equity in their homes to borrow against that and use that to purchase cars and other things (and) they felt wealthier. They were more likely to spend the cash that they had."

New Jersey's budget shortfall for the current fiscal year could be as high as $2 billion and next's deficit could be five times that. Rosen delivered the sober news to the Assembly Budget Committee in a budget hearing last week.

Rosen says tax collections in almost every category are short of projections. He says the income tax is the only revenue source that is not under-performing.

"A 1.2 billion revenue shortfall for the year is not an unreasonable estimate," says Rosen. "Whatever the number is, if it's $2 billion or $1.5 billion or some other number, this is a budget problem that has to get resolved by June 30."

If spending cuts are made and all spending proposals are fulfilled says Rosen, "It would suggest a budget problem in the current year, by the end of the year of slightly under $2 billion."

Assembly Republican Budget Officer Joe Malone has asked Rosen to compile a list of funds that could be used as, "the Legislature grapples with a $2 billion hole in the state's current budget."

"Our state faces grave financial problems that we cannot ignore for another day," says Malone. "We need solutions and we need them now. The problem worsens every day we wait."

There has been a very public battle between Governor Chris Christie and former Governor Jon Corzine over the current fiscal year's shortfall. Josh Zeitz, a spokesman for Corzine, said the Democrat left office with a $496 million surplus. Christie claimed Corzine failed to give a true budget projection through June 30. Zeitz calls Christie's forecast "phantom tax revenue projections" and accuses the new Governor of playing fast and loose with the facts.

In his second full day in office, Christie said, "I met for over two hours today with OMB (Office of Management and Budget) and they don't find the surplus that (former) Treasurer (David) Rousseau is talking about…….The hard numbers that I was presented with this morning are an additional $1.33 billion deficit for Fiscal Year 2010."

Report Puts Budget Deficit At $2Billion...
by David Matthau
Friday, January 29, 2010

Last week Governor Christie blasted former Governor Corzine for leaving "a surprise deficit" for him after he took office.

Yesterday Christie released a no-nonsense update on the State's Bond Disclosure Offering Statement - which is used by ratings agencies and investors on Wall Street - describing how the State is now facing a budget deficit of almost 2-point-2 billion dollars because of deteriorating economic conditions and revenue shortfalls.

During the first meeting held with members of his Cabinet, the Governor said "despite any debate that may have gone on before, this is the reality of what we're dealing with…everybody in the State, those who live in our State, those who work and pay taxes here, those who want to start a business here all should know what the condition of the State's finances is."

He said his administration will be totally transparent- because State residents deserve to know what's going on, and "I think this will take us a long way with the rating agencies as well - in terms of letting them know that they're going to hear directly from us, exactly how we see the current situation now, and going forward."

Christie also told members of his Cabinet "this is the type of transparency that I expect from all the departments - the folks in the State have the right to know what we're doing in their name every day."

Some members of the Corzine team have criticized Christie's honesty - saying he needs to be careful about how he handles sensitive financial information.

...But Does The Number Really Matter?
by Kevin McArdle
Friday, January 29, 2010

There was a very public battle last week between new Governor Chris Christie and former Governor Jon Christie over the current fiscal year's shortfall. Josh Zeitz, a spokesman for Corzine, said the Democrat left office with a $496 million surplus. Christie claimed Corzine failed to give a true budget projection through June 30. Zeitz calls Christie's forecast "phantom tax revenue projections" and accuses the new Governor of playing fast and loose with the facts.

Last week, Christie said the budget deficit for this fiscal year is roughly $1.2 billion. Yesterday, he said, "I met for over two hours today with OMB (Office of Management and Budget) and they don't find the surplus that (former) Treasurer (David) Rousseau is talking about…….The hard numbers that I was presented with this morning are an additional $1.33 billion deficit for Fiscal Year 2010."

"The bickering as to what the number really is less important than how we approach this going forward," says Assembly Budget Committee chairman Lou Greenwald. "How react to those numbers and how we plan for those numbers I think is crucial to the budget process."

Assemblyman Gary Schaer is a budget panel member. He says, "We have a choice, and the choice is do we go forward or do we spend our time pointing at each other in terms of who did this and who did what, and it's going to take that bipartisan commitment from everyone to find the appropriate solutions here."

Nellie Pou chairs the Assembly Appropriations Committee. She says, "This has been a difficult time. Now is the time for us to work together, to not make this a partisan issue. This is the time for us really make a difference and come together and bring about some real solutions for New Jersey residents."

Rosen says tax collections in almost every category are short of projections. He says the income tax is the only revenue source that is not under-performing.

If spending cuts are made and all spending proposals are fulfilled, "It would suggest a budget problem in the current year, by the end of the year of slightly under $2 billion."

Christie Says Almost Every Budget Option On Table
by Kevin McArdle
Thursday, January 28, 2010

Click here for audio and video of Ask The Governor

Chris Christie took to the airwaves on NJ 101.5 FM last night for the first of his monthly "Ask the Governor" programs. He used the forum to hammer home his promise not to raise taxes to balance a budget. The shortfall in the current fiscal year's spending plan is almost $2 billion. The deficit for next year is projected to be as high as $10 billion. Christie says aside from tax hikes, everything else has to be an option.

"Yes, everything is on the table except for tax increases. I'm not going to increase taxes," vowed Christie. "The only thing that is not on the table is tax increases. I simply am not going to increase taxes on the taxpayers who are the most heavily burdened taxpayers in America."

Just to be crystal clear, host Eric Scott walked Christie through some other scenarios. Scott asked about state workers, "Wage freeze?" Christie responed, "On the table." Scott asked, "State of fiscal emergency?" Christie answered, "On the table." Scott asked, "Re-opening the bargaining contracts?" Christie said, "Part of that is going to be a decision of the unions." However the Governor did say that too is on the table.

Christie was also asked if public employee lay-offs are possible. The Governor said, "Certainly notices of them between now and July 1 if we believe it's necessary in order to accomplish closing the budget gap."

The Governor actually expects to be criticized by opponents for not increasing taxes. He explained, "On income taxes, on corporate business taxes, on the sales tax, they're going to push me and you'll hear the rhetoric, 'Oh, he's cutting taxes for the rich. Oh, he's cutting taxes for businesses. Oh, you know this is terrible while he's making these budget cuts."

Christie says some will say you have to hike taxes to raise revenue even in bad times, "Which is completely contrary to what every economist says you should do yet, it's exactly what we've been doing in New Jersey for the last number of years under the previous administrations."

"The only way we're going to build jobs in New Jersey again is to make it attractive to come and live and work here again and the only way to do that is to lower taxes," insists Christie. "We are going to be focused on doing that and on getting government under control."

Report Hopes To Direct Christie's Environmental Path
by Racquel Williams
Thursday, January 28, 2010

Environment New Jersey, along with clean energy businesses and advocates, released a report wednesday that laid out a blueprint for Governor Christie and the New Jersey legislature to follow.

The report recommends specific actions which they claim would reduce state-wide energy demand by more than 20% by 20-20, generate enough clean solar and wind power to meet the needs of 1.3 million new jersey households, and eliminate the need to build any new polluting power plants in the state. Matt Elliot is with Environment New Jersey.

"Energy is one of the most pressing issues facing New Jersey," said Elliott, Global Warming and Clean Energy Advocate at Environment New Jersey. "Governor Christie's actions over the next four years will determine our energy future for decades to come. We can significantly reduce energy use in our homes and businesses, and be the nation's leader on solar and wind power. But only with real leadership from Governor Christie. This report charts a path forward that we urge him to follow."

He says Christie's energy and utilities subcommittee 's report full of energy-related recommendations, included a number of utility companies, but no clean energy companies or environmental groups.

The report is available online at: environmentnewjersey.org

Public Invited To Give Lawmakers An Earful
by Kevin McArdle
Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Want to tesfify?
Call:
609-292-8030
Email: lbfo@njleg.org

Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver and Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce say the Assembly will host a special bi-partisan public hearing next Tuesday, February 2 from 3-7pm in Trenton to hear first-hand from New Jerseyans their ideas on fixing and improving the state.

Republican Assemblyman Jon Bramnick and Assembly Democratic Leader Joe Cryan will chair the bipartisan panel that will hear concerns from the public. Bramnick introduced a bill last February to require a public comment period at least four times a year. When the bill hit opposition, he held hearings as the chairman of the Republican Policy Committee and invited the public to testify.

"I am very pleased that we will hear from the people we represent in the same manner as council members, freeholders, and board of education members," says Bramnick. "I hope that someday, the public will be able to speak to our entire legislature, but this is a great first step."

Cryan says, "We want to hear directly from the public because we know no idea is a bad idea. We know the public has many ideas to help ensure New Jersey and its economy is best positioned to lead our nation and we want to hear from as many people as possible. We will be there to listen."

Oliver first called for the special bipartisan hearings during her swearing-in as Assembly Speaker on January 12 saying she wanted to find "ways for the public to experience transparency in how our government operates."

"We're going to be there that day for one reason and one reason only - to listen to New Jerseyans and their ideas," explains Oliver. "We want to hear what they have in mind when it comes to tackling the problems that face our state. We know the problems, but we know we also work for the public, so we want to hear first-hand their ideas for solutions."

DeCroce says, "This forum, which will allow the public to express their views on ways to improve government, is an excellent example of the democratic process at work." He adds, "As representatives of the people, it is our responsibility to listen to suggestions on how to make New Jersey a better and more affordable place to live. I am hopeful that our first hearing will generate many common sense solutions to the problems facing our state."

The Tuesday, February 2nd hearing is scheduled for 3-7pm in Committee room 11 at the State House Annex in Trenton. Those wishing to testify are urged to make a reservation by calling the Legislative Budget and Finance Office at 609-292-8030 or by sending an e-mail to lbfo@njleg.org. Those sending an e-mail should be sure to include their name and a phone number.

A Busy First Week For Christie
by Kevin McArdle
Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Click here and listen to Kevin's report

New Jersey, you voted for change and today change has arrived-right here, right now," said Governor Chris Christie is his inaugural address last Tuesday at the War Memorial in Trenton. "Our economy is struggling. Our budget is in deep deficit and our State is losing ground. Our people are dispirited and wondering if our best days are truly still ahead of us."

Christie was sworn in as New Jersey's 55th governor, vowing to deliver the far-reaching change he said voters elected him to bring about.

"You voted loudly and clearly for change, and you have entrusted us with what may be our last, best hope for a stronger New Jersey -- the New Jersey of our youth, full of hope and opportunity," said Christie. "Rarely in New Jersey's history have we faced the challenges we face today," Christie said. "There is fear and uncertainty. But fear and uncertainty are not necessary and do not have to be permanent. We have the tools for a brighter future, if we change direction."

Christie takes charge of a government dominated by Democrats waiting to see exactly how he will balance the budget without breaking his campaign pledge to not raise taxes and to roll back others. New Jersey homeowners pay the nation's highest taxes, an average of $7,045 a year.

The new Governor acknowledged New Jersey's problems saying, "The era of runaway spending and higher and higher taxes has not worked. We have the largest budget deficit per person of any State in the Union. We have the highest tax rates in the nation. We have the highest unemployment rate in over a quarter century. Our economy is stagnant and our people are suffering under the burden government has placed on them. And we cannot continue to mortgage our future if we hope to improve it. Today, we are taking a new direction."

During his first full day in office in his first State House press conference as Governor, Christie dripped with sarcasm as he told the press corps about the "parting gift" left for him by former Governor Jon Corzine.

Christie said his top transition team members, "had continually asked (Corzine's) Treasurer (David) Rousseau for revenue projections through the end of fiscal year 2010. They would never give them to us. We asked week after week after week for revenue projections through June 30, 2010. Initially we were politely put off and then ultimately we were just ignored and we would not be given that information."

The new Governor said he found out at 2pm Tuesday afternoon why the Corzine Administration wouldn't give the information. He explained, "Revenue is projected to be $1.2 billion down year-to-date, to June 30. We're talking now about an additional billion dollar net gap that we have to close for Fiscal Year 2010."

The shortfall is the result of lower than expected tax collections and added spending. Christie said he has no question now why the former Treasurer didn't want to disclose taxation information. He said, "It would not have fit the scenario of the Corzine Administration leaving office…….They didn't tell you about this, but don't feel badly, they didn't tell us either."

"It was only when we took control of government that we found out that in their possession they refused to give us the projections for what June 30 was going to look like," explained Christie. "We're talking about now an additional billion dollar hole that we are going to have to fix."

Christie said the possibility of a larger budget deficit for this year is why he was so adamant about the additional spending that Corzine and the legislature pushed through in the final days of the lame duck session.

"This is going to mean some tough realities for everybody, but we are going to fix these problems and we're going to fix them responsibly and without tax increases," insisted Christie.

Before Christie took office, the state's Local Finance Board, which advises on the financial condition of municipalities, approved $121 million in special aid to five so-called distressed cities; Camden, Paterson, Jersey City, Union City and Bridgeton. Christie was anything but thrilled with the move.

The funding is called special, extraordinary municipal aid, but Christie said, "Aid that is given every year is not special or extraordinary……..This aid has been coming every year and people budget anticipating the aid."

Also before he was sworn in, Christie threatened to block the aid. He explained, "I'm not going to foreclose any options of what I may do with the distribution of that aid come the 19th of January…….I'm not going to make a promise either way. We're going to take a look at it on the 19th and take a look at each particular city's circumstance……All options are on the table, but we will do it on a city-by-city basis. We will not just do it across the board."

As it turns out, there's nothing Christie can do. Yesterday, he said, "We instructed our cabinet secretary (Tuesday) immediately after I took the oath (as Governor) to look into the supplemental municipal aid that was being given. You will not be shocked to know that that aid was wire transferred out before I took the oath of office so any attempt by us to stop the distribution of that aid and to save $121 million for the state's taxpayers was thwarted by the Corzine Administration."

"They wire transferred the money out so that on Tuesday morning the money went out prior to the time we could do anything to stop it," says Christie. "He (Corzine) had time to sign medical marijuana (legislation). He had time to sign prevailing wage bills. He had time to sign all of the parting gifts to his political patrons but he didn't have time to sign a bill that would save money for the taxpayers of New Jersey."

That last piece of legislation to which Christie referred concerns the $800 million in budget savings Corzine proposed. $260 million of the savings would have to come from forcing school districts to use their surplus funds rather than receive more state aid. The move required the passage of enabling legislation. That didn't get passed. Christie says, "If there is a lasting legacy of the Corzine transition that's the headline of it: Time to take care of his pals. No time to take care of the taxpayers of New Jersey."

On day three the battle lines were drawn and there was no way to sugarcoat it….somebody was lying. New Jersey's new Governor and the state's immediate past chief executive continued to battle over whose budget numbers are accurate. A real he said-he said situation was going on, but what one of them is saying can't be true.

Josh Zeitz, a spokesman for Corzine, said the Democrat left office with a $496 million surplus. Christie claimed Corzine failed to give a true budget projection through June 30. Zeitz called Christie's forecast "phantom tax revenue projections" and accused the new Governor of playing fast and loose with the facts.

On Wednesday, Christie said the budget deficit for this fiscal year is roughly $1.2 billion. The following day, he said, "I met for over two hours today with OMB (Office of Management and Budget) and they don't find the surplus that (former) Treasurer (David) Rousseau is talking about…….The hard numbers that I was presented with this morning are an additional $1.33 billion deficit for Fiscal Year 2010."

Before leaving office, Corzine appointed Rousseau to the Mercer County Board of Taxation and for the second day in a row Christie took a shot at the former Treasurer. The new Governor says if there's really a surplus, "I'd like him to come find it then. In fact, come back immediately and take a little off from the heavy duty at the Mercer County Board of Taxation and see if you can come back and help find the surplus………I'll pay him at a per diem if he can come here and find that surplus that he supposedly left across the across the hall. We've been looking around (and) we can't seem to find it."

Just before leaving office, Corzine made hundreds of last minute appointments to scores of boards and commissions. It was a bone of contention between Corzine and new Governor, Chris Christie.

On Thursday, Christie vowed to enact pension reform and he said he will take a very close look at these boards and commissions. He explained, "Let's call it exactly what it is….These nominations of some of these folks at the end were pure pension plays…….. You know it. I know it. It's the stuff that we all whisper about around here. We gotta stop whispering. We gotta start speaking out loud. These were pension plays."

What exactly does Christie mean by 'pension plays?' He explained, "Gifts to the people who lost the election to keep them in the pension system that you and I and our children are going to pay for……This is stuff that's been done by previous Governors and previous administrations to keep their friends in the pension system in order to accumulate the number of years that they need to get the maximum amount of payment they can get from the taxpayers……We gotta stop whispering about this and winking and nodding and saying, 'We're all kind of in this game together. We understand this is the way it works.' This stuff has got to end."

"You have to kind of shake your head about why people think they can continue to fleece the taxpayers this way," said Christie. "That's what's going on…….There seems to be this sense that, if I'm doing it for my friends it's okay, but when the other guys do it for their friends it's not. It's wrong. It's wrong when Republicans do it. It's wrong when Democrats do it."

Christie promises to eliminate a lot of the existing boards and commissions and to take a look at any nominations in the future. He believes he has the bi-partisan support necessary to produce real pension and benefits reform.

Dozens of members of Corzine's administration are in line for pensions after being appointed to boards and commissions. Appointees include former Education Commissioner Lucille Davy to the state Board of Pharmacy, departing Health Commissioner Heather Howard to the Board of Medical Examiners and former Labor Commissioner David Socolow to the Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners. To be vested in the state pension plan, New Jersey officials need to work for the state continuously for at least 10 years. Those hired before 2008 need to make only $1,500 per year.

Two days ago, Christie told reporters that if the state's Unemployment Insurance (UI) Fund falls below a certain threshold in March, an automatic tax increase on New Jersey businesses will kick in. Christie says there may be no way to avoid that tax hike.

"While we'll look for some temporary relief from the federal government in the end we're going top have to deal with our own business here and the statute requires a tax increase," explained Christie. "If we get assistance from the federal government there still will be some measure of tax increase. The question is: how much?"

Employers could see an increase of up to $1,000 per employee in their unemployment tax starting July 1 unless the fund is infused with state or federal money. The hike is triggered by a growing shortfall in the UI Fund. Business taxes are increased by law when the fund's balance dips below a certain level as measured every March. Christie says the fund will be $1.6 billion in debt by March.

"Even if they (the federal government) were to wipe away all of the debt we'd still be at zero in the fund. Even if they wipe away all the debt so, we need to rebuild and replenish that fund," said Christie. "I don't have any choice but to let it (the tax hike) kick in. It's statutory…….That's not my choice. That's not what I would like to have happen."

Unemployment in New Jersey climbed to a 33-year high of 10.1% in December -- the first time since October 2006 that the Garden State's jobless rate eclipsed the national average. Total employment in New Jersey fell to 3,910,400 in December, with losses in both the public and private sectors.

Democrat, Lou Greenwald the chairman of the Assembly Budget Committee said an unemployment tax increase would hurt businesses already battered by the tough economy.

"That will only dampen the spirit of economic recovery we've been trying to foster," explained Greenwald. "We threw in over $400 million at the end of last year to offset a UI tax increase….I think we should avoid a tax increase at all costs."

Christie says he will balance the General Budget without tax increases. Since 1992 both parties have been raiding this fund and taking the revenue that is earmarked for this fund and diverting it to other places. $4.7 billion has been diverted primarily to help hospitals pay for treating the uninsured. Former Governor Jon Corzine stopped the practice of raiding the fund.

Christie: Automatic Tax Unavoidable
by Kevin McArdle
Tuesday, January 26, 2010

If the state's Unemployment Insurance (UI) Fund falls below a certain threshold in March, an automatic tax increase on New Jersey businesses will kick in. Governor Chris Christie says there may be no way to avoid that tax hike.

"While we'll look for some temporary relief from the federal government in the end we're going top have to deal with our own business here and the statute requires a tax increase," explains Christie. "If we get assistance from the federal government there still will be some measure of tax increase. The question: how much?"

"Even if they (the federal government) were to wipe away all of the debt we'd still be at zero in the fund. Even if they wipe away all the debt so, we need to rebuild and replenish that fund," says Christie. "I don't have any choice but to let it (the tax hike) kick in. It's statutory…….That's not my choice. That's not what I would like to have happen."

Democrat, Lou Greenwald the chairman of the Assembly Budget Committee says an unemployment tax increase would hurt businesses already battered by the tough economy.

"That will only dampen the spirit of economic recovery we've been trying to foster," explains Greenwald. "We threw in over $400 million at the end of last year to offset a UI tax increase….I think we should avoid a tax increase at all costs."

Christie says he will balance the General Budget without tax increases. Since 1992 both parties have been raiding this fund and taking the revenue that is earmarked for this fund and diverting it to other places. $4.7 billion has been diverted primarily to help hospitals pay for treating the uninsured. F0rmer Governor Jon Corzine stopped the practice of raiding the fund.

Lawmakers Get Latest Budget Figures
by Kevin McArdle
Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Click here and listen to Kevin's report

Rosen says tax collections in almost every category are short of projections. He says the income tax is the only revenue source that is not under-performing.

If spending cuts are made and all spending proposals are fulfilled, "It would suggest a budget problem in the current year, by the end of the year of slightly under $2 billion."

Assembly Committee Lays Out The Budget
by David Matthau
Monday, January 25, 2010

Click here and listen to David's report

With Jersey facing a projected budget deficit of between 9 and 10 billion dollars for the coming fiscal year, the Assembly Budget Committee holds a special hearing today.

Committee Chair Lou Greenwald says the panel will take testimony from the Legislature's chief budget officer David Rosen, "and in addition to that we want to hear some public testimony from some local individuals as to the hardships of the budget, and the impact on local governments."

He says "I'm hoping the Governor - I'm sure he'll have people listening to the testimony, and watching the hearing, that will give insight to the direction that hopefully the Governor chooses to go…we want to help the Governor in this process, so that he is not waiting until after he's done his budget address (in March) to hear from the public."

Greenwald adds "we don't have time to waste…we're ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work…we have to work together."

Christie, NJEA Bracing For A Fight?
by Kevin McArdle
Monday, January 25, 2010

A Quinnipiac University poll released last week reveals merit pay for outstanding teachers is a good idea, New Jersey voters say 66 - 31%, and firing bad teachers should be easier, voters say 64 - 31%.

"New Jersey's new Governor, Chris Christie, and Education Commissioner Bret Schundler like merit pay for good teachers," explains poll director Mickey Carroll. "So do voters, by margins topping 2-1. As a bonus, voters think it ought to be easier to fire bad teachers."

The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) once dubbed Schundler "Public Enemy #1." Does this mean the scene is set for a fight? Schundler says, "I don't think so. We may be disagreeing on a number of fronts, but I don't think you're going to see a big clash per se."

"Maybe it was the campaign rhetoric. Maybe it's the Schundler appointment. Whatever, New Jerseyans expect Christie to get tough with a long-time sacred cow, the teachers union," says Carroll. "The teachers' unions get bad marks. Almost half say they're a negative influence."

Schundler says, "You're not going to see a big fight. I think what you're going to see is that we're going to try to do what's best for our children. The reality is they (the NJEA) have issues that are important. They have concerns that are important. What we're going to try to do is we're going to try to understand the insights that they have. We're going to try to take those into account."

Christie's and Schundler's support for charter schools doesn't resonate with most voters. New Jersey voters oppose 52 - 40% expanding charter schools. Opposition is stronger among union households, 65 - 29%, and among parents of public school students, 55 - 38%. Voters in urban areas support charter schools 53 - 43%, as do black voters 52 - 43%, but the measure fails in all other areas of the state. Even Republicans oppose charter school expansion 51 - 39%.

Former Govs Offer Budget Christie Advice
by Kevin McArdle
Monday, January 25, 2010

Governor Chris Christie is facing a budget deficit for this current year that is over $1 billion. The estimated shortfall for the next Fiscal Year is nearing $10 billion. We asked two former New Jersey Governors to talk about the rough road ahead for the state's newest chief executive.

"I had a $3 billion deficit and other Governors had the same thing," says current State senator and former Governor Dick Codey. He says Christie's situation is nothing new, "He's facing the same thing we've all faced."

Christie vows to keep his campaign promise to balance the budgets while lowering taxes, not raising them.

"He's hoping mayors and school boards we all be able to economize so as to make sure that property taxes do not go up not withstanding state assistance will probably be reduced," explains former Governor Jim Florio. "He's actually made it very clear he's planning on putting emphasis on local governments economizing so I suspect the revenue will not be there to provide the assistance."

Codey says, "He (Christie) can't blame others anymore. It's 'You're the man,' and when you're the man it is up to you to get it done. It's as simple as that."

Meanwhile, New Jersey's new Governor and the state's immediate past chief executive continue to battle over whose budget numbers are accurate. A real he said-he said situation is going on, but what one of them is saying can't be true.

Josh Zeitz, a spokesman for Corzine, says the Democrat left office with a $496 million surplus. Christie claims Corzine failed to give a true budget projection through June 30. Zeitz calls Christie's forecast "phantom tax revenue projections" and accuses the new Governor of playing fast and loose with the facts.

On Wednesday, Christie said the budget deficit for this fiscal year is roughly $1.2 billion. Thursday, he said, "I met for over two hours today with OMB (Office of Management and Budget) and they don't find the surplus that (former) Treasurer (David) Rousseau is talking about…….The hard numbers that I was presented with this morning are an additional $1.33 billion deficit for Fiscal Year 2010."

Wednesday, Christie said his top transition team members, "had continually asked Treasurer Rousseau for revenue projections through the end of fiscal year 2010. They would never give them to us. We asked week after week after week for revenue projections through June 30, 2010. Initially we were politely put off and then ultimately we were just ignored and we would not be given that information."

The new Governor says he found out at 2pm Tuesday afternoon why the Corzine Administration wouldn't give the information. He explained, "Revenue is projected to be $1.2 billion down year-to-date, to June 30. We're talking now about an additional billion dollar net gap that we have to close for Fiscal Year 2010."

The shortfall is the result of lower than expected tax collections and added spending. Christie says he has no question now why the former Treasurer didn't want to disclose taxation information. He says, "It would not have fit the scenario of the Corzine Administration leaving office…….They didn't tell you about this, but don't feel badly, they didn't tell us either."

"It was only when we took control of government that we found out that in their possession they refused to give us the projections for what June 30 was going to look like," explains Christie.

Christie says the possibility of a larger budget deficit for this year is why he was so adamant about the additional spending that Corzine and the legislature pushed through in the final days of the lame duck session.

"This is going to mean some tough realities for everybody, but we are going to fix these problems and we're going to fix them responsibly and without tax increases," insists Christie.

Somebody Is Lying About The Budget Picture
by Kevin McArdle
Friday, January 22, 2010

Read the budget documents Christie says back his claim

There's no way to sugarcoat it….somebody is lying.

New Jersey's new Governor and the state's immediate past chief executive continue to battle over whose budget numbers are accurate. A real he said-he said situation is going on, but what one of them is saying can't be true.

"It was only when we took control of government that we found out that in their possession they refused to give us the projections for what June 30 was going to look like," explains Christie.

"This is going to mean some tough realities for everybody, but we are going to fix these problems and we're going to fix them responsibly and without tax increases," insists Christie.

First Shots Fired At Unions
by David Matthau
Friday, January 22, 2010

Click here and listen to David's report

With the state facing a multi-billion dollar budget deficit, Governor Christie has wasted little time in firing the first shot in what promises to be an epic battle with the state's big worker unions, the CWA and the NJEA.

On his first full day in office, Christie issued an executive order limiting the size of political contributions by labor unions - and CWA leaders quickly retreated behind closed doors and held a strategy session to plot their response.

Seton Hall political science professor Joe Marbach says as Christie tries to squeeze contract concessions from the unions, he does have significant powers - and he even has the right to declare a financial emergency, which would make existing contracts null and void, "so he has a significant arsenal, but it's almost as if one might call it a nuclear option - and I'm not sure he would want to go that far because it would really sour relations between him and the unions."

Patrick Murray, the Director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute says recent polls show the public supports Christie getting tough with the unions, but in order to secure a PR victory - which is how this war will be won - "Chris Christie needs to get ahead of that curve…he needs to distinguish the fight as being with union leaders, not rank and file members…there is going to be a lot of political maneuverings and it's going to be difficult for him to make sure he's on the right side…this is going to be an epic battle, there's no question about it."

Christie To Crack Down On Boards
by David Matthau
Friday, January 22, 2010

Believe it or not, the state of New Jersey has at least 476 different Board and Commissions - dealing with almost anything you can imagine…but things could soon be changing.

Governor Chris Christie says it's become very clear that we don't need all of these groups "and one of the things that I've asked the Lut. Governor to lead a review on - along with our senior staff- is which one of these can we eliminate…I think you're going to see- in fact I know you're going to see over the course of the first quarter to the first half of this year, a significant elimination of those things- I mean it just doesn't make sense."

Some of the Boards and Commissions currently operating with state funding include The Domestic Companion Animal Council, the Police Paperwork Reduction Task Force, the Hearing Aid Dispensers Examining Committee, the State Board of Shorthand Reporting, the Massage, Bodywork and Somatic Therapy Examining Committee, and the Burglar Alarm and Locksmith Advisory Committee.

Phil Kirschner, the President of the Jersey Business and Industry Association, says "we're in a world of hurt here in the State of New Jersey, in terms of our finances, and I think we have to look at every program, every activity, every Board to see if it's absolutely necessary at this time."

Christie: Corzine Left Costly Suprises Behind
by Kevin McArdle
Thursday, January 21, 2010

Click here and listen to Kevin's report

Now we know why many people don't like surprises. In his first State House press conference as New Jersey's 55th Governor, Chris Christie dripped with sarcasm as he told the press corps about the "parting gift" left for him by former Governor Jon Corzine.

Christie says his top transition team members, "had continually asked (Corzine's) Treasurer (David) Rousseau for revenue projections through the end of fiscal year 2010. They would never give them to us. We asked week after week after week for revenue projections through June 30, 2010. Initially we were politely put off and then ultimately we were just ignored and we would not be given that information."

The new Governor says he found out at 2pm Tuesday afternoon why the Corzine Administration wouldn't give the information. He explains, "Revenue is projected to be $1.2 billion down year-to-date, to June 30. We're talking now about an additional billion dollar net gap that we have to close for Fiscal Year 2010."

"It was only when we took control of government that we found out that in their possession they refused to give us the projections for what June 30 was going to look like," explains Christie. "We're talking about now an additional billion dollar hole that we are going to have to fix."

"This is going to mean some tough realities for everybody, but we are going to fix these problems and we're going to fix them responsibly and without tax increases," insists Christie.

That last piece of legislation to which Christie refereed concerns the $800 million in budget savings Corzine proposed. $260 million of the savings would have to come from forcing school districts to use their surplus funds rather than receive more state aid. The move required the passage of enabling legislation. That didn't get passed. Christie says, "If there is a lasting legacy of the Corzine transition that's the headline of it: Time to take care of his pals. No time to take care of the taxpayers of New Jersey."

Corzine Disappears Into History
by David Matthau
Thursday, January 21, 2010

He's only been out of office for a couple of days, but Jon Corzine's name has already been scraped off of the Governor's outer-office door inside the Statehouse, his photo on the official New Jersey website has been replaced with a smiling Chris Christie, and all the highway signs welcoming motorists to the Garden State - with his name on them - have been updated.

It's almost as if all vestiges of the former Governor have vanished in the blink of an eye.

Montclair State political science professor Dr. Brigid Harrison says it does seem that many Jersey residents have completely forgotten about Corzine already - similar to what took place when Barack Obama replaced George W. Bush.

"The old leader that people were dissatisfied with really dissipated" she says, "and that personality just kind of took a back seat, and really didn't become a part of what people were thinking about…I think it happened particularly because of how Governor Corzine has governed over the last several months - it's expected that he is no longer considered a political figure in the state."

So how will Corzine be remembered?

Dr. Harrison says it's too soon to tell - and while some will recall him as a champion for childrens rights, "certainly other people are going to say here is a Governor who, despite perhaps the best of intentions, wasn't able to accomplish what he set out to do."

Christie Takes Office Today
by Kevin McArdle
Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Click here to watch and listen to the inauguration

Republican Governor elect Chris Christie is scheduled to be officially sworn-in as New Jersey's 53rd elected chief executive today. He will actually be the state's 55th Governor because there have been two acting Governors who have served longer than six months and are officially referred to as fomer Governor.

Christie will inherit a budget deficit for next fiscal year that is estimated to range from $8 billion to $9.5 billion. In the last few weeks the incoming Governor has been not only filling out his cabinet, but also railing against the last minute spending of outgoing Governor Jon Corzine and the lame duck legislature.

Curbing spending is going to be a running theme in the Christie Administration and it starts today. He says, "We simply cannot afford it. These are words you're going to hear from me many times over the next number of years I suspect."

"We simply can't afford spending while we have an economy is acting the way it is in New Jersey, while we have the highest tax structure in America (and) while we have nearly 10% unemployment," explains Christie. "This is just untenable going forward and we have to turn this around and continuing to spend at the trough here in Trenton is not the way to turn it around."

Last Monday just before the legislature was scheduled to vote on several bills that would increase spending, Christie said, "Lawmakers need to know that hitting the green (Yes) button today is really hitting a red (No) button for other programs." He urged legislators to, "Try and have some discipline today."

At one point in his press conference, Christie said, "I don't know how much more money they're (lawmakers) going to spend today." From the back of the room someone shouted, "Not too much!" That 'someone' was outgoing State Senate President and former Governor Dick Codey. Christie joked, "You can feel the warmth already." We shall see.

Who Are These People?
by Kevin McArdle
Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Click here to read the poll results

Do you know the major players in New Jersey politics and what do you think of them? According to a poll released today by Fairleigh Dickinson University's PublicMind, outside the governor's office the pol with the highest name recognition is U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg. Poll director Peter Woolley says, "Lautenberg has 92% name recognition. Not a big surprise since he's been around the longest." 35% have a favorable opinion of Lautenberg while 38% have an unfavorable view.

83% recognize U.S. Senator Bob Menendez's name, but he has some sagging numbers: 28% say they have a good opinion of Menendez and 28% say their view of him is unfavorable. "Expect Menendez to be a lot more visible to his New Jersey constituents in the next two years," says Woolley.

Former TV anchor Lou Dobbs may make a statewide run for office against Menendez. He has not yet declared a party affiliation, but Dobbs clocks in at 70% name recognition. Voters split evenly in their impressions: 22% say they have a favorable view of him, while 22% say they have an unfavorable opinion.

Republicans are more likely than Democrats to recognize Dobbs (76%-64%). Republicans also give him a 2-to-1 ratio of favorable over unfavorable opinion (33%-16%). On the other hand, Democrats pan him with a 1-to-2 ratio of favorable to unfavorable opinion (14%-30%). But among all registered voters, 30% say they don't recognize his name and another 25% have no opinion of him.

"Dobbs has no obvious traction right now and no clear advantage," explains Woolley. "His relatively high name recognition is a plus but that is balanced by a significant amount of unfavorable opinion. He will have to change those numbers by targeting voters who aren't familiar with his TV persona."

A head-to-head between Menendez and Dobbs-with Menendez identified as a Democrat and Dobbs identified without a party affiliation-results in a close result: Menendez 37% and Dobbs 34%, with 28% unsure.

The New Jersey politician with the strongest numbers may be Mayor Cory Booker of Newark whose ratio of favorable to unfavorable opinion is 6-to-1 (38%-6%). 59% percent of New Jerseyans say they've heard of Booker.

U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone has been trying to increase his name recognition, possibly in preparation for a statewide run, but his numbers among registered voters have moved little in the past year. His name recognition is two in five (39%), and half of those who have heard of him have no opinion of him (22%).

The Fairleigh Dickinson University poll of 801 registered voters statewide has a margin of error of +/- 3.5 percentage points for the Dobbs-Menendez ballot question. Subsets of voters, selected at random, were asked to identify various public figures. For those questions, the margin of error is +/- 4 percentage points. The poll was conducted by telephone from Jan. 4, 2010, through Jan. 10, 2010.

Poll: High Expectations For New Governor
by David Matthau
Monday, January 18, 2010

Click here to read the poll

As Chris Christie prepares to take the oath of office tomorrow as the next Governor of the Garden State, Jersey residents are expressing their feelings about what his first official action should be.

Patrick Murray, the Director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute says a new survey of voters followed throughout the fall campaign finds "twenty five percent of Christie voters said that taxes need to be cut, and about a third of those specifically said it has to be property taxes - 27 percent said State spending needs to be cut."

He says "twelve percent said job growth in the State needs to be spurred on, 12 percent said Christie needs to dal with the State unions in terms of salaries and pensions, and 11 percent said Chris Christie needs to address corruption, and clean up New Jersey government a little bit more."

Murray adds "among Christie supporters, they're worried that he might get absorbed by the Trenton blob" and at the same time "there's a lot of worry about how Christie will be able to deal with the democratic legislature…but New Jerseyans are saying no, it's taxing and spending - that's what you'll be judged on."

Sweeney Vows To Tackle Pension System Problems
by Kevin McArdle
Monday, January 18, 2010

It is generally accepted that New Jersey's pension system is broken and needs to be fixed in very short order. Newly-elected State Senate President Steve Sweeney certainly feels this way. Several years ago, Sweeney ruffled the feathers of many state workers when he proposed sweeping pension reforms. He's now vowing to give it another shot.

"In this next coming session I'm going to be looking at several aspects of pension funding and also reforms that have to be put it place in order to fix the pension system," says Sweeney. "I want to re-focus and look at the pensions and put a constitutional amendment in to make the state pay its pension payments there are some other states that do that……We'd have to go back to the actuaries to re-set the payments so we could actually afford the payments and give us time over years to build up to where we need to be."

Sweeney has some other ideas. He explains, "We also have look at the way pensions are funded and if everyone is paying what they should be paying. That means government and employees. I'm sure this will be somewhat controversial, but we need to fix the pension system. We have an obligation to people who have worked 25 or 30 years and were promised that there would be a pension there for them. The worst thing in the world that could possibly happen is if we continue along this path where we wind up going bankrupt."

Will public employees be asked to foot more of the bill for their pensions and benefits? Sweeney says, "I don't think the employees are paying what they need to pay, but I don't think the state is either."

Crating a separate system for newly hired state workers is one of many options that should at least be explored says Sweeney, "A two-tiered system is a very simple one to look at." The Senator pledges to works with the unions and his colleagues in the legislature to find solutions that are fair for everyone involved.

For this current fiscal year New Jersey municipalities were given the option of deferring 50% of their pension payments, but the future of a bill to allow that again for the upcoming fiscal year is uncertain. State Senate and Assembly committees were scheduled to consider the measure Monday, but the votes were scrapped late in the afternoon.

Sweeney who opposes the legislation bluntly explained the reason for the cancelled votes, "The bill that was proposed doesn't have the votes to pass out of committee."

State Senator Sandra Cunningham sponsors the bill in the Upper House. She hopes will help New Jersey's municipalities. The measure states, "In recognition of the enormous financial burden that full payments of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) contributions in State fiscal year 2010 will place on local property taxpayers and local budgets during this historically difficult economic period for the State, this bill provides that the State Treasurer will reduce for local employers the normal and accrued liability contributions to 50 percent of the amount certified annually by the PERS and PFRS for payments due in State fiscal year 2010."

Jersey City Mayor Jerry Healy says, "The deferral will save us $15 million that we don't have to go and try and drag out of the taxpayers." Asked if lay-offs or tax increases are likely if the bill is rejected, he responds, "Probably a combination of the two."

"I didn't like the idea of deferring pensions the first time," says Sweeney. "If we continue not to make payments it (the pension fund) is going to go bankrupt." Towns were first allowed to defer payments in this fiscal year.

Sweeney says, "It's like the old Fram commercial: pay me now or pay me later. It doesn't get better later so my personal belief is pension payment need to start being made……It (the debt) only gets larger. The number only gets larger each year when you don't make the payments and someone somewhere has to say, 'Stop,' and we have to fix the system."

Under Cunningham's bill, the actuaries for PERS and PFRS will determine the unfunded liability of those retirement systems, by employer, for the reduced normal and accrued liability contributions provided under the bill. This unfunded liability will be paid by the employer in level annual payments over a period of 15 years beginning with the payments due in the State fiscal year ending June 30, 2013 and will be adjusted by the rate of return on the actuarial value of assets.

Christie: State Can't Be Fixed Overnight
by Kevin McArdle
Friday, January 15, 2010

Just days away from being sworn in as New Jersey's newest Governor, Republican Chris Christie is fully aware of the problems plaguing the state. The Fiscal Year 2011 budget deficit is estimated to be as high as $10 billion. The state's pension system is woefully underfunded and Jersey's debt level is in the stratosphere.

Yesterday, after Christie announced the former Commissioner of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, Andrew Eristoff, as New Jersey's next Commissioner of the Department of the Treasury, he was asked in which order he plans to tackle each issue. Christie said, "Which gets done first or second is really less of a concern of mine than it is to let everyone know that we're going to deal with all of them (and) to let people know that all of them are not going to be fixed overnight. We didn't get into this mess overnight and we're not going to fix it overnight."

"We are the most overtaxed state in America with a stagnant economy that continues to lose jobs, with a growing public sector that we can no longer afford, with a pension system that's out of balance and health benefit costs that are out of control," says Christie. "My job is to bring that back under control."

Christie adds that for every dollar New Jersey gives the federal government, it sees only 68 cents back -- a fact he recently pointed out to California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger after he heard Schwarzenegger complain about getting 79 cents back on the dollar. Christie says, "I sent Governor Schwarzenegger a note congratulating him on 79 cents, since we get 68."

The Governor-elect swears he will not raise taxes to balance the FY 2011 budget, which he is scheduled to propose in March. He also says the state won't be able to make payroll by then if revenue stays flat and cuts are not made. Christie has directed his transition team to prepare to cut state spending as much as 25% next year.

Governor's Cabinet Is Not Noah's Ark
by Kevin McArdle
Friday, January 15, 2010

Yesterday, Governor-Elect Chris Christie announced the former Commissioner of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, Andrew Eristoff, as New Jersey's next Commissioner of the Department of the Treasury. He announced Eristoff's appointment along with Bob Grady as Chair of the newly created Council of Economic Advisors and Al Koeppe as Chair of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA).

During the press conference to introduce his newest cabinet picks, Christie was asked if his cabinet would lack diversity. He responded, "Did you miss the Paula Dow (State Attorney General-designate) nomination? You can say a lot of things about Lt. Governor (Kim) Guadagno, but she is neither a white male nor someone who doesn't understand how to bring diversity to these things."

"What I'm finding are the best people I can possibly find. We have a number of other cabinet positions to fill," explained Christie. "I'm not going to take a Noah's Ark approach to filling my cabinet. Okay? I'm going to look for the best possible people I can find."

The Governor-elect says diversity is one of the factors that he's considering, but, "I'm, not going to just look at the class picture and decide what's missing. I'm going to pick the best people I possibly can. I think you'll see that will include gender and ethnic diversity as well as racial diversity."

In addition to Eristoff, Christie's Cabinet picks to oversee homeland security, education, transportation and the environment are all been white men.

Christie Could Block Aid To Cities
by Kevin McArdle & David Matthau
Thursday, January 14, 2010

The state's Local Finance Board, which advises on the financial condition of municipalities, has approved $121 million in special aid to five so-called distressed cities; Camden, Paterson, Jersey City, Union City and Bridgeton. Governor-elect Chris Christie is anything but thrilled with the move and could decide to block the aid.

The funding is called special, extraordinary municipal aid, but Christie contends, "Aid that is given every year is not special or extraordinary……..This aid has been coming every year and people budget anticipating the aid."

Christie could hold back the aid after he's sworn in Tuesday. He explains, "I'm not going to foreclose any options of what I may do with the distribution of that aid come the 19th of January…….I'm not going to make a promise either way. We're going to take a look at it on the 19th and take a look at each particular city's circumstance……All options are on the table, but we will do it on a city-by-city basis. We will not just do it across the board."

"In past years, the board awarded these grants in April or May. Clearly, the Corzine administration is afraid that this process would not survive the scrutiny of a new governor who demands people play by the rules when handing out taxpayer money," says Steve Oroho, a republican member of the State Senate Budget Committee. "We have a $1 billion deficit this year and face a $10 billion deficit next year. Every dime of questionable spending approved in the waning days of this lame-duck administration is money that won't be there to pay for essential services next year."

At the beginning of this week, outgoing Governor Jon Corzine approved a plan to funnel an additional $44 million in so-called "surplus funding" to a Special Municipal Aid account for Camden, Paterson, and 3 other cities…that already contains $72 million.

Yesterday, the Jersey Department of Community Affairs' Local Finance Board approved the proposal to distribute the money. This comes as New Jersey is already facing a $9-$10 billion budget deficit for the upcoming fiscal year.

"The people of New Jersey should take notice of this" said Christie on Monday, "because this is exactly the type of Wall Street fiscal shenanigans that got us in the spot we're in right now - we're in a situation where we are going to be unable to meet payroll in March - he (Corzine) has now taken $44 million more off of the payroll of State workers for March."

Christie also said Monday that Corzine "has put us $44 million closer to insolvency- now I guess since he's leaving office, he doesn't care- but it's my job to care…this has got to stop - and these cities have got to be taught to budget responsibly…these are the kinds of Trenton games that the people of New Jersey are quite frankly tired of…we're in a new era now of responsibility, and we have to do it differently."

Christie Looks To Lie Low
by Kevin McArdle
Thursday, January 14, 2010

Monday, Democrat Steve Sweeney was the State Senate Majority Leader. Tuesday, Sweeney was elected State Senate President. Yesterday, he became acting Governor because Governor Jon Corzine is vacationing in Europe. Does the temporary chief executive have any big plans? Not really.

"I'm going to speak to the Governor's Chief of Staff (Ed McBride) and see what they're looking to do, some of the things they're looking to accomplish," explains Sweeney. "Hopefully there's an opportunity to sign a couple of very good bills."

Taking a seemingly good natured shot at his Senate President predecessor Dick Codey, Sweeney jokes, "I'm not going to send any notice asking anyone from the U.S. cabinet or the Vice President or the Governor or the President to resign. I'm not going to do that."

Following the attempted airline bombing on Christmas Day, Codey (serving as acting Governor) called for the resignation of U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. In a letter copied to President Barak Obama he wrote, "Based on the handling of this entire affair, I think it's time for you to consider stepping down and making room for an individual with more law enforcement and counterterrorism experience to take the reins at the Office of Homeland Security. After the Christmas Day near-miss, your public statements seemed more focused on public relations than closing the gaps in our nation's security safety net that allowed a terrorist to board an international flight for the United States. You said on ABC's "This Week" program on Sunday, "I think the important thing to recognize here is that once this incident occurred, everything happened that should have. We trained for this. We planned for this." On CNN's "State of the Union" program, you said, "One thing I'd like to point out is that the system worked."

In his short stint as acting Governor, Sweeney promises to do, "Nothing crazy."

Corzine: I Didn't Accomplish All I Hoped
by Kevin McArdle
Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Click here to hear the speech

Click here for reaction to the speech

Governor Jon Corzine delivered his final State of the State Address yesterday before a special joint session of the legislature. Early on in what will be his last major speech Corzine said, " I'm going to say it plainly. I had hoped today would mark the midpoint, rather than the endpoint, of my tenure as governor." He added, "I have been honored and humbled to serve our citizens for nearly a decade in both Washington and Trenton. Those years have been fulfilling beyond my wildest imagination."

Corzine highlighted his accomplishments saying, "We have cut the rate of property tax growth in half.... We expanded school aid and distributed it more fairly.... We are implementing a comprehensive Energy Master Plan.... We pioneered new criminal justice strategies that are driving down violent crime... We're building a remarkable new rail tunnel under the Hudson River that will offer relief to those who commute on our congested highways and strengthen our regional economy... I was the first governor in six decades to cut spending two years in a row... We reduced the size and scope of government."

The Governor also admitted his failures. He said, "No State of the State speech, let alone my last, could fail to address the great unfinished business of the past 50 years: Property taxes. Let's call it like it is: everyone's property taxes are too damn high."

There were things Corzine wanted to get done that he could not get done, but he spreads the blame on some issues. He said, "I tried to end dual-office holding in one swift gesture, but I couldn't get all stakeholders to go along. Instead, we're ending it over time. We tried to extend the pay-to-play ban to county and local government. We didn't have the votes. We were committed to meeting pension obligations, but we wouldn't borrow to meet those needs when the state's cash position was at risk."

Corzine deservedly took credit for increasing the number of poor children receiving health care and enrolled in preschools. He also warned the legislature, "In meeting the challenges ahead, I would advise you to weigh carefully the long-term consequences of your choices as well as the necessities of the moment."

During Corzine's term, the state began a court-ordered, top-to-bottom reform of the child welfare system. Corzine revised the school aid formula so it benefits children, not just their district. He added preschools in the poorest districts and increased the children's health rolls by tens of thousands. The school funding formula was later successfully defended before the state Supreme Court.

"If we fail to invest in our children, if we shirk our responsibility to provide them with the full blessings of citizenship -- then we don't just fall short in our moral responsibility, we undermine our long-term future for selfish, generational gain," says Corzine.

The outgoing Governor Corzine said he tried to address another glaring fiscal problem -- New Jersey's growing debt -- but came up empty when legislators and voters refused to go for his plan, which involved massive toll hikes to pay down half the state's debt. He referred to the 800% toll hike plan as "the elephant in the room," and sarcastically called it, "my glorious asset monetization plan."

Corzine also extended well-wishes to Christie, who did not attend the speech but was at the Statehouse earlier in the day.

Corzine Signs Bill To Help Immigrants
by Martin DiCaro
Wednesday, January 13, 2010

A day after Assembly lawmakers voted down a measure that would have allowed undocumented immigrants to pay in-state tuition rates to attend state colleges and universities, Governor Jon Corzine signed an executive order on Tuesday establishing a Commission on New Americans, an 18-member panel which will oversee bureaucracies dealing with immigration policies.

The commission is charged with helping immigrants, documented or not, access services like health care, education, learning English, attaining citizenship, and employment assistance. Immigrants rights activists applauded the move.

"We can't continue this back and forth, hate, support, hate, support, hate, support that we have been seeing for so many years. We have to move ahead from that," said Amy Gottlieb, the director of the immigrants rights program at the American Friends Service Committee, an organization which supports amnesty for undocumented immigrants.

She said the commission will hopefully improve the dialogue over immigration in New Jersey, where an estimated 1.8 million foreign born residents live, and get past labels like "illegal alien."

"New Jersey is experiencing what many states and many communities are experiencing, a lot of misinformation about the realities of immigration in this country and who lives among us. Legislators are unfortunately following what has been a public outcry against something that in fact would really help our communities," said Gottlieb, referring to the Legislature's vote against the in-state tuition measure.

"We're not talking about creating programs that give extra privileges or benefits. We are talking about opportunities for people to better integrate and more safely integrate into their communities," she add

New Leaders Promise Bi-Partisanship
by Kevin McArdle
Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Sheila Oliver

Yesterday, Sheila Oliver became New Jersey's first African American Assembly Speaker and she immediately promised a new era of bi-partisanship. She said, "I do not believe in this stark, combative, adversarial, partisanship that has gripped so much of our public debate in recent years."

Oliver says she'll work hard for the people of New Jersey. She explained, "Nothing is more important to them and to me than jobs, the economy and property taxes………One of my main goals is to establish a business environment where companies already here in New Jersey want to stay and companies from other parts of the country want to join them."

The new Speaker says she "will be looking for ways for the public to experience transparency in how our government operates" as she announced her intention to visit all 40 legislative districts.

"And in addition to these visits, today I am pleased to announce that we will schedule special public hearings to allow the public to speak directly with legislators on possible solutions to New Jersey's problems," says Oliver. "The hearings will be hosted by bipartisan Assembly leaders, held at a time convenient to the public and with a focus on hearing from our constituents."

In the State Senate, Steve Sweeney was sworn in as the new Senate President. He says he is also open to ideas from all sides as the Legislature tackles thorny
fiscal issues like pension reforms, budget cutting and shrinking the size of government.

"My record shows I'm willing to get behind good ideas, whether they're mine or someone else's. Whether it's red, blue or any color," says Sweeney. "I intend to work with our new governor, as well as colleague across the aisle, my good friend Tom Kean."

Sweeney, an iron worker, quoted legendary Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi, saying that "leaders aren't born, they're made. And, they're made, just like anything else, through hard work."

The new era of bi-partisanship seemed doomed to die an early death when a mini-battle over a nomination momentarily upended the newly forged accord. The incident started when Oliver put forth a nomination for a new State Auditor during just after Governor Jon Corzine delivered his final State of the State Address..

Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean Jr. objected, saying Republicans had no advance notice. The Assembly abruptly recessed, and after 15 minutes of
closed-door discussions agreed to postpone the nomination of Stephen Eells. He's already in the job as acting auditor and was recommended unanimously by a legislative commission of four Democrats and four Republicans.

Kean called the mix-up. "a simple communications breakdown." Hecontinued to point out that all members of the Legislature should be given advance notice of the nominations and bills coming up for votes.

Oliver called the glitch a "technicality" and said the nomination could have been considered but was put off in deference to the Senate Republicans' request. Sweeney said quick resolution of the disagreement shows majority Democrats and minority Republicans actually are working together.

"We could have moved this through. There was no notification requirement," explained Sweeney. "We cared enough to take it back, and do a do-over basically."

Christie Fumes At Surplus Fund Giveaway
by David Matthau
Wednesday, January 13, 2010

At the beginning of this week, outgoing Governor Corzine approved a plan to funnel an additional 44 million dollars in so-called "surplus funding" to a Special Municipal Aid account for Camden, Paterson, and 3 other cities…that already contains 72 million dollars.

Today, the Jersey Department of Community Affairs' Local Finance Board is scheduled to vote on the proposal to distribute the money.

With Jersey already facing a 9 to 10 billion dollar budget deficit, Governor-elect Chris Christie is furious.

"The people of New Jersey should take notice of this" says Christie, "because this is exactly the type of Wall Street fiscal shenanigans that got us in the spot we're in right now - we're in a situation where we are going to be unable to meet payroll in March - he's now taken 44 million dollars more off of the payroll of State workers for March."

Christie says Governor Corzine "has put us 44 million dollars closer to insolvency- now I guess since he's leaving office, he doesn't care- but it's my job to care…this has got to stop - and these cities have got to be taught to budget responsibly…these are the kinds of Trenton games that the people of New Jersey are quite frankly tired of…we're in a new era now of responsibility, and we have to do it differently."

Corzine To Highlight Children's Programs
by The Associated Press
Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Click here to hear the speech

New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine will highlight
gains in children's programs during his term when he delivers his
final State of the State address Tuesday.

Corzine's speech is expected to highlight accomplishments in
education, child welfare and health care.

Corzine's tenure saw gains in the number of children who have
health insurance and in the number of poor children enrolled in
preschool. There also was a top-to-bottom overhaul of the child
welfare system.

The governor is also expected to remind the Legislature of the
importance of funding children's programs even in dire economic
times.

Corzine leaves office next Tuesday.

Gas Tax Will Not Be Increased To Fund Transportation Fund
by David Matthau
Tuesday, January 12, 2010

As soon as he takes the reins of power next week, Governor-elect Chris Christie will be facing a number of significant challenges…including how to get money to replenish the Transportation Trust Fund - which is used to pay for road and bridge projects all over the State.

The fund is currently teetering on the edge of bankruptcy, and will go "belly up" next year without a major influx of cash.

Jim Simpson, incoming Governor Chris Christie's choice to head up the Jersey Department of Transportation, says everything is on the table…we need to look beyond the gas tax - we need to look at public-private partnerships, we need to look at even the funding for the New Jersey Turnpike - the demand-pricing for tolling - there's a whole host of things we need to look at."

At the same time he says "we need to be more efficient in how we operate the DOT and NJ Transit and the Turnpike Authority …we're going to - rather than raise revenue right away - let's see where we can cut costs and do things better."

Governor-elect Christie says no matter what happens "we're not going to be raising the gas tax…the people of New Jersey as we said many times during the campaign, are the most over-taxed citizens in America…we are not going to be putting more of a tax burden on the people of the State of New Jersey during these extraordinarily difficult times …we will figure out a way to solve this problem without raising the gas tax - it's not on the table."

Corzine Delivers Final State Of The State Address
by Kevin McArdle
Monday, January 11, 2010

Click here to hear Kevin's report

Tomorrow before a joint special session of the legislature Governor Jon Corzine will deliver his final State of the State Address. Incumbent Governors typically highlight their accomplishments and lay out a general framework of goals. Because Corzine leaves office next Tuesday when Governor-elect Chris Christie is sworn in, it is likely the outgoing chief executive will not talk about future public policy issues.

Fairleigh Dickinson University political science Professor Peter Woolley says, "In some ways these speeches are cookie-cutter and you really can predict how they're going to go. First he's going to say what a privilege it was to be Governor and what a great time he had as Governor skipping over the sad times and the difficult times of course."

Woolley says Corzine will also thank people which says is interesting not because of who he thanks but more so due to who he does not thank. The Governor will also welcome the new Assembly members and wish them luck.

"He'll go into his legislative accomplishments over the last four years," says Woolley. "He has quite a long laundry list of things that I think he's going to want to cite and it'll be interesting to see what he says are his major accomplishments." The creation of a new school funding formula and the repeal of the death penalty are likely to be included.

Woolley adds, "There is of course a long list of things that he won't mention. He won't mention raising the sales tax. He won't mention dating the president of a public employees union. He will go into the basic problems still dogging New Jersey including the fundamental debt structure and I think that will probably be a seque to warnings for the future."

"It's very difficult for an outgoing Governor to criticize the incoming Governor especially if the incoming Governor is the guy who beat him," explains Woolley. "You won't see any open criticism, but you may get veiled criticism……It's always a smart move to take the high road because when you take the low road it gets talked about and usually the mud comes back on you."

Assembly Considers Drunk Driving Ignition Lock Bill
by David Matthau
Monday, January 11, 2010

Legislation dubbed "Ricci's Law" could soon be passed by the Jersey Assembly- designed to stop drunk drivers from endangering others.

The measure, named for 17 year old Egg Harbor teen Ricca Branca - who was run down and killed by a repeat drunk driver 3 1/2 years ago- would require those convicted of DUI to install an interlock device on their cars that would not allow the engine to start if the driver's blood alcohol level is elevated.

Ricci's mother Sherri Branca says the legislation "even if it helps one in every 50 people - would prevent a tragedy from happening like this - because no one has to go through what people like us go through every single day."

She says the message to lawmakers is simple - 'take into consideration- as if it was your own loved one or your own child, and I look at it as - today's law is another good step towards keeping drunks off the road… I know Ricci's looking down on me, there's been a lot of family and friends that have worked very hard with us to get us through it, and no one knows the pain and suffering that we go through everyday. "

Gay Marriage Fight Heads To Court
by Kevin McArdle
Friday, January 8, 2010

Click here to hear Kevin's report

The bill to legalize gay marriage in New Jersey is now officially dead in the legislature. The measure was defeated in the State Senate yesterday. 20 members of the Upper House voted against the bill while 14 voted in favor it. Voting "no" were 6 Democrats and 14 Republicans. Voting "yes" were 13 Democrats and 1 Republican. Three Democrats and two Republicans did not vote. There is one vacancy on the Senate, which has 40 seats. It would have taken 21 "yes" votes to pass.

Before the vote there were over 90 minutes of passionate debate. State Senator Loretta Weinberg, one of the two prime sponsors of the measure said, "We all know same-sex couples that enjoy the same love, trust and compassion that is shared between a man and a woman, between a husband and a wife. Who are any of us that we have some special knowledge that lets us deny marriage as inappropriate to loving and committed same-sex couples?"

State Senate President Dick Codey said, "Can you imagine that in our nation's history, women and some men had to protest - had to march - so that women in this country had the right to vote. It's so hard to imagine that that movement took 70 years before females in this country had the right to vote. Looking back, you have to say to yourself, what were they thinking? What were they afraid of?"

"Suddenly today, there's implications that you're discriminating against folks when you want to maintain that definition," said State senator Mike Doherty, one of the 14 republicans to vote against the bill. "Suddenly today you're somehow crazy if you want the people of New Jersey to decide this issue like they have in 31 other states."

GOP State Senator Gerry Cardinale also voted against the bill. He said, "There are many who believe that this bill will change our entire culture and in my view so momentous a change should be, must be submitted to the people for a public vote. Now my view is not without precedent, and it is not an isolated notion."

State Senator Bill Baroni was the lone Republican to vote in favor of the measure. The Democrats who voted "yes" are Barbara Buono, Dick Codey, Sandy Cunningham, Nia Gill, Bob Gordon, Ray Lesniak, Theresa Ruiz, Nick Scutari, Bob Smith, Brian Stack, Joe Vitale, Loretta Weinberg, and Jim Whelan.

The Democrats who voted "no" are John Girgenti, Fred Madden, Ron Rice, Nick Sacco, Shirley Turner, and Jeff Van Drew. The Democrats who didn't vote are Jim Beach, Paul Sarlo, and incoming State Senate President Steve Sweeney.

The Republicans who voted "no" are Kip Bateman, Jennifer Beck, Tony Bucco, Gerry Cardinale, Chris Connors, Mike Doherty, Phil Haines, Sean Kean, Tom Kean, Joe Kyrillos, Steve Oroho, Kevin O'Toole, Joe Pennacchio, and Bob Singer. The Republicans who didn't vote are Diane Allen and Andy Ciesla.

"While I appreciate the Senate's willingness to publicly debate the marriage equality bill, I am deeply disappointed by the final tally on this common-sense measure that would have assured equal rights for all New Jerseyans," said Corzine after the vote. "Most assuredly, this is an issue of civil rights and civil liberties, the foundation of our state and federal constitutions. Denying any group of people a fundamental human right because of who they are, or whom they love, is wrong, plain and simple."

Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts said, "As a supporter of marriage equality, this is a disappointment, as I know it is to the committed same-sex couples and their families who want their unions recognized for what they truly are - marriage. I was fully prepared to take the bill directly to the Assembly floor on Monday had it passed the Senate. I also want to make clear what would have happened had the bill received a Jan. 4 Assembly Judiciary Committee hearing - the bill would not have been released and it would have died then."

Gay rights activists are not giving up their fight. Steven Goldstein, president of Garden State Equality says his group will join Lamda Legal in filing a lawsuit. Goldstein says, "We are not waiting out the term of any new Administration to bring equality to same-sex couples in our state……..The Legislature defaulted on its constitutional obligation to provide same-sex couples in New Jersey equal protection, as unanimously mandated by the New Jersey Supreme Court in 2006." That ruling told the Legislature it could "enact marriage or another structure that provides the equal protection of marriage."

For almost seven hours last month, the State Senate Judiciary Committee debated the bill to legalize same-sex marriages in New Jersey. Just after 10pm the panel approved the legislation by the narrow margin of 7-6. Time was of the essence for advocates of gay marriage. Governor Jon Corzine says he'll sign the bill into law if it reached his desk, but Governor-elect Chris Christie says he would veto such a measure and he will be officially sworn-in January 19th.

Testimony came from social conservatives who argue that "redefining" marriage would weaken one of society's most important institutions and that the public should vote on such an important issue. Lawmakers also heard from gay couples who said they've faced discrimination, and from Julian Bond, the chairman of the NAACP and a civil rights icon, who told lawmakers they would be "standing for right and on the right side of history" if they allow gay marriage.

Weinberg explained to committee members exactly what they were being asked to consider, "The right to know that when your partner is sick, or when your child is sick, you won't have to fight with nameless bureaucrats over power of attorney. The right to attend a parent-teacher conference without having to offer excuses and explanations. The right to wear a wedding ring and enjoy the full dignity and recognition that comes with that magical word, marriage, just like Irwin (her husband) and I did. In this country, we do not accord some people full civil rights, and other people, half civil rights."

"It is not often we have an opportunity to change society and how we treat each other as human beings. It occurs a few times in our lifetimes, if it occurs at all…….We can change fear to love, hate to compassion, cruelty to kindness," says State Senator Ray Lesniak, another sponsor. "Those who oppose gay marriage are not unloving, hateful or cruel, but our law, which does not allow for gay marriage, provides a safe haven for those who are. Legalizing gay marriage will take away that safe haven and make us a more compassionate, understanding and loving society."

Patrick Brannigan, executive director of the New Jersey Catholic Conference, says New Jersey's civil unions law has "overwhelmingly" lived up to its goals. Any problems, he says, aren't with the law, but with the way it's enforced, "The failure has been upon the state of New Jersey, which has failed to educate the public, failed to educate the institutions."

Cardinale questioned the timing of the debate in the waning weeks of a lame-duck administration. He says, "If Governor Corzine signs any such legislation before he leaves office, he will confirm the public's worst beliefs about government." Cardinale recommends putting the issue to a public vote.

A bill that would have allowed same-sex marriage was rejected by New York lawmakers last month. Many pundits felt sure it was a bruising outcome for national advocates in a state that was the site of one of the gay rights movement's defining moments four decades ago, and a huge victory for opponents who said it could influence votes elsewhere.

Maggie Gallagher, president of the National Organization for Marriage, a nonprofit organization whose stated mission is to protect marriage. "It's going to help cement defeat for gay marriage in New Jersey."

"Politicians in New Jersey like the people in New Jersey couldn't give a damn about what occurs on the other side of the Hudson," said Goldstein last month. "What happens on the other side of the Hudson River stays on the other side of the Hudson River."

Also last month, Len Deo president of the New Jersey family Policy Council accurately predicted, "That ultimately we will win in the Senate…..I still think that we will see marriage protected as the union of one man and one woman."

The road to yesterday's vote in the State Senate has been long and winding.

On New year's Eve, Roberts said, "After more than seven hours of testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Dec. 7 and continued public debate in the weeks since, we've certainly had a chance to hear all sides on marriage equality legislation. I believe ample opportunity has already been given for all views to be heard and additional Assembly committee debate is not needed." He explained, "I've advised the Senate sponsors that, if the bill is passed by the Senate, I am prepared to bring the bill directly to the Assembly floor for a vote before the end of this legislative session."

Last month, Corzine said he was still working behind-the-scenes to get the bill passed in both houses. He explained, "We've tried to encourage a full debate with what I believe are strong voices……Hopefully the delay will give even greater time for the momentum to build and to get to a positive conclusion." Corzine was asked what it would mean if the measure doesn't pass before he leaves office. He responded, "If this gets delayed I think we're missing a historic opportunity."

A scheduled vote in December in the State Senate was scrapped when Lesniak and Weinberg requested that Codey hold the measure. They also asked Roberts to schedule a meeting for the Assembly Judiciary Committee on the legislation, popularly known as the Freedom of Religion and Equality in Civil Marriage Act.

In asking for the postponement, Weinberg said, "Senator Lesniak and I believe that the public needs another opportunity to engage legislators on this issue. Moreover, the Senate Judiciary Committee has substantially amended its version to include sweeping, additional protections for religious institutions. We believe that members of the public need to be afforded an additional opportunity to debate this new provision as well."

Asked if he received confirmation that there would not be the needed 21 votes in the Senate to pass the bill and that's why he asked for the postponement, Lesniak responded, "No, not at all. I think we have a lot of fence-sitters in the Senate who haven't made up their mind yet who actually I believe are going to wait (to decide) until they hear the debate on the floor of the Senate."

Codey agreed to postpone the scheduled vote. He said, "Senator Weinberg and Senator Lesniak have expressed their earnest desire to postpone tomorrow's vote until there has been adequate time to vet the bill before the Assembly Judiciary Committee. I understand their desire to make sure this bill receives the thorough attention it deserves and therefore I have agreed to postpone tomorrow's vote until further notice."

Roberts says, "At this point, this much is clear - our civil union law has failed to live up to even the most modest of hopes and encourages unequal treatment of same-sex couples and their children."

So far this year, Maine voters have rejected a measure and last year California voters rescinded their law. Supporters, however, point to Vermont and New Hampshire, where lawmakers adopted gay marriage bills this year, while the city council in Washington, D.C., is expected to legalize gay marriage next month.

Iowa's Supreme Court also recognized gay marriage this year. Gay marriage was already legal in Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

"Here in New Jersey, many of the legislators would rather not vote on it," said Gregory Quinlan, of New Jersey Family First following the vote in New York. He said New York's action underscores that reluctance and bolsters his group's position.

Goldstein says, "If Democrats in New Jersey don't lead the way, as they promised, to pass marriage equality in 2009, there could be a mutiny against the New Jersey Democratic Party the likes of which this state has never seen."

New York's bill was defeated 38-24 in the Senate led by liberal New York City Democrats holding a single-seat majority. It was the last hurdle for passage for the measure passed three times by the Democrat-led Assembly and strongly pushed by Democratic Governor David Paterson.

Legistalature OK's Close Look At Tax Breaks
by David Matthau
Friday, January 8, 2010

The Jersey Legislature has passed a measure that requires the State budget to include a detailed accounting of all tax breaks currently allowed under State law - so experts can figure out if the deductions and write-offs are effective.

Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein says when a deduction is given, there's a policy purpose for giving it, "but right now, because we don't really have this clearly laid-out, it's unclear how effective the tax breaks are…for example, we may be just giving these, willy-nilly, and not really keeping track, and maybe some of them aren't really accomplishing those purposes."

She says once all write-offs are organized and reviewed, "certainly the legislators, the Governor would be able to take a closer look, and the public might want to question some of them…it's a matter of trying to rein in something that we've been doing in a somewhat uncoordinated way, and trying to say maybe there isn't a purpose to some of these anymore- maybe this is a way to bring in more revenue to the State."

Greenstein adds "the best way to ensure that adequate data is regularly available on the financial effects of State tax expenditures is to require that the Governor include such data in the annual budget message to the Legislature."

Illegal Immigrant Tuition Gets Vote
by David Matthau
Friday, January 8, 2010

After years of debate and discussion, the Jersey Legislature will finally consider a measure on Monday that would allow illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition rates to attend a State college or university.

Opponents of the measure say the legislation burdens Jersey's higher education system, and improperly rewards lawbreakers, but State Senator Ron Rice says "everything we do in life - unfortunately - has a cost factor to it - and the issue is, can we not afford to do it…we need to get kids educated, so they can become a part of a system of economics and growth, and get their family value system back."

He says he doesn't want young people who are undocumented to feel "well, I don't have no opportunities, and therefore I'm going to find a way to survive and so I'll become a part maybe of a sub-culture group with sub-culture values - I'll be a gang member."

Rice adds the giving these individuals a chance to pay in-state tuition rates - which at many state colleges and universities is half of what the out-of-state rate is - will provide them with "an opportunity to stay positive about themselves, it gives them an opportunity to continue to develop and be good citizens…we should be controlling illegal immigrants at the boarders, not in our cities."

Gay Marriage Gets A Vote Today
by Kevin McArdle
Thursday, January 7, 2010

Click here to read the Bill

Click here to hear Kevin's report

Click NJ1015.com to watch the vote

Today, the full State Senate is scheduled to vote on a bill to make New Jersey the sixth state in the nation to allow gay marriage. Political insiders say passage ranges from uncertain to unlikely. Democrats hold a 23-17 advantage over Republicans in the Upper House. Just 21 votes are needed to pass the legislation, but sources say four and possibly as many as five Democrats are against the measure.

State Senator Loretta Weinberg, one of the bill's sponsors has message for her colleagues, "Today, the State of New Jersey has a chance to stand on the right side of history……..The vote you cast today will determine how we're all remembered……It will determine whether tens of thousands of New Jersyans are able to live in peace and happiness."

For almost seven hours last month, the State Senate Judiciary Committee debated the bill to legalize same-sex marriages in New Jersey. Just after 10pm the panel approved the legislation by the narrow margin of 7-6. Time is of the essence for advocates of gay marriage. Governor Jon Corzine says he'll sign the bill into law if it reaches his desk, but Governor-elect Chris Christie says he would veto such a measure and he will be officially sworn-in January 19th.

"I commend the Senate Judiciary Committee for allowing a thorough, open discussion on the proposed marriage equality law and approving the bill for action by the full Senate," says Corzine. "This is an action that is long overdue. For far too long, a large segment of our population has been denied the fundamental rights and protections of a civil liberty that is granted to all Americans."

Weinberg, one of the bill's sponsors explained to committee members exactly what they were being asked to consider, "The right to know that when your partner is sick, or when your child is sick, you won't have to fight with nameless bureaucrats over power of attorney. The right to attend a parent-teacher conference without having to offer excuses and explanations. The right to wear a wedding ring and enjoy the full dignity and recognition that comes with that magical word, marriage, just like Irwin (her husband) and I did. In this country, we do not accord some people full civil rights, and other people, half civil rights."

Steve Goldstein chairman of Garden State Equality says, "Just two weeks ago people declared this bill dead. Nobody thought that we'd be hearing the marriage equality bill. Well, we have risen………"

State Senator Gerry Cardinale, a Republican from Demerest, questions the timing of the debate in the waning weeks of a lame-duck administration. He says, "If Governor Corzine signs any such legislation before he leaves office, he will confirm the public's worst beliefs about government." Cardinale recommends putting the issue to a public vote.

"I'm sure marriage is going to withstand the assault that its been under," says Len Deo, president of the New Jersey Family Policy Council. "I'm confident. Let it (the vote) happen…….I think we still have the votes, but we may not see the plurality that we saw in New York."

"I don't support this legislation," says Senator Paul Sarlo, who chairs the Judiciary panel. "However, in a democracy, I do not believe that one person should prevent any piece of legislation from having a fair hearing and an open vote in public……..By posting the bill, I am keeping the pledge that I made to the bill's sponsors, Senator Loretta Weinberg and Senator Ray Lesniak. I am also keeping my word to Senator Bill Baroni and Garden State Equality President Steve Goldstein who came to my Senate office to personally lobby me to post the bill."

State Senate President Dick Codey confirms that the full Senate will consider the "Freedom of Religion and Equality in Civil Marriage Act" Thursday.

"Politicians in New Jersey like the people in New Jersey couldn't give a damn about what occurs on the other side of the Hudson," says Goldstein. "What happens on the other side of the Hudson River stays on the other side of the Hudson River……..Things have changed dramatically in the last 48 hours where the momentum has shifted our way."

Deo says, "I believe that ultimately we will win in the Senate and even in the Assembly…..I still think that we will see marriage protected as the union of one man and one woman."

The road to today's vote in the State Senate has been long and winding. "Given the intensely personal nature of this issue, I think the people of this state deserve the right to a formal debate on the Senate floor," said Codey on Tuesday. "I'd like to commend both sides of this issue for their passionate advocacy thus far and the heartfelt testimony that we have heard."

Democrats control the State Senate by 22-17 margin. It was 23-17, but former Democratic State Senator Dana Redd is now mayor of Camden. 21 votes are needed to pass a bill. Democratic Senators Paul Sarlo, John Girgenti, Jeff Van Drew and Ron Rice have said they will not support the gay marriage bill, but Republican Senator Bill Baroni will vote in favor it. That leaves the measure short of passage. Several other Democratic Senators have indicated they might also vote against it.

"It will be historic, hopefully in the right direction says State Senator Ray Lesniak who along with State Senator Loretta Weinberg sponsors the measure. Lesniak explains, "I don't think we're going to know if the votes are there until the board opens and people have to cast their votes one way or the other….It is very important to have a vote on this very important issue."

Asked for his gut feeling on the outcome of the vote, Lesniak paused for several seconds before saying, "I think it'll pass…….It's almost like we have to draw to an inside straight, but that can happen and I do believe we'll get it done."

Lesniak is not sure the bill will pass, but he thinks, "There will be people who have not made up their mind. The debate will make their mind up for them. I also beliebve there are people who will change their mind based on the debate."

On New year's Eve, Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts said, "After more than seven hours of testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Dec. 7 and continued public debate in the weeks since, we've certainly had a chance to hear all sides on marriage equality legislation. I believe ample opportunity has already been given for all views to be heard and additional Assembly committee debate is not needed." He explained, "I've advised the Senate sponsors that, if the bill is passed by the Senate, I am prepared to bring the bill directly to the Assembly floor for a vote before the end of this legislative session."

Reed Gusciora sponsors the same-sex legislation in the Assembly. He too was disappointed there was no Senate vote last month, but said, "I would welcome the opportunity for my Assembly colleagues to become active participants in this debate. Every legislator should be directly exposed to the stories of the many families who can speak to the vital need for New Jersey to grant their relationships full marriage equality."

"I expect to have a vote in both houses before (Governor) Jon Corzine leaves office," says Lesniak. Does he think the bill will actually pass in both houses? He says, "I'm confident. I'm cautiously optimistic."

Senate To Vote On Illegal Immigrant Tuition
by The Associated Press
Thursday, January 7, 2010

Illegal immigrants in New Jersey might get to pay lower in-state tuition at the state's colleges and universities.

The state Senate is scheduled to vote on the issue Thursday. Outgoing Gov. Jon Corzine supports the measure, which would apply to illegal immigrants who meet certain criteria. Gov.-elect Chris Christie opposes it.

Supporters say the measure would benefit young immigrants, many of whom were brought to New Jersey as children and educated in the public school system.

Opponents say the measure awards lawbreakers and burdens the educational system.

Of the six states that take in the most immigrants, New Jersey and Florida are the only two that do not have some form of the in-state tuition legislation.

Gay Marriage Gets A Senate Vote
by Kevin McArdle
Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Click here and listen to Kevin's report

There's new life for the bill to legalize gay marriage in New Jersey. It may still on life support and the prognosis is still not good, but it is not dead yet. State Senate President Dick Codey has decided to post the legislation for a vote in the full Upper House tomorrow. Time is of the essence for advocates of same-sex marriage. Governor Jon Corzine says he'll sign the bill into law if it reaches his desk, but Governor-elect Chris Christie says he would veto such a measure and he will be officially sworn-in January 19th.

"Given the intensely personal nature of this issue, I think the people of this state deserve the right to a formal debate on the Senate floor," says Codey. "I'd like to commend both sides of this issue for their passionate advocacy thus far and the heartfelt testimony that we have heard."

Roberts says, "At this point, this much is clear - our civil union law has failed to live up to even the most modest of hopes and encourages unequal treatment of same-sex couples and their children."

Testimony last month in the Senate Judiciary Committee came from social conservatives who argued that "redefining" marriage would weaken one of society's most important institutions and that the public should vote on such an important issue. Lawmakers also heard from gay couples who said they've faced discrimination, and from Julian Bond, the chairman of the NAACP and a civil rights icon, who told lawmakers they would be "standing for right and on the right side of history" if they allow gay marriage.

"It is not often we have an opportunity to change society and how we treat each other as human beings. It occurs a few times in our lifetimes, if it occurs at all…….We can change fear to love, hate to compassion, cruelty to kindness," said Lesniak. "Those who oppose gay marriage are not unloving, hateful or cruel, but our law, which does not allow for gay marriage, provides a safe haven for those who are. Legalizing gay marriage will take away that safe haven and make us a more compassionate, understanding and loving society."

Patrick Brannigan, executive director of the New Jersey Catholic Conference, says New Jersey's civil unions law has "overwhelmingly" lived up to its goals. Any problems, he said, aren't with the law, but with the way it's enforced, "The failure has been upon the state of New Jersey, which has failed to educate the public, failed to educate the institutions."

"I'm sure marriage is going to withstand the assault that its been under," said Len Deo, president of the New Jersey Family Policy Council. "I'm confident. Let it (the vote) happen…….I think we still have the votes, but we may not see the plurality that we saw in New York."

"I don't support this legislation," said Senator Paul Sarlo, who chairs the Judiciary panel. "However, in a democracy, I do not believe that one person should prevent any piece of legislation from having a fair hearing and an open vote in public……..By posting the bill, I am keeping the pledge that I made to the bill's sponsors, Senator Loretta Weinberg and Senator Ray Lesniak. I am also keeping my word to Senator Bill Baroni and Garden State Equality President Steve Goldstein who came to my Senate office to personally lobby me to post the bill."

A bill that would have allowed same-sex marriage was rejected by New York lawmakers last month. Many pundits felt sure it was a bruising outcome for national advocates in a state that was the site of one of the gay rights movement's defining moments four decades ago, and a huge victory for opponents who said it could influence votes elsewhere.

Maggie Gallagher, president of the National Organization for Marriage, a nonprofit organization whose stated mission is to protect marriage said, "It's going to help cement defeat for gay marriage in New Jersey."

"Politicians in New Jersey like the people in New Jersey couldn't give a damn about what occurs on the other side of the Hudson," said Steven Goldstein, chairman of Garden State Equality. "What happens on the other side of the Hudson River stays on the other side of the Hudson River."

Deo says, "I believe that ultimately we will win in the Senate and even in the Assembly…..I still think that we will see marriage protected as the union of one man and one woman."

So far this year, Maine voters have rejected a measure and last year California voters rescinded their law. Supporters, however, point to Vermont and New Hampshire, where lawmakers adopted gay marriage bills this year, while the city council in Washington, D.C., is expected to legalize gay marriage next month.

Iowa's Supreme Court also recognized gay marriage this year. Gay marriage was already legal in Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

"Here in New Jersey, many of the legislators would rather not vote on it," said Gregory Quinlan, of New Jersey Family First following the vote in New York. He said New York's action underscores that reluctance and bolsters his group's position.

Goldstein says, "If Democrats in New Jersey don't lead the way, as they promised, to pass marriage equality in 2009, there could be a mutiny against the New Jersey Democratic Party the likes of which this state has never seen."

New York's bill was defeated 38-24 in the Senate led by liberal New York City Democrats holding a single-seat majority. It was the last hurdle for passage for the measure passed three times by the Democrat-led Assembly and strongly pushed by Democratic Governor David Paterson.

Corzine Gives Reporters The Cold Shoulder
by David Matthau
Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Click here and listen to reporters with Corzine

Governor Corizine's office has released a statement indicating an agreement has been reached with incoming Governor Chris Christie to limit the number of patronage jobs Mr. Corzine will dole out in the next few weeks - for a wide variety of positions with various Agencies and Commissions.

For weeks Governor-elect Christie has been grumbling about the practice.

As he left a public event in Camden, Governor Corzine, who's been mostly staying behind closed doors recently, was asked about the deal, but instead of stopping and talking with reporters, the Governor turned and rushed out of the room - speed-walking toward a waiting car.

When reporters ran after him and finally caught up to him, Mr. Corzine mumbled something about his statement saying everything he wanted to say.

He then climbed into his vehicle, slammed the door shut and sped off.

Afterwards, a spokesman for the Governor said he was very late to an appointment, and he simply didn't have any time - not even one minute - to speak to the media.

Gay Marriage Gets A Senate Vote
by Kevin McArdle
Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Click here and listen to Kevin's report

Roberts says, "At this point, this much is clear - our civil union law has failed to live up to even the most modest of hopes and encourages unequal treatment of same-sex couples and their children."

"It is not often we have an opportunity to change society and how we treat each other as human beings. It occurs a few times in our lifetimes, if it occurs at all…….We can change fear to love, hate to compassion, cruelty to kindness," said Lesniak. "Those who oppose gay marriage are not unloving, hateful or cruel, but our law, which does not allow for gay marriage, provides a safe haven for those who are. Legalizing gay marriage will take away that safe haven and make us a more compassionate, understanding and loving society."

A bill that would have allowed same-sex marriage was rejected by New York lawmakers last month. Many pundits felt sure it was a bruising outcome for national advocates in a state that was the site of one of the gay rights movement's defining moments four decades ago, and a huge victory for opponents who said it could influence votes elsewhere.

Maggie Gallagher, president of the National Organization for Marriage, a nonprofit organization whose stated mission is to protect marriage said, "It's going to help cement defeat for gay marriage in New Jersey."

Corzine Gives Reporters The Cold Shoulder
by David Matthau
Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Click here and listen to reporters with Corzine

For weeks Governor-elect Christie has been grumbling about the practice.

When reporters ran after him and finally caught up to him, Mr. Corzine mumbled something about his statement saying everything he wanted to say.

He then climbed into his vehicle, slammed the door shut and sped off.

Afterwards, a spokesman for the Governor said he was very late to an appointment, and he simply didn't have any time - not even one minute - to speak to the media.

Legislation Advances To Create State Financial Website
by David Matthau
Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Many bills are up for consideration in the Legislature. Click here to look up what bills are pending

A State Senate Committee has released legislation that would make data and information on the State's annual revenues, expenditures and total bonded debt available on the internet.

State Senate President Dick Codey says the idea behind his Transparency in Government Act "is to give access to Jersey residents to as much information as humanly possible, so they don't even have to write a letter requesting that information, they can go right on their computer, go to the website."

At the same time, he says "it doesn't include many State agencies that are quote-unquote, independent authorities- where hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars of taxpayer money is spent."

Codey says the website would not contain data from the Jersey Turnpike Authority, "the Passaic Valley Water Commission, which spends a lot of money, the North Jersey Water Commission…there's a large amount of independent authorities around the State that you don't even know exist."

He adds the website - in the future - might also contain information about municipal spending "because that's also very important…the more information the taxpayer has, the better informed they are, and the better State government is."

In-State Tuition For Illegals Advances
by Kevin McArdle
Tuesday, January 5, 2010

For years immigrants rights advocates have been urging passage of a bill granting in-state college tuition for all residents, regardless of immigration status. The clock is ticking on the legislation and now the advocates are doing a full-court press trying to get it signed into law before Governor Jon Corzine leaves office January 19. yesterday the measure passed committees in the State Senate and the General Assembly paving the way for a full vote in both houses possibly as early as this Thursday.

"An uncertain immigration status has left some of our brightest students unable to continue their educations, cutting them off from the American dream," said Valerie Vainieri Huttle who is one of the sponsors of the bill in the Assembly. "Nearly a century after many of our immigrant parents and grandparents were blocked from jobs simply because they were Irish or Italian, our laws effectively hang invisible signs at the college gates that say immigrants aren't welcome. We should be encouraging students who want to go to college, not blocking them."

If enacted, New Jersey would become the 11th state to extend in-state tuition rates to undocumented students, joining California, Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and Washington.

Assemblyman Rick Merkt opposes the measure. He says, "My colleagues need to realize that New Jersey is broke before voting at the last minute to grant another giveaway that legal and hard-working families cannot afford to provide. This proposal is disrespectful to those families who play by the rules, but just squeak by sending their children to college with hopes of a better future. We should be focused on helping these families, not adding to their burden."

Corzine has supported the idea since his days in the U.S. Senate, but Republican Governor-elect Chris Christie opposes the idea, saying only lawful taxpayers deserve a tuition break because they help subsidize in-state institutions.

Charles "Shai" Goldstein, executive director of the New Jersey Immigration Policy Network says, "This bill has been waiting for eight years. It's time for an up or down vote. It's time to determine where people stand on this……..to say no on this is to say no to children."

"In-State tuition allows all residents of New Jersey to qualify for In-State tuition rates at public institutions of higher education," says Goldstein. "This bill would benefit the entire State of New Jersey by allowing all students that have graduated with good grades, demonstrated good character, and attended at least three years of high school in New Jersey to pay the same tuition regardless of status."

"It wasn't that long ago when money prohibited so many talented African Americans from going to college," says Rev. R. Lenton Buffalo, Jr., of the Union Baptist church in Elizabeth. "The bottom line is, if a student has bought into the American dream, it shouldn't be a nightmare when it's time to go to college."

State Senator Steve Oroho is philosophically opposed to the bill He says, "There's a privilege to being a U.S. citizen and living in New Jersey……I think it important that we keep the value of being a U.S. Citizen as high as it should be."

In New Jersey, the legislation would affect an estimated 1,200 to 2,000 undocumented students who graduate from high school each year.

The non-partisan Office of Legislative Services estimates that this bill would have no direct effect on State revenues or expenditures because higher education tuition revenues are not part of State budgeted expenditures. While the bill's enactment would have no fiscal impact on State revenues or expenditures, OLS is not able to estimate its impact on the public institutions' tuition revenue and admission policies.

The bill allows a student who is also an undocumented alien to pay in-state tuition at the State's public institutions of higher education if he or she meets the following criteria: attended a high school in this State for three years or more; graduated from a high school in this State or attained the equivalent of a high school diploma in the State and files an affidavit with the institution of higher education stating that the student has filed an application to legalize his immigration status or will file an application as soon as he or she is eligible to do so.

Pension Deferral Bill Stalls In House
by Kevin McArdle
Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Click here and listen to Kevin's report

For this current fiscal year New Jersey municipalities were given the option of deferring 50% of their pension payments, but the future of a bill to allow that again for the upcoming fiscal year is uncertain. State Senate and Assembly committees were scheduled to consider the measure yesterday, but the votes were scrapped late in the afternoon.

State Senate Majority Leader Steve Sweeney who opposes the legislation bluntly explains the reason for the cancelled votes, "The bill that was proposed doesn't have the votes to pass out of committee."

"I didn't like the idea of deferring pensions the first time," says Sweeney who will take over as State Senate President next week. "If we continue not to make payments it (the pension fund) is going to go bankrupt." Towns were first allowed to defer payments in this fiscal year.

Tougher Penalties Proposed For Hitting A Pedestrian
by Martin DiCaro
Tuesday, January 5, 2010

After a year in which pedestrian deaths increased in New Jersey, state lawmakers are considering legislation that would stiffen penalties for seriously injuring a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

State Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz (R) said she was urged to propose the legislation, which was passed by an Assembly committee on Monday, by a constituent who was badly injured when hit by a car crossing the street.

"He had undergone a full year of rehabilitation and medical procedures and yet the person who struck him had a $100 fine and that was it," she said, in an interview with Millennium Radio.

The New Jersey State Police reportedly said as of Dec. 30, 155 pedestrians were killed on New Jersey roads in 2009, up from 138 in 2008. Also, pedestrians make up 27 percent of all traffic deaths in New Jersey, up from 21 percent in 2004.

"We're hoping never have to collect these fines. We're hoping that maybe this will deter people from hitting people in crosswalks," said Munoz, who said if her proposal becomes law penalties for seriously injuring a pedestrian in a crosswalk to increase to up to a $500 fine, up to 25 days in jail, and a license suspension.

Gay Marriage Bill On Life Support
by Kevin McArdle
Monday, January 4, ,2010

If the bill to legalize gay marriage in New Jersey isn't quite dead yet, it is on life support and the prognosis is not good. The measure is in a sort of legislative limbo as the State Senate waits for the General Assembly to consider the measure. Time is of the essence for advocates of gay marriage. Governor Jon Corzine says he'll sign the bill into law if it reaches his desk, but Governor-elect Chris Christie says he would veto such a measure and he will be officially sworn-in January 19th.

On New year's Eve, Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts said, "After more than seven hours of testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Dec. 7 and continued public debate in the weeks since, we've certainly had a chance to hear all sides on marriage equality legislation.I believe ample opportunity has already been given for all views to be heard and additional Assembly committee debate is not needed." He explained, "I've advised the Senate sponsors that, if the bill is passed by the Senate, I am prepared to bring the bill directly to the Assembly floor for a vote before the end of this legislative session."

Last month, Corzine said he's still working behind-the-scenes to get the bill passed in both houses. He explained, "We've tried to encourage a full debate with what I believe are strong voices……Hopefully the delay will give even greater time for the momentum to build and to get to a positive conclusion." Corzine was asked what it would mean if the measure doesn't pass before he leaves office. He responded, "If this gets delayed I think we're missing a historic opportunity."

A scheduled vote in December in the State Senate was scrapped the bill's sponsors in the Upper House, Senators Ray Lesniak and Loretta Weinberg requested that Senate President Dick Codey hold the measure. They also asked Roberts to schedule a meeting for the Assembly Judiciary Committee on the legislation, popularly known as the Freedom of Religion and Equality in Civil Marriage Act.

Democrats control the State Senate by 23-17 margin. 21 votes are needed to pass a bill. Democratic Senators Paul Sarlo, John Girgenti, Jeff Van Drew and Ron Rice say they will not support the gay marriage bill, but Republican Senator Bill Baroni will vote in favor it. That leaves the measure one vote short of passage. Several other Democratic Senators have indicated they might also vote against it too.

Codey agreed to postpone the scheduled vote until the Assembly Judiciary Committee has had time to hold a hearing on the bill. He said, "Senator Weinberg and Senator Lesniak have expressed their earnest desire to postpone tomorrow's vote until there has been adequate time to vet the bill before the Assembly Judiciary Committee. I understand their desire to make sure this bill receives the thorough attention it deserves and therefore I have agreed to postpone tomorrow's vote until further notice."

Roberts has not committed to an Assembly Judiciary Committee. Last month, he explained, "While I'm disappointed that the sponsors have decided to delay the Senate vote, I certainly understand the view that the public should have an opportunity to be heard in the Assembly…….I must emphasize that no hearing has been scheduled and that I am continuing to discuss this issue with our caucus to gauge whether there is enough support for it."

"No Assembly Judiciary Committee hearing has been scheduled on the marriage equality bill, but I would certainly be willing to do so if requested by Speaker Roberts," said Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein, who chairs the Judiciary panel in her legislative house. "I would look forward to the committee engaging in a thoughtful and compassionate discussion on this important matter."

Reed Gusciora sponsors the same-sex legislation in the Assembly. He too is disappointed there will be no Senate, but said, "I would welcome the opportunity for my Assembly colleagues to become active participants in this debate. Every legislator should be directly exposed to the stories of the many families who can speak to the vital need for New Jersey to grant their relationships full marriage equality."

"I expect the Speaker will post it in the Judiciary Committee and I expect to have a vote in both houses before (Governor) Jon Corzine leaves office," says Lesniak. Does he think the bill will actually pass in both houses? He says, "I'm confident. I'm cautiously optimistic."

Roberts says, "At this point, this much is clear - our civil union law has failed to live up to even the most modest of hopes and encourages unequal treatment of same-sex couples and their children."

"It is not often we have an opportunity to change society and how we treat each other as human beings. It occurs a few times in our lifetimes, if it occurs at all…….We can change fear to love, hate to compassion, cruelty to kindness," said Lesniak. "Those who oppose gay marriage are not unloving, hateful or cruel, but our law, which does not allow for gay marriage, provides a safe haven for those who are. Legalizing gay marriage will take away that safe haven and make us a more compassionate, understanding and loving society."

A bill that would have allowed same-sex marriage was rejected by New York lawmakers last month. Many pundits felt sure it was a bruising outcome for national advocates in a state that was the site of one of the gay rights movement's defining moments four decades ago, and a huge victory for opponents who said it could influence votes elsewhere.

Maggie Gallagher, president of the National Organization for Marriage, a nonprofit organization whose stated mission is to protect marriage said, "It's going to help cement defeat for gay marriage in New Jersey."

Giving Job Security To First Responders
by David Matthau
Monday, January 4, 2010

Jersey lawmakers could soon pass legislation that gives job protection to volunteer first responders - if they get to work late because they were responding to an emergency.

Assemblyman Paul Morarity says "there have actually been incidents where first responders - volunteer firefighters and EMT's who put their lives on the line - have shown up late to work because they were responding to an emergency in their community - and they were threatened with termination or disciplinary action."

He says "I think that's unfair - the people that are in these life and death situations - protecting our safety - should have this simple protection that their job will still be there if they're 3 hours late for work."

Morarity points out the measure "would not cost businesses any money because they would not have to pay the employees for the missed time, or the missed day, and employees would have to deliver a note from the Commander on duty, asserting that their presence was essential, and that this was an emergency situation."

The bill has been passed by the Lower House, and now awaits action in the State Senate.

Can DC Democrats & Republican Christie Play Nice?
by David Matthau
Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Earlier this month Governor-elect Chris Christie - a republican - suggested the State's democratic Congressional delegation will have to get much more effective in bringing federal transportation dollars back to the Garden State.

In response, Jersey U.S. Senator Bob Menendez said Christie's wild and inaccurate accusations showed a lack of understanding about the situation.

Now, some are wondering if everyone will be able to work together.

Senator Menendez says "I look forward to working with the Governor - look, the people of New Jersey elected him- as they elected me- and I fully intend to work with him in order to make sure that New Jersey prospers…I've fought long and hard to bring transportation dollars to New Jersey… 'm sure that once he gets into office and gets his information together, that we'll have a full understanding of how successful we've been."

Jersey Congressman Frank Pallone agrees, pointing out in Congress "I deal with people on the right, and the left, and all different ideologies, so I don't think the ideology has to get in the way- I think we all want economic recovery, we all want to create jobs… I think we all understand that."

Bill Would Help School Districts Save $$
by Kevin McArdle
Wednesday, December 30, 2009

A nearly 40-year-old New Jersey law requires all boards of education of the various school districts in the Garden State to be members of the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA). Assemblyman John Burzichelli says recent figures reveal the required dues cost school districts $7.3 million a year total. Wayne in Passaic County pays the most at $28,640 per year.

"All of these boards of education have their attorneys. They have assistance at the local level," explains Burzichelli. "So, the question is; should they be required to join or should membership be optional? I happen to think membership should be optional." A bill Burzichelli sponsors would make membership optional. He plans to re-introduce the measure for the legislative session that starts Jan. 12.

Burzichelli says he has absolutely nothing against the NJSBA. He simply feels requiring districts and boards of education to join the association makes no sense. The Assemblyman believes taxpayer money should go to the classroom and towards helping towns cut property taxes.

"If it's optional, the pencil becomes sharper for those crafting budgets, there's going to be a better value and school boards can make their decisions as to whether what that group is offering is important to them enough that they should spend taxpayers money," says Burzichelli. "Across this over $7 million taxpayer dollars have had to go to that required membership, by statute."

Party Over For Lobbyists
by Kevin McArdle
Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Paul Moriarity

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"Our system is burdening property taxpayers far too much, and paying pensions for lobbyists is simply unacceptable," says Assemblyman Paul Moriarty.

"In no way should lobbyists be benefiting from these systems at the expense of taxpayers. Clearly, a mistake was made a long time ago to allow this to happen. It's appalling and it's time for it to end."

Moriarty says he plans to introduce legislation to ban newly hired employees of government lobbying organizations from enrolling in taxpayer-funded pension systems. The bill would terminate eligibility for enrollment in the Public Employees Retirement System of newly hired officers and employees of the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, the New Jersey Association of Counties, the New Jersey School Boards Association and any group designated to manage a special improvement district established by a municipality.

A recent report found taxpayers are giving $1.3 million a year to 62 retirees of the League of Municipalities, the School Boards Association and the Association of Counties. None of the three associations is part of state government. Rather, they're privately run groups that were granted pension rights by legislators decades ago.

"Apparently there was a time when legislators were more than willing to give lobbyists taxpayer-paid pensions, but the party is over," says Moriarty. "This bill would be a step in the right direction toward controlling property taxes and government waste. More needs to be done, but this is a common sense start."

Bill Dressel is the League of Municipalities executive director. He says, "We would fully cooperate with any changes made to the pension system that are fair to our retired and current employees……..We believe that there should be pension reform. We honestly feel that there should be a comprehensive look at all of the participants in the system."

The State Commission of Investigation recently praised the League of Municipalities for its long-time advocacy for pension reform.

Greenwald Talks About The Budget
by Kevin McArdle
Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Governor-elect Chris Christie has been consistently telling the people of New Jersey that the state is broke.

Everyone seems to agree with the Republican's assessment of the state's finances. Last week, Governor Jon Corzine announced $839 million in spending cuts across state government, but also decided to unfreeze discretionary aid to programs like the arts.

"Throughout this process we have made property tax relief a top priority, and our plan will ensure that all municipal aid that was budgeted this year will be delivered, including the CMPTRA payment that was frozen earlier this month," says Corzine. "We also maintained critical funding for charity care and other health care needs, Human Services community providers, and aid to higher education. Further, we increased the surplus by 10%, to $550 million, to give the incoming administration an additional cushion for the remainder of the fiscal year."

Yesterday, Assembly Budget Committee chairman Lou Greenwald was guest on NJ 101.5 FM, with morning show host Eric Scott. Greenwald was if he fully understands that the people of New Jersey are fed up with the state spending money it just doesn't have. He responded, "I think I get it and I think many of my colleagues get it."

Greenwald was asked specifically about the arts funding. He said, "They're arts programs but they're also small businesses that employ people. They have a budget for the upcoming year that was based on funding that was a commitment made by the government." He says next year arts programs and most everything else must be on the table for possible cuts.

The Assemblyman says he applauds Christie's plans to, "find and ask for 10, 15 and as high as 25% cuts." He warns that the cuts must be well thought out. Greenwald says, Don't trigger a property tax increase by cutting aid to local school districts or municipalities."

The voters made it clear that they want tax cuts says Greenwald, "The question now is; what services are they willing to sacrifice?"

Some of Corzine's spending reduction proposals are controversial and likely to meet with staunch opposition. These include, but are not limited to; the Elimination of the Defined Benefit Pension Contributions($100 million), a portion of Unexpended Mortgage Stabilization and Relief Act Funding ($29 million), the State Rental Assistance Program - Shift to Pay-As-Go ($13.5 million), the consolidation Fund ($13.5 million), the Sharing Available Resources Efficiently (SHARE) Grant Program ($1.57 million), the School Construction and Renovation Fund ($5.7 million), Charter School Aid ($2.3 million), Cancer Research Prevention & Treatment ($5 million), the NJ World Trade Center Scholarship Program ($377,000) and a Hiring Freeze at Motor Vehicle Agencies ($607,000). For additional information, please visit Treasury's website: www.state.nj.us/treasury/

Gay Marriage & Corzine's Legacy
by Kevin McArdle
Monday, December 28, 2009

The bill to allow gay marriage in New Jersey is in a sort of legislative limbo as the State Senate waits for the General Assembly to consider the measure and there's been no formal word yet that the Assembly will take it up. Time is of the essence for advocates of gay marriage. Governor Jon Corzine says he'll sign the bill into law if it reaches his desk, but Governor-elect Chris Christie says he would veto such a measure and he will be officially sworn-in January 19th.

If he doesn't get the opportunity to sign the same-sex marriage bill into law before leaving office, will that tarnish Corzine's legacy? He says, "I don't think this is a matter of an individual's legacy. This is a matter of us living up to the ideals that I think all of espouse and believe in."

"Minority rights have always been something that our constitutional system has protected and stood for," explains Corzine. He acknowledges it may not happen soon, but the Governor feels, "We will get to the conclusion of recognizing this right for those people who may be in a minority deserve the same protections as everybody else."

Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts has yet to schedule a committee hearing on the same-sex marriage bill and the Assembly doesn't have a session day scheduled for the rest of December. Does this mean the marriage equality legislation is dead in the water or is it just on life support?

Corzine says he's still working behind-the-scenes to get the bill passed in both houses. He explains,. "We've tried to encourage a full debate with what I believe are strong voices……Hopefully the delay will give even greater time for the momentum to build and to get to a positive conclusion." Corzine was asked what it would mean if the measure doesn't pass before he leaves office. He responded, "If this gets delayed I think we're missing a historic opportunity."

Earlier this month there was a scheduled vote in the State Senate on a bill to legalize gay marriage in New Jersey, but it was scrapped because the bill's sponsors in the Upper House, Senators Ray Lesniak and Loretta Weinberg requested that Senate President Dick Codey hold the measure. They also asked Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts to schedule a meeting for the Assembly Judiciary Committee on the legislation, popularly known as the Freedom of Religion and Equality in Civil Marriage Act.

Codey agreed to postpone the scheduled vote on the Marriage Equality Act until the Assembly Judiciary Committee has had time to hold a hearing on the bill. He says, "Senator Weinberg and Senator Lesniak have expressed their earnest desire to postpone tomorrow's vote until there has been adequate time to vet the bill before the Assembly Judiciary Committee. I understand their desire to make sure this bill receives the thorough attention it deserves and therefore I have agreed to postpone tomorrow's vote until further notice."

Speaker Roberts is not committing to an Assembly Judiciary Committee just yet. He explains, "While I'm disappointed that the sponsors have decided to delay the Senate vote, I certainly understand the view that the public should have an opportunity to be heard in the Assembly…….I must emphasize that no hearing has been scheduled and that I am continuing to discuss this issue with our caucus to gauge whether there is enough support for it."

"No Assembly Judiciary Committee hearing has been scheduled on the marriage equality bill, but I would certainly be willing to do so if requested by Speaker Roberts," says Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein, who chairs the Judiciary panel in her legislative house. "I would look forward to the committee engaging in a thoughtful and compassionate discussion on this important matter."

Reed Gusciora sponsors the same-sex legislation in the Assembly. He too is disappointed there will be no Senate vote today, but says, "I would welcome the opportunity for my Assembly colleagues to become active participants in this debate. Every legislator should be directly exposed to the stories of the many families who can speak to the vital need for New Jersey to grant their relationships full marriage equality."

Roberts says, "At this point, this much is clear - our civil union law has failed to live up to even the most modest of hopes and encourages unequal treatment of same-sex couples and their children."

Testimony in the Senate Judiciary Committee came from social conservatives who argued that "redefining" marriage would weaken one of society's most important institutions and that the public should vote on such an important issue. Lawmakers also heard from gay couples who said they've faced discrimination, and from Julian Bond, the chairman of the NAACP and a civil rights icon, who told lawmakers they would be "standing for right and on the right side of history" if they allow gay marriage.

"It is not often we have an opportunity to change society and how we treat each other as human beings. It occurs a few times in our lifetimes, if it occurs at all…….We can change fear to love, hate to compassion, cruelty to kindness," says Lesniak. "Those who oppose gay marriage are not unloving, hateful or cruel, but our law, which does not allow for gay marriage, provides a safe haven for those who are. Legalizing gay marriage will take away that safe haven and make us a more compassionate, understanding and loving society."

Steve Goldstein chairman of Garden State Equality says, "Today's a huge, huge day for the gay rights movement in New Jersey and our straight allies…….Just two weeks ago people declared this bill dead. Nobody thought that we'd be hearing the marriage equality bill. Well, we have risen………"

A bill that would have allowed same-sex marriage was rejected by New York lawmakers earlier this month. Many pundits felt sure it was a bruising outcome for national advocates in a state that was the site of one of the gay rights movement's defining moments four decades ago, and a huge victory for opponents who said it could influence votes elsewhere.

Maggie Gallagher, president of the National Organization for Marriage, a nonprofit organization whose stated mission is to protect marriage. "It's going to help cement defeat for gay marriage in New Jersey."

Lautenberg Wants Tougher Drunk Driving Laws In NJ
by Kevin McArdle
Monday, December 28, 2009

"Far too many people die from alcohol-related auto accidents each year," says New Jersey's senior U.S. Senator, Frank Lautenberg. "This week is an especially dangerous time as drunk driving tragedies spike during the holiday season. Our legislation would help keep roads and communities safe by preventing people with a history of drunk driving from repeating that bad decision. It would prevent thousands of tragic accidents and save countless lives every year."

Lautenberg and Tom Udall, A U.S. Senator from New Mexico are joining forces with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to push legislation that would help keep repeat drunk drivers off the road. Under the bill, states must require the use of ignition interlock technology for all convicted drunk driving offenders, or else lose a portion of their federal transportation funding. The ignition interlock is an electronic breath testing system connected to a vehicle's ignition system that prevents a vehicle from starting if the driver's blood alcohol content exceeds a pre-set limit.

"New Mexico was the first state to attack the epidemic of drunk driving by implementing an aggressive ignition interlock penalty program for all offenders," says Udall. "The strategy has helped take drunk drivers off the roads and save lives. I believe enacting it nationwide would have the same positive and resounding effect."

A 2007 National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study found that alcohol-related crashes increase dramatically during the holidays. From 2001 to 2005, about 40% of fatalities during the Christmas and New Year's holidays were alcohol-related, as compared to 28% of fatalities during the rest of December. Also, alcohol-related crashes cost the American public more than $114.3 billion in 2000, according to a study by the NHTSA.

MADD National Board Member Jan Withers says, "We know that 50 to 75 percent of drunk drivers continue to drive on a suspended license because they can. With an ignition interlock, DUI offenders can still go to work, school, or anywhere else they need to go. They just can't drive drunk."

A study by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found that re-arrest rates decreased by 73% when an ignition interlock device was installed. It also found that drivers with ignition interlock devices have far fewer alcohol-related crashes than those drivers with just a suspended license. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that fatalities dropped by 30% for convicted drivers with an ignition interlock.

The Lautenberg/Udall measure mandates states to require an ignition interlock for a minimum of six months for all drunk driving offenders. States that fail to comply with this mandate will face a reduction in federal transportation funding. Ten states currently have laws that require an ignition interlock for all drunk driving offenders: Alaska, Arkansas, Hawaii, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nebraska, Washington, and New York.

Corzine Makes Additional Budget Cuts
by Kevin McArdle
Wednesday, December 23, 2009

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Due to vastly over-estimated revenue projections, the current-year's budget gap is $924 million. Governor Jon Corzine promised to announce spending cuts before Christmas and yesterday afternoon he finally delivered. The Governor says he's fulfilling his commitment to ensure that the state's budget remains balanced as the new administration of Governor-Elect Chris Christie prepares to take office in January.

The plan includes a $260 million cut in state aid to schools. Under the proposal, which would require enactment of legislation, beginning in February 2010 districts would be required to use a portion of their excess surplus balances - totaling $260 million -- in place of state aid payments. Corzine feels that since these surplus balances represent funds in excess of those needed in districts' operating budgets, substituting the excess surplus balances for state aid payments should have no impact on school district programs, school operations, or local property tax bills.

"Like nearly every state in the country, New Jersey's budget faces dual pressures from the severe national economic crisis - a fall-off in revenue and greater demand for safety net services and related needs such as Medicaid, the state food purchasing program, and the senior property tax freeze," says Corzine. "We have worked hard over the last few weeks to meet this challenge and have identified $839 million in spending cuts across state government."

Assembly Republican Budget Officer Joe Malone says, "While I recognize that we can leave no stone unturned in this process, including aid to schools, I have concerns that the governor's actions to take aid from only those districts operating with a surplus is tantamount to punishing those who have planned and budgeted efficiently." He adds, "Every government department must be examined for opportunities to reduce spending. We can no longer rely on dipping into the taxpayers' pockets to balance the books."

There are spending reduction proposals that are controversial and likely to meet with staunch opposition. These include, but are not limited to; the Elimination of the Defined Benefit Pension Contributions($100 million), a portion of Unexpended Mortgage Stabilization and Relief Act Funding ($29 million), the State Rental Assistance Program - Shift to Pay-As-Go ($13.5 million), the consolidation Fund ($13.5 million), the Sharing Available Resources Efficiently (SHARE) Grant Program ($1.57 million), the School Construction and Renovation Fund ($5.7 million), Charter School Aid ($2.3 million), Cancer Research Prevention & Treatment ($5 million), the NJ World Trade Center Scholarship Program ($377,000) and a Hiring Freeze at Motor Vehicle Agencies ($607,000). For additional information, please visit Treasury's website: www.state.nj.us/treasury/

State League of Municipalities executive director Bill Dressel says, "This restoration of property tax relief funding will help homeowners, especially those already facing unemployment or possible foreclosure. It should inspire business confidence in New Jersey. And it will serve to bolster the careful plans of local officials, already struggling mightily to serve their fellow citizens in the midst of this recession."

In addition to the $839 million in budget cuts, the plan recognizes additional federal Recovery Act payments to offset costs from the Earned Income Tax Credit program as well as revenues from the introduction of Powerball lottery in New Jersey and a tax compliance effort relating to the recent IRS program regarding income from previously undisclosed accounts held with the Swiss financial institution UBS. These items together total $135 million.

"It is belated, but good news that the Corzine Administration has come forward with spending cuts that Governor-Elect Christie and others have called for," says Rich Bagger, Co-Chair of Governor-Elect Chris Christie's Budget and Tax Taskforce. "However, there continues to be real risk of a further revenue shortfall in this year's budget. The fact that the Corzine Administration plans to push through last minute discretionary spending is cause for significant concern."

The plan does not include an expected $250-300 million in revenue that would be generated this fiscal year by an extension of the income tax surcharge for the wealthiest 1% of New Jerseyans - those making over $400,000 per year - that was enacted on a temporary basis in June and will sunset December 31, 2009. That option would have mitigated a portion of the proposed reductions, including the school surplus action. Given the incoming administration's opposition, this extension is not included. Christie has vowed to allow the tax to expire.

Christie Orders Plan To Cut Spending
by David Matthau
Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Governor-elect Christopher Christie has ordered his transition team to plan cuts to state spending of up to 25 percent as a projected $9 billion budget deficit looms. Speaking to reporters in Mendham on Tuesday, Mr. Christie said he will be faced with no budget wiggle room once he takes office.

"I'm trying to frame for all of you how bad this is," said Christie. "If I come to March and I can't make payroll, that's bad. There's lot of things I'd like to do, but given the choices that have been made over the last number of years I am going to be very restricted and I'm not raising taxes."

Christie was asked why he would insist weeks before the budgeting process begins in earnest on a "no taxes" pledge.

"We are the highest taxed state in America. And we have eight years of over 110 tax and fee increases on the people of the state of New Jersey and the businesses. And as a result I believe our economy has been worse in New Jersey because of that than any of our neighboring states," explained the Governor-elect. "What makes us think that banging our head against that wall for another year is going to come up with a different result? It just isn't, it isn't."

Christie reportedly is leaning toward scaling back or eliminating some programs instead of across-the-board cuts.

Budget Still Not Balanced
by Kevin McArdle
Tuesday, December 22, 2009

As he tries to get the current fiscal year's budget in balance, Governor Jon Corzine has frozen all discretionary aid. This includes over $13 million dollars that was supposed to go to the arts. Governor-elect Chris Christie is warning that a lot of programs could expect a permanent freeze in state funding and Corzine is warning Christie just how bad New Jersey's financial situation really is. Next year's budget deficit could be as high as $10 billion. Corzine has vowed to announce additional budget cuts for this year before Christmas.

"This year's deficit is roughly $1 billion dollars," says State senate Budget Committee chairperson Barbara Buono. "It is $800 million if you take into account what the (Corzine) Administration directed the departments to cut back in the fall."

The department of Treasury says sales tax collections are off by 6.7% through the month of November. The Fiscal year 2010 budget signed in June predicted gains of 5%. Buono says, "November and December are very big and January to a lesser extent because of gift certificates so, we're waiting to see what the tax revenues are for those three months."

There is one thing we do know about this year's budget overall. Buono explains, "The revenues are down significantly from projections and that remains consistent let's just say, in a bad way."

"We're going to make additional cuts," says Corzine. "We said we were going to do that and those will occur…….The new Governor will have the choices of what he chooses to unfreeze or continue."

Corzine warns that Garden State residents should get used cuts, "If there is not additional aid from Washington and/or a pick up in the economy, there will be additional cuts……I'm not envious of my successor and the choices that have to be made."

It is often said in political circles that the easiest thing to do in New Jersey is start a state-funded program and the most difficult thing to do in New Jersey is to discontinue a state-funded program. Christie doesn't question the worthiness of many programs, he simply points out that taxpayers cannot foot the bill for every program under the sun.

Christie says funding for the arts isn't the only thing on the chopping block, "A lot of other aid programs and other things that people might really like are not necessarily going to be a priority." Asked if these will be the first areas Christie will explore and cut, he says, "It's part of it. It's part of it for sure. Listen, we're broke."

The Governor-elect understands that cutting aid or eliminating programs will anger many people including voters, but he says he can't concern himself with that. Christie explains, "This is out last chance. I really believe that as a state this is our last chance to get this right. I think we're out of time. We're out of delay tactics. We're out of kick the can down the road."

"I'm committed to being a one-termer," claims Christie. "If I'm sitting here from day-one worried about being re-elected I won't do the job the way I'm supposed to so, I'm going to govern as if I don't care about being re-elected."

Earlier this month, Christie responded to comments about the possibility of a gas tax made by Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts and State Senator Ray Lesniak at the New Jersey Business and Industry Association's annual public policy forum on the economy.

Lesniak says that a gradual increase in the tax may be inevitable to prop up the state's nearly depleted Transportation Trust Fund. New Jersey's 14.5-cent per gallon tax is among the nation's lowest. Roberts said, "We gotta look at our gasoline tax........He (Christie) will be facing head-on his pledge not to raise taxes."

Asked if there will be a gas tax increase. Christie responded, " No. No. Speaker Roberts, if he felt so strongly about it, he was Speaker for four years why didn't he propose a gas tax hike?" The Governor-elect pointed out that Democrats have controlled the legisalture and the Governor's office for eight years and they didn't raise the gas tax. He said, "And now all of a sudden they want to try and dump it in my lap and say you have to break your no higher taxes pledge? No, I'm not going to do it. Now, all of a sudden they're going to say I have to do it because they didn't? I'm sorry."

Not everything is going to be great especially as it pertains to balancing the State budget warns Christie. He explains, "I think that this year we're going to have to do some very, very difficult, distasteful things......I would think the first year is going to be very, very, difficult, very difficult, painful for a lot of people."

Christie doesn't plan to completely restore funding for programs or services that may have to be slashed this year if the economy truns around next year. He says, "I would hope that in year two that would allow me to cut taxes more not necessarily return a lot of program money........I'm hoping that by year-two we can afford to give people some more tax relief so that we can continue to grow business as hopefully the national economy comes out of its doldrums."

Christie also says he will call for an audit of all school boards when he becomes governor and wants to move school board elections to November. He suggests tying education funding to a reduction of "middle management" in school districts as he looks to cut property taxes and close an $8-$10 billion budget deficit for the upcoming fiscal year. Nearly half of all property taxes, which are the highest in the nation at an average of $7,000 a home, go toward education funding.

Christie Looks To Streamline State Authorities & Commissions
by The Associated Press
Tuesday, December 22, 2009

New Jersey's governor-elect says his
transition advisers are looking closely at the state's myriad boards, commissions and authorities with the possibility of eliminating some and cutting top salaries at others.

Gov.-elect Chris Christie says it appears that some authorities have overlapping responsibilities and some high-level staffers earn more than the governor.

Christie has already balked at Gov. Jon Corzine's attempt to fill nearly 200 vacancies before leaving office Jan. 19.
Some appointments -- such as those to policy making boards -- must
be approved by the Senate, while others are direct gubernatorial
appointments.

Republicans are threatening to block appointments where they can.

Milam: Feds Show Help Pay For Snow Removal
by Kevin McArdle
Tuesday, December 22, 2009

"Scores of people worked long, hard hours over the weekend to ensure our roads were clear and public safety was protected," says Assemblyman Matt Milam. "But that work comes with a cost. Right now it's a cost county and local governments and taxpayers cannot afford."

Milam, a member of the Assembly transportation committee, is urging Governor Jon Corzine to request an emergency declaration from the federal government to help pay for costs rung up during the weekend's record-setting snowstorm and to ease the burden for New Jersey property taxpayers. He says the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can reimburse local agencies for 75% of costs of emergency protective measures, including snow removal, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety.

"We need to do what we can to get this federal assistance to help ease the blow and ensure this storm doesn't slam property taxpayers anymore than it has already," explains Milam. "This storm was of such severity and magnitude that it will likely be beyond the capabilities of many local governments to pay for their response without either slashing services severely or raising property taxes, and that's the last thing we need right now. This federal assistance would help ease some of the financial burden our municipalities incurred from the storms, thus protecting our taxpayers."

The storm dumped as much as two-feet of snow in parts of New Jersey, a record for December. It also brought large drifts, high winds and beach erosion. Under FEMA rules, eligible applicants can be reimbursed for operating snow clearance equipment, contractors' costs and personnel overtime required for a 48-hour period of snow removal.

Milam says, "Seeking this declaration and opening the door to this assistance is, quite simply, the right thing to do for our taxpayers. It may be a long-shot, but you never know until you ask."

A Corzine Administration spokesman says, "Emergency response crews at every level of government did an exceptional job in keeping our roadways clean and safe for New Jersey motorists. We continue to have ongoing discussions with state, county and municipal emergency response officials to determine what assistance, if any, may be required. To date, no county or municipal emergency management officials have requested additional assistance or aid or any declaration of emergency."

Will Christie's "Bully Pulpit" Work?
by David Matthau
Monday, December 21, 2009

Republican Governor-elect Chris Christie is warning that he'll use the bully pulpit to call out and shine the spotlight on politicians who are blocking bills or programs he feels are right for the State of New Jersey. On the campaign trail and since his November 3rd win, Christie has repeatedly been asked how he'll get a democratically controlled State Legislature to do the things he feels are necessary. He's consistently said he'll let the public know who may be blocking progress.

Does the bully pulpit strategy even work on seasoned lawmakers? At the New Jersey Business and Industry Association's annual public policy forum on the economy, we asked to veteran Democratic legislators to answer that question.

"I think it's a good thing," said Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts who will retire next month after 22 years in the legislature. "New Jersey's Governor is the most powerful in the nation when you look at all the people that he or she can hire and fire and the budget authority and so on."

Asked if the bully pulpit should be in play, influential State Senator Ray Lesniak says, "It has to be. There will be a time where it should be used, but if it's used too often, indiscreetly, randomly, then it will lose all of its effectiveness."

"The Governor has to be careful about having the ability to communicate directly with the legislators," says Roberts. "If it takes on the tone of admonishing people or lecturing people, that perhaps has to occur at some point, but that shouldn't be the initial approach."

Lesniak says many Democrats have a good relationship with Christie as well as some of the people the Governor-elect has chosen for his senior staff, "We don't have to be skittish about that. We really don't because we have to cooperate. We have no other option and we will."

November Win Energizes GOP
by Joe Cutter
Monday, December 21, 2009

"We're going to make additional cuts," says Corzine. "We said we were going to do that and those will occur…….The new Governor will have the choices of what he chooses to unfreeze or continue."

Corzine warns that garden State residents should get used cuts, "If there is not additional aid from Washington and/or a pick up in the economy, there will be additional cuts……I'm not envious of my successor and the choices that have to be made."

State & Local Government Cut No Jobs In '09
by David Matthaui
Friday, December 18, 2009

Click here for David's report

Thanks to the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, Jersey's unemployment rate is now hovering at 9-point-7 percent….but government workers in the Garden State apparently don't have much to worry about

Data collected by the Jersey Department of Labor shows since the beginning the year, while the private sector has lost 75 thousand 700 jobs, the combined local and state government workforce has remained constant - not losing even one position!

Broken down individually, the number of state employees has dropped by 33 hundred, but the local government workforce in Jersey actually ADDED 33 hundred employees since January- so it's a wash.

Phil Kirschner, the President of the Jersey Business and Industry Association says "this is shocking - it just goes to show the disconnect there is between the public sector and what's going on in the economy and affecting the taxpayers that have to pay for all these jobs and salaries."

He says "it appears that government continues on its merry way, irrespective of economic conditions, and irrespective of whether the taxpayers can afford this level of staff or not…they really need to get their act together and conform their spending to what the taxpayers can afford to pay."

Kirschner adds "it frustrates private sector employers that public employers really haven't had to make the hard decisions and cutbacks to the same kind of level - because they have a guaranteed source of income in taxes…the taxpayers cannot continue to pay forever for positions they neither want nor need."

Codey Won't Post Senate Replacement Bill
by The Associated Press
Friday, December 18, 2009

The president of the New Jersey Senate says he won't post a bill that would weaken the governor's power to appoint a replacement for a U.S. senator who leaves office early.

Senate President Richard Codey said Thursday that while he agrees with proposals by fellow Democrats, the legislation would send the wrong signal if it were passed just before RepublicanGov.-elect Chris Christie is sworn in.

Codey's decision effectively kills efforts to strip Christie of
the authority to replace one of New Jersey's two Democratic U.S.
senators with a Republican if either leaves office in midterm.
The governor currently can fill vacancies without regard to
party or he can call a special election.

Corzine Freezes Descretionary Spending
by Kevin McArdle
Friday, December 18, 2009

"We're going to make additional cuts," says Corzine. "We said we were going to do that and those will occur…….The new Governor will have the choices of what he chooses to unfreeze or continue."

Christie, Corzine Spar Over 11th Hour Appointments
by Kevin McArdle
Thursday, December 17, 2009

Click here and listen to Kevin's report

After being elected on November 3rd, Republican Chris Christie asked Democratic Governor Jon Corzine not to use his final days in office as an opportunity to nominate political allies to various boards and agencies. Corzine appears to be ignoring that request. In recent days he's nominated or appointed literally hundreds of people to paid and unpaid positions on various state boards, agencies and commissions.

It's not uncommon for lame duck Governors to make these appointments. Corzine says, "The number of appointments by comparison to what we've checked on the last few administrations in lame duck in the last years is significantly less."

"My mother always used to tell me two wrongs don't make a right," says Christie. "If the best rationale he can give you is, 'Well, he did it too,' I kind of think we should be above that. Shouldn't we?" He adds, "To me that's just silliness. That sounds like stuff I'd hear between my 9-year-old son and my 6-year-old daughter. I get plenty of that at home. I don't need that down here."

Christie is none-too-thrilled with Corzine's 11th hour appointments because he says many of these are important policymaking positions. Some of the positions come with terms several years long.

Despite the difference of opinion, Corzine says he and Christie are talking. He explains, "I still believe that there's good dialogue back and forth on a number of issues. Clearly, there are differences on views. We had a campaign about those. As transitions go this is pretty much on track. I don't think what you see here (with appointments) is dramatically different from other times."

"Doing this kind of stuff, it doesn't look adult," says Christie. "You're trying to jam hundreds of nominations in in the last 30 days of an administration when you had four years to do it."

Guadagno Nominated As Secretary Of State
by Kevin McArdle
Thursday, December 17, 2009

Governor-Elect Chris Christie has announced Lieutenant Governor-Elect Kim Guadagno as New Jersey's next Secretary of State. Christie says Guadagno's record as a tough, independent and experienced former prosecutor and Chief Executive of Monmouth County's largest law enforcement agency makes her the perfect fit for the job.

Guadagno is Christie's second Cabinet appointment in two days. Tuesday, he nominated Essex County Prosecutor Paula Dow to be the next attorney general. Guadagno will earn $141,000 in the Cabinet post. She will not take a salary as Lieutenant Governor. Guadagno says, "You don;'t have to have two salaries, one for Lieutenant Governor and one for Secretary of State…..I've been doing two jobs for one salary for many, many years.

As Secretary of State, Guadagno will oversee the Division of Elections, plus arts, cultural programs and tourism. Christie has said arts funding is not a priority given the state's current fiscal crisis, but Guadagno points out that New Jersey's hotel/motel tax was dedicated to the arts and, "If it's a dedicated fund as the hotel/motel tax is we're going to do everything we can to make the dedicated funds support the arts."

Christie says, "Kim has been an extraordinarily capable member of my leadership team and our transition efforts, and I've tasked her specifically with the critical task of leading my administration's economic development efforts. Our campaign was about reviving our economy, creating good, lasting jobs and getting our state back on track."

"Lieutenant Governor-elect Kim Guadagno is a strong and extraordinarily well-qualified part of Governor-elect Christie's leadership team," says New Jersey Republican State Committee Chairman Jay Webber. "Chris Christie is putting New Jersey first, and placing our state's best and brightest like Kim Guadagno where they are most needed. Lieutenant Governor-elect Guadagno's nomination to take on an expanded role in the Christie Administration as New Jersey's next Secretary of State is a home run."

In addition to the traditional duties of the New Jersey Secretary of State, Guadagno will be charged with leading the development and implementation of the "New Jersey Partnership For Action," a new agency within the Department of State to consolidate the state's fragmented economic development activities.

"I am humbled to have the opportunity to serve my fellow New Jerseyans in this capacity. New Jersey faces great challenges, but I firmly believe that there are always opportunities in the challenges we face," says Guadagno. "Our state is in need of new, creative solutions to make it a place where businesses and the jobs they bring can flourish. I am confident that with the New Jersey Partnership for Action we will serve our new and homegrown businesses to create sustainable, quality jobs and grow our economy."

The New Jersey Secretary of State oversees 16 separate departments and agencies within the Department of State, including the Divisions of Elections, Travel and Tourism, Community Service, Archives and Records Management, and the Governor's Office of Volunteerism.

Democratic State Chairman Joseph Cryan today says, "As one of the main functions of the Secretary of State is as the chief elections officer in New Jersey, there would be an apparent conflict of interest if a candidate seeking public office, such as the Lt. Gov., were to hold the position. To ensure the fairness and integrity of our elections it is vital that the person in charge of our state's election process does not have a vested personal interest in the results."

Christie says there is no conflict at all.

Christie Picks Top Cop
by Kevin McArdle
Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Click here and listen to Kevin's report

Governor-elect Chris Christie has announced his first Cabinet selection on Tuesday, choosing a career prosecutor and former colleague as his nominee for attorney general. Essex County Prosecutor Paula Dow, who served as Christie's counsel for a year, would lead the 9,000-employee Department of Law and Public Safety if she is confirmed by the Senate. Christie, a Republican, looked past Dow's affiliation with the Democratic Party, pulling instead from the reservoir of former prosecutors with whom he worked as U.S. attorney.

The 54-year-old Dow has been the Essex County prosecutor since being nominated by former Gov. Jim McGreevey in 2003. The office is among the state's busiest, handling 7,000 indictments a year, about a quarter of all criminal prosecutions in New Jersey.

If confirmed by the State senate, Dow's new job would entail more responsibility, but less pay. As a Cabinet official, she would earn $141,000, about $24,000 less than she earns as county prosecutor.

"I think it's one of the greatest challenges I've ever had, and I always respond to challenges," says Dow. "I'm a public servant, that's what I do. I've told others on many occasions that I love being a prosecutor. Who could not love being considered as the next attorney general?"

Christie says, "My decision on who to select to nominate for Attorney General was, in the end a relatively easy one……..I told everyone that I would pick an Attorney General that was tough and that I would pick an Attorney General purely on the merits, not on any other basis at all."

"This is probably one of the most exciting professional days of my career," says Dow. "I recognize when I sit back and reflect on this that it's probably one of the most humbling opportunities that I've ever had the chance to fulfill."

Christie says,. "One of the things I said during the campaign is that I want an Attorney General who is going to work with the U.S. Attorney's Office, not be in competition with them. I think it's a failed mission to be in competition with the U.S. Attorney's Office and I think every Attorney general who has tried it has failed."

He fully expects the State Senate to confirm Dow and Christie says once she is confirmed, "It's her job. The same I didn't want anybody from Washington, D.C. calling me telling me how to do my job as U.S. Attorney, she's not going to be getting calls from one end of State Street over to the Hughes (Justice) Complex telling her how to do her job."

Christie is insisting on, "The absolute independence of the Attorney General's Office. My insertion of myself into their agenda will only be from a legislative perspective."

Dow is keeping her agenda close to the vest. She vows to give details when she goes before the State Senate Judiciary Committee. Fort now, Dow does say, "Certainly I think that it would be unwise for anyone in this position to ignore the impact that gangs and drugs and guns have had on the state of New Jersey. It's palpable and it's something that has to be addressed. That certainly will be a commitment from all of us here at the Attorney General's Office…..Corruption is an important issue here in New Jersey if we don't already know that."

"Paula Dow stands out even among the many talented New Jersey lawyers qualified to fill the post of attorney general," says State Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean said. "I applaud both the governor-elect for his choice in this key nomination, and Paula Dow for her willingness to serve the people of New Jersey."

New Jersey Republican State Committee Chairman Jay Webber says, "I applaud Governor-elect Christie's decision to nominate a public servant who shares his vision for New Jersey and record of success. The Governor-elect continues to demonstrate that he will surround himself with strong, qualified people with a commitment to making our state a better place to live. Paula Dow will be a fine Attorney General for New Jersey, and I urge her swift confirmation by the Senate."

Assembly Speaker-elect Sheila Oliver says, "Without question, Paula Dow has the strength, integrity and no-nonsense approach to the law that New Jersey needs in its 'top cop.' Paula Dow built her reputation first as a capable federal prosecutor who took on corruption simply because it was the right thing to do."

In addition to Dow, Christie has named Phillip Kwon, now a deputy chief of the criminal division at the U.S. Attorney's Office, as first assistant attorney general; Marc Ferzan, another deputy chief of the criminal division, as executive assistant attorney general; and First Assistant Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn Murray as counsel to the attorney general.

Double Duty For Guadagno
by The Associated Press
Wednesday, December 16, 2009

A person familiar with Gov.-elect Chris
Christie's transition says Christie plans to nominate his incoming lieutenant governor to also serve as secretary of state.

The person says Christie will name Kim Guadagno to the post on Wednesday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no one is authorized to speak ahead of the official announcement.

The secretary of state oversees the Division of Elections plus arts, tourism and cultural programs.

The Star-Ledger of Newark first reported the selection of Guadagno on its Web site Tuesday afternoon.

Earlier Tuesday, Christie announced Essex County Prosecutor Paula Dow as his nominee for attorney general.
Both nominations require Senate confirmation.

Budget Woes & Pension Payments
by Kevin McArdle
Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Click here and listen to Kevin's report

New Jersey's budget news continues to go from bad to worse. The deficit for the current fiscal year which ends at midnight June 30 is estimated to be as high as $1 billion. The shortfall for next year could be as high as $9 billion. The incoming State Senate President says even if the economy is turning around, the positive effects of that won't be felt on New Jersey's budget for years to come.

"Even when the recession starts to bottom out and turn it's going to take quite some time for people to actually feel the impact of the recession improving……A lot of indicators nationally show that it looks like it's (the recession) bottoming," says State Senator Steve Sweeney. "But, the recovery is going to take a hell of a lot longer than anyone ever expected. It's going to take a lot longer for us to come out of this."

Sweeney says the positive effects of an economic turn around might not be felt until 2014. Asked about the budget shortfall for next year, Sweeney says, "It depends on what numbers you want to listen to. If you're talking about (the state) not making a pension payment it's $5.5 billion to $6 billion. If we make the pension payment it's $9 billion."

State Senator Sandra Cunningham has introduced a bill she hopes will help New Jersey's municipalities. The measure states, "In recognition of the enormous financial burden that full payments of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) contributions in State fiscal year 2010 will place on local property taxpayers and local budgets during this historically difficult economic period for the State, this bill provides that the State Treasurer will reduce for local employers the normal and accrued liability contributions to 50 percent of the amount certified annually by the PERS and PFRS for payments due in State fiscal year 2010."

How Will Jon Corzine Be Remembered?
by David Matthau
Tuesday, December 15, 2009

With his time as Governor running out, Jon Corzine continues to keep a low profile… and he hasn't even named a transition staff yet to archive his records.

Patrick Murray, the Director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute says this isn't really surprising because "it's just a continuation of a pattern we saw over the past 4 years, where he left a lot of appointments unnamed, there's a lot of paperwork and things that he just never got around to - so on one level, the fact that he hasn't gotten around to this transition is par for the course."

When asked if he expected the Governor to include in his archives the e-mail communications between himself and former girlfriend Carla Katz- when she was a CWA union boss- and the state was negotiating a new contract with the union - Murray replied "the Katz e-mails would certainly top the list of things that the Governor would like to see disappear- and so if you don't spend the time archiving them, then in all likelihood, they go away…a lot of records will probably never make it into the archives just because the time and attention wasn't paid to make sure that happens."

Christie Promises College Aid...Just Not Now
by The Associated Press
Tuesday, December 15, 2009

New Jersey Gov.-elect Chris Christie
delivered mostly welcome news to the state's college and university
presidents on Monday, pledging to increase funding to higher
education over the next four years but warning that aid cuts are
possible in the dire budget year ahead.
Christie said he intends to raise New Jersey's investment in
higher education during his first term and stop what he termed the
over-reliance on tuition and fees to make up for the lack of state
support.
Christie said New Jersey must increase the amount state
government spends on higher education to remain competitive with
neighboring states. However, in the fiscal year that starts July 1,
he faces an $8 billion budget deficit, and said he can't guarantee
that higher education aid won't take a hit.

Speaker: Check Municipal Spending
by Kevin McArdle
Monday, December 14, 2009

At the New Jersey Business and Industry Association's annual public policy forum on the economy, legislative leaders were asked what they would do to cut the State budget. Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts who will retire next month after 22 years in the legislature said education aid is one area to explore, but also said, "I think that municipal aid is something that really has to be looked at with great scrutiny."

"One of my disappointments with the (Corzine) Administration is that even though we passed legislation requiring the Department of Community Affairs to develop performance standards for municipalities before they got aid, they've not been able to do that effectively," explains Roberts. "I don't think that a town should get a nickel of state aid unless they can demonstrate that they're spending the money wisely."

Roberts doesn't say the entire municipal aid formula should be scrapped. He thinks benchmarks should be set. He says, "We know that on the municipal side, 70% or 80% of what the towns spend is on police, fire and public works and it's easy to measure whether they're providing the services effectively or not……..There's measures that other states look at and we ought to be able to do the same thing rather than just simply, year after year provide this assistance without asking the hard questions."

Roberts says, "Poorer urban communities need help from the State of New Jersey, but they shouldn't get a blank check, nor should a wealthy suburban community that is not operating efficiently."

Cutting Government Red Tape
by Kevin McArdle
Monday, December 14, 2009

Jersey City police officer Marc Anthony DiNardo was killed after being shot in July in a fierce gun battle. He left behind a wife and three young children who spent months battling through bureaucratic red tape before receiving his pension benefits. The full Assembly has passed a bill to expedite the payment of accidental pension death benefits for the families of fallen police, firefighters and EMTs.

"To have seen this family get caught in a bureaucratic mess was outrageous," says bill sponsor, Assemblywoman Joan Quigley. "This can't go on and it has to be fixed. It was unacceptable and must not happen again. This bill would ensure it doesn't."

Quigley's legislation would provide that the accidental pension death benefits for police and firefighters be paid upon the filing of a certified death certificate and all properly completed claim forms with the Division of Pension and Benefits. If the Police and Firemen's Retirement System board of trustees determines that the accidental pension death benefit is not payable, the payment would cease and the beneficiary who received the payment would be required to repay within 90 days.

"This benefit is provided to our bravest police and firefighters who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect us," explains Quigley. "The heartbroken families they leave behind should not have to face added grief because of state bureaucracy. They need to spend their time and energy focused on themselves, especially if children are involved, not fighting red tape."

Is Partisanship A Blessing Or A Curse?
by David Matthau
Monday, December 14, 2009

Some are predicting big problems when republican Chris Christie becomes Governor next month - and has to work with democratic leaders in both the Assembly and State Senate.

But at least on lawmaker believes things will work out great.

Assembly minority whip Jon Bramnick says "this compromise system actually creates better legislation and sometimes makes the people who legislate in the middle happier….when one party is in control, you're drawn to legislation that you don't necessarily want to support, but you're caught up in a political party (situation, where) you feel you have to- so now, you'll have that compromise middle ground legislation. "

He says another reason he expects everyone to work well together is Jersey's enormous looming budget deficit.

"The crisis is so significant in this State" he says, "that legislators realize that if you're playing politics now, you're playing it at your peril- I honestly believe that everyone understands that we don't have any choice- they want the State to survive…so I think you're going to see the State flourish - it's going to take a while, but I'm actually - for the first time- optimistic about the future."

Praise For A.G. On Domestic Abuse Policy
by Martin DiCaro
Monday, December 14, 2009

Women's groups are applauding a directive issued by the State Attorney General Anne Milgram dealing with domestic abuse by police officers. The guidelines recommend that police departments change their policies to better deal with allegations of abuse against their employees. Advocates said some departments currently use the safeguards, but statewide guidelines were necessary.

"There haven't been specific directives or guidelines for how law enforcement agencies handle cases of domestic violence among law enforcement officers," said Sandy Clark, associate director of the New Jersey Coalition for Battered Women. "The fact that abuse happens by law enforcement officers really was not being looked at or addressed comprehensively."

The directive recommends new employees undergo background investigations for histories of domestic violence or sexual assault. Psychological examinations for all prospective employees at police departments and annual training on domestic violence issues are also recommended.

"The quite unique circumstances that abuse by a law enforcement officer posed for a victim of domestic violence were not being looked at," said Clark. "In some situations you would have a victim who was actually living within the jurisdiction of the police department where their spouse or boyfriend was working. So in order to call the police for help, you are essentially calling your own spouse or the people that they work with."

"In that situation you want to be sure that a sergeant, lieutenant, or a chief of police respond to that situation," she added.

What's Next For Gay Marriage Bill?
by Kevin McArdle
Friday, December 11, 2009

Click here and listen to Kevin's report

The bill to allow gay marriage in New Jersey is in a sort of legislative limbo as the State Senate waits for the General Assembly to consider the measure. Time is of the essence for advocates of gay marriage. Governor Jon Corzine says he'll sign the bill into law if it reaches his desk, but Governor-elect Chris Christie says he would veto such a measure and he will be officially sworn-in January 19th.

Yesterday's scheduled vote in the State Senate on a bill to legalize gay marriage in New Jersey was scrapped because late Wednesday afternoon, the bill's sponsors in the Upper House, Senators Ray Lesniak and Loretta Weinberg requested that Senate President Dick Codey hold the measure. They also asked Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts to schedule a meeting for the Assembly Judiciary Committee on the legislation, popularly known as the Freedom of Religion and Equality in Civil Marriage Act.

The eyes of the nation would have been on the Garden State if the Senate vote was taken. Was yesterday anti-climactic? "That would be an understatement. I was expecting one of the best debates I've ever seen in the state Senate so, I'm personally disappointed," says Codey. "I worked Tuesday night on notes for a speech so I'm really disappointed to be honest with you."

In asking for the postponement, Weinberg said, " Senator Lesniak and I believe that the public needs another opportunity to engage legislators on this issue. Moreover, the Senate Judiciary Committee has substantially amended its version to include sweeping, additional protections for religious institutions. We believe that members of the public need to be afforded an additional opportunity to debate this new provision as well."

Roberts says, "At this point, this much is clear - our civil union law has failed to live up to even the most modest of hopes and encourages unequal treatment of same-sex couples and their children."

Testimony on Monday in the Senate Judiciary Committee came from social conservatives who argued that "redefining" marriage would weaken one of society's most important institutions and that the public should vote on such an important issue. Lawmakers also heard from gay couples who said they've faced discrimination, and from Julian Bond, the chairman of the NAACP and a civil rights icon, who told lawmakers they would be "standing for right and on the right side of history" if they allow gay marriage.

"It is not often we have an opportunity to change society and how we treat each other as human beings. It occurs a few times in our lifetimes, if it occurs at all…….We can change fear to love, hate to compassion, cruelty to kindness," says Lesniak. "Those who oppose gay marriage are not unloving, hateful or cruel, but our law, which does not allow for gay marriage, provides a safe haven for those who are. Legalizing gay marriage will take away that safe haven and make us a more compassionate, understanding and loving society."

A bill that would have allowed same-sex marriage was rejected by New York lawmakers earlier this week. Many pundits felt sure it was a bruising outcome for national advocates in a state that was the site of one of the gay rights movement's defining moments four decades ago, and a huge victory for opponents who said it could influence votes elsewhere.

Maggie Gallagher, president of the National Organization for Marriage, a nonprofit organization whose stated mission is to protect marriage. "It's going to help cement defeat for gay marriage in New Jersey."

Deo says, "I believe that ultimately we will win in the Senate and even in the Assembly…..I still think that we will see marriage protected as the union of one man and one woman."

So far this year, Maine voters have rejected a measure and last year California voters rescinded their law. Supporters, however, point to Vermont and New Hampshire, where lawmakers adopted gay marriage bills this year, while the city council in Washington, D.C., is expected to legalize gay marriage next month.

Iowa's Supreme Court also recognized gay marriage this year. Gay marriage was already legal in Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

"Here in New Jersey, many of the legislators would rather not vote on it," said Gregory Quinlan, of New Jersey Family First following the vote in New York. He said New York's action underscores that reluctance and bolsters his group's position.

Goldstein says, "If Democrats in New Jersey don't lead the way, as they promised, to pass marriage equality in 2009, there could be a mutiny against the New Jersey Democratic Party the likes of which this state has never seen."

On Wednesday, New York's bill was defeated 38-24 in the Senate led by liberal New York City Democrats holding a single-seat majority. It was the last hurdle for passage for the measure passed three times by the Democrat-led Assembly and strongly pushed by Democratic Governor David Paterson.

Pay For Schools With State Income Tax?
by Maartin DiCaro
Friday, December 11, 2009

We would all love to pay lower property taxes. The perennially persistent problem in New Jersey is making this universal dream real. The New Jersey League of Municipalities said on Thursday it has the right idea: remove school funding from local property tax bills.

"What we are suggesting is that you remove the school funding from the property tax totally and reallocate the funds for education through other revenue sources such as the income tax, the sales tax, and some other taxes that are currently implemented here in the state of New Jersey," said Gerry Tarantolo, who is the mayor of Eatontown and the chairman of the League's tax reform committee.

Tarantolo said he could not say at this time whether the state income tax rate would have to be raised under such a plan, but he said it would be more fair to strip education funding from the state's highest-in-the-nation property taxes.

"This method would take the burden off individuals who are on fixed incomes such as pensions and Social Security, where they are paying based on their annual income and not on the assets they own such as a home," he said.

Tarantolo estimated the state would need roughly $8 billion in income tax revenues to fund education, after federal aid, state aid, and property tax rebates are factored.

"We have already met with NJEA (teachers union). They are receptive to the concept. They haven't bought in completely but they are willing sit at the table and work with my committee to see if this is a viable approach to funding education," he said. "What our strategy is, is to partner with as many different groups here in the state of New Jersey to try to sell this concept with the intention of garnering enough support" so the state Legislature considers it.

Christie Signs Off On Corzine Borrowing
by The Associated Press
Thursday, December 9, 2009

Less than a week after he warned that future state borrowing would be intensely reviewed, Gov.-elect
Chris Christie's team has signed off on more than $1.2 billion in
state borrowing for transportation projects.

On Tuesday, the Transportation Trust Fund Authority approved
selling $1.2 billion in bonds to pay for previously approved
transportation projects through June 30.

The sale was more than five times the planned $225 million bond
sale and means Christie won't have to approve the borrowing while
in office.

Last week, Christie pledged to scale back and scrutinize all
state borrowing, saying investment banks shouldn't "spend the fees
yet."

His spokeswoman says the transition team was "consulted" on
the expanded bond sale.

Is Corzine Sulking Over Loss?
by David Matthau
Thursday, December 10, 2009

As his gubernatorial term winds down, Jon Corzine is spending most of his time behind closed doors, out of the public spotlight.

When he does venture attend a public event, his mood seems subdued - almost sour - and he brushes aside many questions posed by reporters - as if he's counting down the days before he leaves.

Patrick Murray, the Director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute, says "Jon Corzine was never a political animal- he never understood what he needed to do to communicate with the public- which also included communicating with the media - and now that he is in his last days in office, he's decided that there's no need at all for him to do that - he did it very reluctantly when he had to - but now he feels that he doesn't have to."

Murray says "here's a guy now who feels that he hasn't gotten the recognition that he deserves for what he's done, and there's no need for him to talk about anything anymore - to anybody - and just to bide his time until January 19th, and he's out the door."

He adds I think to some extent Jon Corzine feels that he didn't get a fair shake from the media…and in many ways he's confused about why the public image is the way it is of him."

Senate Delays Gay Marriage Vote
by Kevin McArdle
Thursday, December 10, 2009

Click here and listen to Kevin's report

Today's scheduled vote in the State Senate on a bill to legalize gay marriage in New Jersey has been scrapped. Late yesterday afternoon, the bill's sponsors in the Upper House, Senators Ray Lesniak and Loretta Weinberg requested that Senate President Dick Codey hold the measure. They also asked Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts to schedule a meeting for the Assembly Judiciary Committee on the legislation, popularly known as the Freedom of Religion and Equality in Civil Marriage Act.

Weinberg says, " Senator Lesniak and I believe that the public needs another opportunity to engage legislators on this issue. Moreover, the Senate Judiciary Committee has substantially amended its version to include sweeping, additional protections for religious institutions. We believe that members of the public need to be afforded an additional opportunity to debate this new provision as well."

Codey has agreed to postpone today's scheduled vote on the Marriage Equality Act (until the Assembly Judiciary Committee has had time to hold a hearing on the bill. He says, "Senator Weinberg and Senator Lesniak have expressed their earnest desire to postpone tomorrow's vote until there has been adequate time to vet the bill before the Assembly Judiciary Committee. I understand their desire to make sure this bill receives the thorough attention it deserves and therefore I have agreed to postpone tomorrow's vote until further notice."

Time is of the essence for advocates of gay marriage. Corzine says he'll sign the bill into law if it reaches his desk, but Governor-elect Chris Christie says he would veto such a measure and he will be officially sworn-in January 19th.

Roberts says, "At this point, this much is clear - our civil union law has failed to live up to even the most modest of hopes and encourages unequal treatment of same-sex couples and their children."

"It is not often we have an opportunity to change society and how we treat each other as human beings. It occurs a few times in our lifetimes, if it occurs at all…….We can change fear to love, hate to compassion, cruelty to kindness," says Lesniak. "Those who oppose gay marriage are not unloving, hateful or cruel, but our law, which does not allow for gay marriage, provides a safe haven for those who are. Legalizing gay marriage will take away that safe haven and make us a more compassionate, understanding and loving society."

Deo says, "I believe that ultimately we will win in the Senate and even in the Assembly…..I still think that we will see marriage protected as the union of one man and one woman."

So far this year, Maine voters have rejected a measure and last year California voters rescinded their law. Supporters, however, point to Vermont and New Hampshire, where lawmakers adopted gay marriage bills this year, while the city council in Washington, D.C., is expected to legalize gay marriage next month.

Iowa's Supreme Court also recognized gay marriage this year. Gay marriage was already legal in Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

"Here in New Jersey, many of the legislators would rather not vote on it," said Gregory Quinlan, of New Jersey Family First following the vote in New York. He said New York's action underscores that reluctance and bolsters his group's position.

Goldstein says, "If Democrats in New Jersey don't lead the way, as they promised, to pass marriage equality in 2009, there could be a mutiny against the New Jersey Democratic Party the likes of which this state has never seen."

On Wednesday, New York's bill was defeated 38-24 in the Senate led by liberal New York City Democrats holding a single-seat majority. It was the last hurdle for passage for the measure passed three times by the Democrat-led Assembly and strongly pushed by Democratic Governor David Paterson.

Legislative Leaders Offer Ideas On Saving Money
by David Matthau
Wednesday, December 9, 2009

With the Jersey economy still very sluggish, the State is looking at a budget shortfall this year of between 400 million and one billion dollars…and for fiscal year 2011, the deficit is projected to be between 8 and 10 billion.

Governor-elect Chrstie continues to promise there will not be any tax increases…which is leading many to wonder how State lawmakers will be able to balance the budget through cuts alone.

During a Public Policy Forum presented by the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, legislative leaders from both parties offered suggestions.

State Senator Ray Lesniak said everything has to be on the table, "but I would start with looking at the one billion dollars of absolute waste in our education spending."

Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts agreed, pointing out "time after time we see efficient models at the charter school, at the parochial level - we've got to take more of that, and bring it into the public school system."

Assemblyman John Bramnick suggested the State engage in unannounced performance audits.

"I grew up in a small business" he said, "my dad had a small store, I run a small business- my law firm - and I can tell you that unless you're watching what's going on, you're going to have serious trouble."

State Senator Tom Kean said if we pass the Transparency in Government Act "where we put every single dime of every level of government online- we would be including you in the process and the answers …if we involve the public…we would have to justify the spending to the citizens of the State of New Jersey."

Rallying Support For Gay Marriage
by the Associated Press
Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Click here to read the bill

Hours after a proposal allowing same-sex couples to marry survived its first legislative hurdle in New
Jersey, gay rights supporters were working behind the scenes to get
the bill approved in the Senate.
The historic vote comes Thursday, but even Democrats concede
they may fall short of the 21 votes needed.

Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts says he'll push to get the bill through his chamber if it passes the Senate.

New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine says it's important to get the marriage equality law approved before he leaves office next month because he will sign it. His successor, Republican Chris Christie, says he would veto it.
New Jersey has a civil unions law, giving gay couples the benefits of marriage but not the title.

Christie Sticks With No-New-Tax Pledge
by Kevin McArdle
Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Ask The Governor

Watch the video, hear the audio and read the blog from the show nj1015.com.

Governor-elect Chris Christie made the first of his promised four years of appearances per month on New Jersey 101.5 FM last night. He answered questions from modertaor Eric Scott, took calls from listeners and responded to residents' e-mails. Topics included cutting the budget, lowering taxes, taking on the teachers unions, consolidation, shared services and health insurance. Christie also responded to comments made earlier in the day by Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts and State Senator Ray Lesniak at the New Jersey Business and Industry Association's annual public policy forum on the economy.

Scott asked Christie if there will be a gas tax increase. Christie responded, " No. No. Speaker Roberts, if he felt so strongly about it, he was Speaker for four years why didn't he propose a gas tax hike?" The Governor-elect pointed out that Democrats have controlled the legisalture and the Governor's office for eight years and they didn't raise the gas tax. He said, "And now all of a sudden they want to try and dump it in my lap and say you have to break your no higher taxes pledge? No, I'm not going to do it. Now, all of a sudden they're going to say I have to do it because they didn't? I'm sorry."

Gay Marriage Clears Senate
by Kevin McArdle
Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Click here and listen to Kevin's report

Click here to read the bill

For almost seven hours yesterday and into last night, the State Senate Judiciary Committee debated a bill to legalize same-sex marriages in New Jersey. Just after 10pm the panel approved the legislation by the narrow margin of 7-6. The full Upper House is scheduled to vote on the measure this Thursday. Time is of the essence for advocates of gay marriage. Governor Jon Corzine says he'll sign the bill into law if it reaches his desk, but Governor-elect Chris Christie says he would veto such a measure and he will be officially sworn-in January 19th.

Testimony on Monday came from social conservatives who argue that "redefining" marriage would weaken one of society's most important institutions and that the public should vote on such an important issue. Lawmakers also heard from gay couples who said they've faced discrimination, and from Julian Bond, the chairman of the NAACP and a civil rights icon, who told lawmakers they would be "standing for right and on the right side of history" if they allow gay marriage.

State Senator Loretta Weinberg, one of the bill's sponsors explained to committee members exactly what they were being asked to consider, "The right to know that when your partner is sick, or when your child is sick, you won't have to fight with nameless bureaucrats over power of attorney. The right to attend a parent-teacher conference without having to offer excuses and explanations. The right to wear a wedding ring and enjoy the full dignity and recognition that comes with that magical word, marriage, just like Irwin (her husband) and I did. In this country, we do not accord some people full civil rights, and other people, half civil rights."

State Senate President Dick Codey confirms that the full Senate will consider the "Freedom of Religion and Equality in Civil Marriage Act" Thursday.

Deo says, "I believe that ultimately we will win in the Senate and even in the Assembly…..I still think that we will see marriage protected as the union of one man and one woman."

So far this year, Maine voters have rejected a measure and last year California voters rescinded their law. Supporters, however, point to Vermont and New Hampshire, where lawmakers adopted gay marriage bills this year, while the city council in Washington, D.C., is expected to legalize gay marriage next month.

Iowa's Supreme Court also recognized gay marriage this year. Gay marriage was already legal in Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

"Here in New Jersey, many of the legislators would rather not vote on it," said Gregory Quinlan, of New Jersey Family First following the vote in New York. He said New York's action underscores that reluctance and bolsters his group's position.

Goldstein says, "If Democrats in New Jersey don't lead the way, as they promised, to pass marriage equality in 2009, there could be a mutiny against the New Jersey Democratic Party the likes of which this state has never seen."

On Wednesday, New York's bill was defeated 38-24 in the Senate led by liberal New York City Democrats holding a single-seat majority. It was the last hurdle for passage for the measure passed three times by the Democrat-led Assembly and strongly pushed by Democratic Governor David Paterson.

Sweeney, Christie Working Privately
by Kevin McArdle
Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Ask The Governor

Tonight at 7PM on New Jersey 101.5.

Listen to an audio stream and watch a video stream at nj1015.com.

Be part of the live blog at nj1015.com

Last week, Governor elect Chris Christie said, "We'll have some things to discuss next week to clarify just how bad off the State's fiscal situation is." That could happen tonight as Christie takes part in "Ask the Governor-elect," live on NJ 101.5 FM from 7pm-8pm. Christie will be in-studio and he'll be taking calls and e-mail questions from listeners.

Christie, a Republican has vowed to bring change to the State House in Trenton. Steve Sweeney, the Democratic State Senate President-elect says so far Christie has been true to his word regarding a new era of bi-partisanship.

"He and we as a Governor and a legislature need to have some successes right out of the box and we're going to work to get them done," explains Sweeney. "The budget is a problem that is an enormous task for anyone right now……I know he (Christie) is committed to getting the State's fiscal house in order and so are we. The fiscal house is not just the budget. The cost of government is on many levels."

Understandably, Sweeney is keeping private the conversations he's had with Christie, but he will say they've discussed more than just the State's $6-$10 billion budget deficit. He explains, "There's discussions about, do we have too much government? We've talked about consolidation, shared services…..how do we make these things work?"

"At least to start with I'm very happy to see that we're not starting out as a Republican and a Democrat," says Sweeney. "We're starting out as a Governor and a Senate President with a legislature trying to find a way to fix some of the problems here."

There are big problems. Last week, Christie was asked about the latest budget news and he said, "It's awful. It's worse than you could have thought it was. It's getting worse every day."

Senate Debates Gay Marriage
by The Associated Press
Monday, December 7, 2009

A New Jersey legislative committee on
Monday started debating whether the state should become the sixth
in the nation to recognize gay marriage.

The state Senate Judiciary Committee was expected later Monday
to cast the first votes ever by the New Jersey lawmakers on the
contentious issue.

Legislators in three other states this year have voted to legalize gay marriage.

But most recently, advocates have had a tough time.

Last month, voters in Maine adopted a state constitutional
amendment to overturn passed earlier this year there to allow
same-sex couples to wed. And last week, a similar bill was soundly
defeated in the state Senate in New York.

If the Senate committee in New Jersey passes the bill, it's
expected to go to the full Senate for a vote on Thursday.
The bill would also need to be passed in the Assembly, where no
vote is scheduled.

Proponents are pushing to pass it now because Gov. Jon Corzine
has said he'd sign it. Gov.-elect Chris Christie, who is to be sworn in on Jan. 19, says he would veto it.

The bill's sponsor, state Sen. Loretta Weinberg, a Democrat from
Teaneck, recalled her late husband, to whom she was married for 39
years.

"What we're working on today is the right of every citizen to
have what Irwin and I had," Weinberg said.

The first public speaker was NAACP Chairman and Civil Rights
icon Julian Bond, who came to support allowing gay marriage.
State Sen. Gerald Cardinale, a Republican from Demerest, said he
questioned the timing of the debate in the waning weeks of a
lame-duck administration.
"If Gov. Corzine signs any such legislation before he leaves
office, he will confirm the public's worst beliefs about
government."

Four states allow gay marriage, and New Hampshire is to join
them on Jan. 1. The city council in Washington D.C. is expected to
allow it there later this month.
Voters in 31 states have adopted constitutional amendments to
ban gay marriage.

Poll Shows Support For "All Paseneger" Seat Belt Law
by Kevin McArdle
Monday, December 7, 2009

Click here to read the poll.

A bill working its way through both the General Assembly and State Senate would require all passengers, regardless of where they are seated in a passenger automobile, to wear a seat belt. A new Fairleigh Dickinson University-Public Mind poll out today asks New Jerseyans if they think such a law is necessary.

According to the survey, half of New Jersey voters (51%) think that state law already requires all vehicle passengers, including those in the back seat, to wear seat belts. A third (32%) say no, you don't. Another 10% say they don't know. Just 7% know that the law only requires back-seat passengers under the age of 18 to buckle up.

"I'm a fanatic about having people wear a seat belt in my car," says poll director Peter Woolley, director of the poll, "but even I didn't know the law."

Asked whether they would support or oppose a law requiring all passengers to wear seat belts, including those in the back seat, more than 4 out of 5 registered voters (83%) say they would support it. That support is strong across all demographic groups, although women support the seat- belt requirement significantly more than men (87%-79%); liberals (91%) are more likely to support the measure than either moderates (81%) or conservatives (80%); and Democrats more likely than Republicans (88%-79%).

"Unrestrained back-seat passengers become 'bullets' in a crash, putting everyone in the vehicle at risk," says Division of Highway Traffic Safety Director Pam Fischer. "Unbuckled passengers sitting in the rear of a vehicle risk hitting the seat back in front of them, the dashboard, the windshield or even another vehicle occupant, if a crash occurs making them a 'bullet.' The passenger can also be ejected from the vehicle, resulting in serious injury and often death."

The danger is graphically demonstrated by videos found on the website njbackseatbullets.com

Ninety percent (90%) of those who think seat-belt use is already required for everyone in the back seat, or don't know whether it is, support the idea of requiring everyone to buckle up in the back seat. That compares to just 3 out of 4 (73%) who support changing the law among those who know that everyone is not required to buckle up.

Under current law, all children under the age of 18, the driver, and any front seat passenger of passenger automobiles are required to wear a properly adjusted and fastened safety seat belt. However, the current law does not require an adult riding in the rear seat of a passenger automobile to wear a seat belt.

The poll of 505 registered voters, sponsored by the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, was conducted by telephone from Aug. 24, through Aug. 30 and has a margin of error of +/-4.5 percentage points.

Christie: This Is Me
by David Matthau
Monday, December 7, 2009

As a candidate for Governor, Chris Christie often spoke bluntly about the problems facing Jersey, and he promised to turn Trenton upside-down if he won.

As Governor-elect, Christie is continuing to speak his mind in a direct, honest and sometimes abrasive manner.

"The one thing you will see won't change in the next 4 years" says Christie, "is I'm going to tell you all what I think…it's fascinating to me that some people say that means I'm angry - I don't think people are used to having somebody talk to them this way - so this is going to be a learning process for all of us."

He says "what the people in the legislature will come to understand is that I'm not a smoke signal sender - I'm not going to be playing bumper pool with them, and playing games…what we're going to do is we're going do deal with the problems of this State - we're going to deal with them forthrightly and directly."

Christie adds "I understand that it's a democratic legislature - I understand there's going to have to be areas where I'm going to have compromise to get things done…but I'm not going to change who I am - this is who I am- this is who the people of the State of New Jersey elected - and I'm not going to change that."

Senate To Consider Gay Marriage
by Kevin McArdle
Friday, December 4, 2009

Monday, the State Senate Judiciary Committee will consider a bill to legalize same-sex marriages in New Jersey. The full Upper House could vote on the measure as early as this Thursday. Time is of the essence for advocates of gay marriage. Governor Jon Corzine says he'll sign the bill into law if it reaches his desk, but Governor-elect Chris Christie says he would veto such a measure and he will be officially sworn-in January 19th.

"On Thursday the full Senate is going to vote on marriage equality," says State Senator Ray Lesniak, a sponsor of the bill and a member of the State Senate Judiciary Committee." And God be willing, we'll have 21 votes." For weeks, top Democrats have been saying they would not put the legislation to a vote unless they had the support needed to pass it.

Steven Goldstein, chairman of Garden State Equality says, "Today's a huge, huge day for the gay rights movement in New Jersey and our straight allies…….Just two weeks ago people declared this bill dead. Nobody thought that we'd be hearing the marriage equality bill. Well, we have risen………"

State Senator Paul Sarlo, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee has posted the Marriage Equality Act, on the Judiciary Committee's December 7th agenda, but reiterated his strong belief that same sex-couples deserve legal protections and stated that he supported legislation that allowed same sex couples to enter into civil unions and domestic partnerships. Although he will be voting against the bill, Sarlo believes that his committee will narrowly pass the bill with support from both Democrats and Republicans on the Committee.

"I don't support this legislation," says Senator Sarlo. "However, in a democracy, I do not believe that one person should prevent any piece of legislation from having a fair hearing and an open vote in public……..By posting the bill, I am keeping the pledge that I made to the bill's sponsors, Senator Loretta Weinberg and Senator Ray Lesniak. I am also keeping my word to Senator Bill Baroni and Garden State Equality President Steve Goldstein who came to my Senate office to personally lobby me to post the bill."

State Senate President Dick Codey confirms that the full Senate will consider the "Freedom of Religion and Equality in Civil Marriage Act" next week. He explains, "Should the Senate Judiciary Committee approve the bill on Monday, the full Senate will be the first house to consider the bill during a floor vote on Thursday."

Deo says, "I believe that ultimately we will win in the Senate and even in the Assembly…..I still think that we will see marriage protected as the union of one man and one woman."

So far this year, Maine voters have rejected a measure and last year California voters rescinded their law. Supporters, however, point to Vermont and New Hampshire, where lawmakers adopted gay marriage bills this year, while the city council in Washington, D.C., is expected to legalize gay marriage next month.

Iowa's Supreme Court also recognized gay marriage this year. Gay marriage was already legal in Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

"Here in New Jersey, many of the legislators would rather not vote on it," said Gregory Quinlan, of New Jersey Family First following the vote in New York. He said New York's action underscores that reluctance and bolsters his group's position.

Goldstein says, "If Democrats in New Jersey don't lead the way, as they promised, to pass marriage equality in 2009, there could be a mutiny against the New Jersey Democratic Party the likes of which this state has never seen."

On Wednesday, New York's bill was defeated 38-24 in the Senate led by liberal New York City Democrats holding a single-seat majority. It was the last hurdle for passage for the measure passed three times by the Democrat-led Assembly and strongly pushed by Democratic Governor David Paterson.

Bill Would Grant MVC Amnesty
by David Matthau
Friday, December 4, 2009

A Jersey lawmaker is pushing a plan to boost State revenues - by creating a 60 motor vehicle surcharge amnesty program.

Assemblyman Reed Gusciora says this would be "an opportunity for motorists who have outstanding surcharges to step up to the plate, pay for the surcharges, and then have no penalties and interest payments."

He says such a plan would help to fill State coffers, because "it's estimated that there are 17 million in uncollected funds to the State resulting from surcharges assessed from various speeding tickets and the like, from people who accumulate pointes…New Jersey is in tough economic times- any money that we can bring in to pay down the State debt will be very helpful in the long run."

Gusciora adds "the program would not apply to those surcharges assessed due to DUI, or refusal to take the breathalyzer."

The measure has been released by the Assembly Transportation Panel, and now heads to the full Assembly for consideration.

Christie Gets A Budget Extension
by Kevin McArdle
Friday, December 4, 2009

New Jersey is facing an estimated $8-$10 billion budget deficit for the upcoming fiscal year. It is no sure thing that more federal stimulus funding will be coming from Washington. Governor-elect Chris Christie has also said emphatically that he will not raise taxes. New Jersey, one of 10 states singled out for its fiscal troubles in a national study last month, is about to wield a budget ax again on programs and services as tax revenues continue to take a beating.

What's the latest news? Christie says, "It's awful. It's worse than you could have thought it was. It's getting worse every day……We'll have some things to discuss next week to clarify just how bad off the State's fiscal situation is."

Christie got about the only good budget news he can probably expect yesterday when bill sponsored by Senate President Dick Codey that would extend the date by which the Governor must deliver the 2011 Fiscal Year budget message was approved by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee today. The measure is designed to give Christie's administration sufficient time to transition. The message, traditionally delivered on the fourth Tuesday in February, must now be transmitted by March 16, 2010. The move is in line with similar extensions that have been granted in the past for the first budgets prepared by other governors.

"This is a common courtesy given to many previous governors," says Codey. "In light of the serious fiscal challenges we face this year, I'm sure this extension is particularly welcome by the incoming administration……..Even then, that's a tough time frame in terms of getting his hands around the budget."

Governor Jon Corzine has asked department heads to identify $400 million in additional spending cuts out of an overall budget of $29 billion. He also may freeze or reduce up to $400 million in payments to schools, towns, colleges and universities, hospitals, and the pension fund, according to information disclosed to potential investors last week.

A deepening revenue shortfall and additional appropriations have combined to create a deficit of about $1 billion before the fiscal year ends June 30. The state told would-be bond investors in a prospectus that it expected to close the remaining shortfall by collecting taxes from individuals reporting offshore income and by implementing the multistate Powerball Lottery.

Tax collections for the first three months of the fiscal year were off by about $190 million, the state Treasury Department reported, and sank by another $220 million in October. Additional spending accounted for more than $400 million of the newly calculated deficit.

Christie has asked the lame-duck Legislature for a freeze on new spending before he takes over on January 19. Christie, who must introduce a budget for fiscal year 2011 less than three months after taking office, is expected to inherit a budget deficit as high as $10 billion..

Senator Barbara Buono, a Democrat who leads the Senate budget panel, calls the mounting deficit "troubling," and says "many worthy and deserving programs that are in need of state funding will have to make do without it."

Bill Dressel, executive director of the New Jersey League of Municipalities, said he worries that state aid payments to towns -- already counted on in local budgets -- could be forestalled.

"When the state treasurer makes statements about shortfalls and budget cuts, that has a chilling impact on all of local government," says Dressel. "It means the possibility of a reduction in aid payments on budgets that already have been adopted and money that has been anticipated to pay for essential services and reduce property taxes."

Christie Names Top Staff
by The Associated Press
Friday, December 4, 2009

Gov.-elect Chris Christie has named four of his top advisers, all but one of whom come with legal backgrounds.

Richard Bagger was chosen as his chief of staff.

Bagger is a senior vice president for worldwide public affairs at Pfizer and served in the state Senate from 2002 to 2003 and in the Assembly from 1993 to 2002.

Two deputy chiefs of staff were named: Bill Stepien, who was Christie's campaign manager, and Kevin O'Dowd, a former federal prosecutor under Christie.

Another former federal prosecutor, Jeff Chiesa was named as chief counsel to the governor.

Township Mishandled Insurance Contract
by Kevin McArdle
Thursday, December 3, 2009

Click here and listen to Kevin's report

During a Parsippany-Troy Hills Council meeting in December 2008, several Council members made public comments expressing concern that the mayor's administration had used a competitive process to select a vendor for a contract. The Council member who introduced the resolution to enter into a contract with the Morris County Joint Insurance Fund (MCJIF) explained his support for MCJIF was based on his familiarity with the fund's representatives and the fact that they were public officials in the county, stating, "They, as far as I'm concerned, are part of our family. They are us."

In a report released by State Comptroller Matt Boxer found the Council overstepped its power in order to award an insurance contract to a high bidder. Under the Township's form of government set up under the state's Faulkner Act, the Township Council can approve or reject a vendor recommended by the mayor, but it may not award a contract to its own preferred vendor. Yet at the public meeting the Council decided not to vote on the mayor's recommendation to go with the low bidder, Travelers Companies Inc., and instead awarded a three-year contract to MCJIF to provide insurance services at a cost of approximately $3.7 million.

"The law required a competitive selection process for the Township's insurance contract, yet Council members publically expressed their displeasure with having to consider competing vendors," explains Boxer. "It's not okay for government to award insurance contracts based on the friends and family plan - particularly when that plan is not offering savings but instead costs taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars."

Travelers' proposal was presented by the Township's risk management consultant who was advising the Township on which vendor to select while simultaneously serving as the executive director for a third competing vendor, Statewide Insurance Fund. The report notes that the dual role "tainted" the procurement and may have violated the Local Government Ethics Law. OSC is referring the matter to the Local Finance Board for further consideration.

"The Township Council and the administration both handled this contract in a manner that was not in the best interest of taxpayers," says Boxer said. "When vendors are selected this way it destroys the public's confidence in the government contracting process."

The report was released to provide guidance to public contracting units on insurance procurement issues, such as the need to solicit competitive price quotations from insurance vendors. The Comptroller's statutory mandate includes monitoring the procurement process for certain government contracts. In light of the deficiencies identified in the report, the OSC will lower from $10 million to $2 million its monetary threshold for pre-screening the Township's contracts.

Christie Promises Education Shakeup
by David Matthau
Thursday, December 3, 2009

After huddling with a group of 10 school superintendents from across the Garden State, Governor-elect Christie promised to shake up Jersey's education department…and give schools the tools to improve.

Following the meeting at North Brunswick High School, Christie said there was a lot of discussion about "regulatory change that needs to come - to give them more flexibility to be able to craft solutions that apply to the children in their particular district."

He said "excessive regulations and mandates also drive up costs in a very significant way - the thousands of man-hours that are spent just filling out State forms is overwhelming….there was also discussion about the at-times adversarial relationship between the State department of Education and local districts - this is just unacceptable…we're going to have a Commissioner of Education, and a Department of Education that considers themselves partners with local school districts, not the overseers of the local districts."

Christie added "we need to do this because we can no longer afford the failure that these school systems have brought to us- we can no longer afford some of the extravagance and the waste that is going on as well…the truth is, we're in awful shape, and everyone is going to have to step up to the plate to help solve the problem."

He also suggested cutting State aid to schools would be a last-resort option - because improving education is his top priority after cutting taxes - but it depends on how horrible the State deficit is next year, and what the State revenue flow looks like.

Investigation Shows Towns Wasting Tax Dollars On Perks
by Martin DiCaro and The Associated Press
Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Click here and listen to Martin's report

Click here and read the SCI report

The economic downturn hasn't stopped some
local governments in New Jersey from paying out generous bonuses
and severance packages to employees, including six-figure cash
payouts to workers in fiscally distressed cities and towns.

A State Commission of Investigation report released Tuesday
concludes the lucrative perks paid to some local government workers
are costing New Jersey taxpayers millions.

The report comes the day Gov. Jon Corzine is expected detail how
he intends to close an unanticipated state budget gap, which could
include withholding December aid payments to municipalities.
"Enough is enough," Assembly Budget Committee Chairman Lou
Greenwald said after reading the report. He said it's time for
towns to stop blaming the state for rising property taxes and make
some tough budgetary decisions.
The SCI spent nearly a year examining the compensation and
benefits paid to public employees in 75 towns, counties and local
authorities.

The panel found examples of waste, excess and abuse in 80
percent of the entities it investigated, and sometimes found the
hidden perks tucked into complex contract language and difficult to
detect. It estimated the cash benefit payouts at $39 million in the
municipalities it examined.

For example, 20 workers in Camden cashed in unused time and left
their jobs with $115,000 each. New Jersey's most impoverished city
has received $258 million in distressed cities aid in the past six
years.

Five employees got $780,000 in unused leave in Rockaway Township
in Morris County, even after budget cuts forced the elimination of
a police department position.
And, in Edison, where six firefighters were laid off to help
close a $8 million budget deficit in the current fiscal year, the
municipality paid out $3.9 million in lump-sum payments for unused
leave over the five previous years.

The SCI report is right on the mark and completely in line with
the type of broad based state reforms that Governor Corzine has
been a leading advocate on during his tenure. While we have seen
much action at the state level, we hope the report will spur change
at the local level, which will in turn reduce the property tax
burden of New Jersey residents.
Chris Donnelly, a spokesman for Gov. Jon Corzine, praised the
report's findings.

"While we have seen much action at the state level, we hope the
report will spur change at the local level, which will in turn
reduce the property tax burden of New Jersey residents," Donnelly
said.

"I've been around this state for my entire life, I had no idea,
no idea that they were permitted to do that," Gov.-elect Chris
Christie said of buyouts of unused sick time. "They should give it
back. It's not right. This is the stuff that drives the voters
crazy."

The more egregious examples cited in the report include employees who are paid to take time off for weddings and baptisms (West New York) -- or to go Christmas shopping (Union City).

Police in Hoboken can qualify for up to five days off for donating blood
while those in Fort Lee can earn two days off for demonstrating
marksmanship on the firing range.
The independent SCI, chaired by former Attorney General W. Cary
Edwards, has looked into public employee abuses periodically over
the past 15 years, and has recommended reforms. A similar
investigation in 2006 focusing on excessive compensation for public
school administrators, yielded a legislative change that brought
administrators under the same restrictions as state workers, who
can cash in a maximum of $15,000 in sick leave at retirement.
Aside from such incremental steps, however, "there has been no
concerted effort to rein in lavish, unreasonable and excessive
public employee benefit costs in a comprehensive fashion," the
report concludes.

Gas Tax Still On The Table
by Kevin McArdle
Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Despite Christie's no tax increase promise, Rider University finance professor Maury Randall says, "They may try to increase some taxes. It wouldn't surprise me if they tried to raise the gas tax. It wouldn't surprise me one bit, but the amount of revenues they're going to be getting would probably be disappointing if they try to follow that route." He adds, "I think that they will look for some efforts to do it, but I think that they're going to find that that source is going to be very limited."

Randall explains, "There's going to have to be some major changes in how we spend money and that I believe is going to mean cutbacks in areas that are going to make people, some people very unhappy."

New Jersey's options for balancing its budget and paying down debt are as limited as they are painful. Randall says, "If they want to curtail these budgets and eventually they're going to have to because there's a limit to how much you can borrow they're going to have to cut spending…….We've spent at a very high level for a very long time."

Slashing spending means reducing or eliminating programs and services that are very important to many people, but Randall says that's the reality facing lawmakers and the public. He says raising taxes is another option, but, "The taxpayer has been hit very, very hard. To go back and hit them again is going to create a whole set of additional problems and work against the objectives of bringing businesses back to this state."

New Jersey has yet another problem; a massive debt. The state's debt is in the neighborhood of $40 billion and voters just gave the green light for the borrowing of another $400 million to preserve open space and farmland. Randall explains, "In order to avoid any kind of default of our debt, not being able to pay the principal or the interest on our debt we're going to have to make some major changes." See above for those major changes.

Stop The Raids
by David Matthau
Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Click and listen to David's report

Legislation that would stop Jersey lawmakers from raiding State unemployment benefit funds - and using the money to pay for other programs - is advancing in Trenton.

The Assembly Labor Committee has released a measure sponsored by Assemblyman John Burzichelli - that calls for a Constitutional amendment to ensure that unemployment insurance funds could only be tapped for unemployment benefits.

Burzichelli says from 1992 to 2007, republican and democratic Governors, along with the legislature, moved billions of dollars out of the unemployment insurance fund - so they could pay for other programs like charity care.

"The unemployment funds needs to be stable" says Burzichelli, "employers need to have a tax rate they can count on, and as we strive to make New Jersey more competitive as a place to do business and create jobs, employers need to have confidence that the unemployment tax is both going to be stable, and in fact, when the fund becomes healthy, will actually be lowered."

If the full Assembly passes the measure by a three-fifths vote, it would appear on next years November General Election ballot, to be decided by the voters.

Bill Would Set One Price For Copying Official Documents
by David Matthau
Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Jersey lawmakers could soon pass a measure that would create uniform fees for copies of official State government documents.

Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula says his measure "would set a cost - not to exceed 10 cents per page for letter size copies, and 15 cents a page for a legal size copy."

He says the bill is necessary because "it's my understanding that some of the agencies are charging up to 10 dollars per page- which is outrageous…information should be available at a reasonable price, so that people can seek out the public information."

The fees would be applicable to documents from the Office of the State Treasurer, the Board of Public Utilities, Motor vehicle accident reports and other records available under the Open Public Records Act, however Court documents would not be covered.

The Assembly State Government Committee has released the bill, and the full Assembly could consider it in the coming week

Deficits May Be Long Term Reality
by Kevin McArdle
Monday, November 30, 2009

Click and listen to Kevin's report

Budget deficits are certainly nothing new for New Jersey. Recent Governors have complained bitterly about the chronic structural deficit. Should residents simply accept that the state will always have financial woes? Rider University finance professor Dr. Maury Randall says, "Always is a long time. Let's say for years we're going to be fighting to get things under control."

Health care costs and salaries for public employees continue to increase. Randall thinks if the state is to right its fiscal ship, a lot depends on, "To what degree they're going to modify some of these contracts that they have with a variety of individuals or groups or what have you." He says in the past, "In the way of various government programs promises are made, but if those promises can't be kept they do make changes one way or the other……I'm not sure where things are going to come out, but when you're running these big deficits something's gotta give."

Despite Christie's no tax increase promise, Randall says, "They may try to increase some taxes. It wouldn't surprise me if they tried to raise the gas tax. It wouldn't surprise me one bit, but the amount of revenues they're going to be getting would probably be disappointing if they try to follow that route." He adds, "I think that they will look for some efforts to do it, but I think that they're going to find that that source is going to be very limited."

Randall explains, "There's going to have to be some major changes in how we spend money and that I believe is going to mean cutbacks in areas that are going to make people, some people very unhappy."

Blogger Worked With Government
by The Associated Press
Monday, November 30, 2009

A newspaper says a New Jersey blogger accused of threatening federal judges apparently was paid by the
FBI to help in its battle against domestic terrorism.

The Record of Bergen County reviewed numerous government documents, e-mails, court records and almost 20 hours of jailhouse interviews with Hal Turner. He faces trial this week on charges he made death threats against three Chicago-based federal appeals
judges.

The newspaper reported Sunday that Turner received thousands of dollars from the FBI to report on neo-Nazis and white supremacist groups. Turner claims the FBI coached him to make racist, anti-Semitic and other threatening statements on his radio show.

Turner says he feels double-crossed by the bureau after his arrest. But documents show federal agents often admonished his extremism.
Federal prosecutors and FBI officials declined comment.

Ethics Panel Tosses Lonegan Complaint
by David Matthau
Wednesday, November 25, 2009

A Jersey legislative panel with a checkered past has dismissed a complaint filed against State Senator Brian Stack - by conservative crusader Steve Lonegan - over grant money funneled to a daycare center run by Stack's estranged wife 3 ½ years ago.

Dr. Alan Rosenthal, Chairman of the recently reformulated Joint Legislative Committee on Ethical Standards says the ruling was made because there was not direct monetary benefit to Stack, or his family.

The original Ethics Committee was disbanded a couple of years ago because members of the panel were constantly bickering, and accomplished nothing.

"It was partisan, it got acrimonious" said Dr. Rosenthal, "the Legislature just figured the Ethics Committee was not working, and they reconstituted it, to take all legislators off the Committee."

He says the new Committee works well together - which is important in a State like New Jersey.

"I'm really shocked by the number of legislators in the last 4 or 5 years who have been indicted and convicted" says Dr. Rosenthal, "I am absolutely appalled…I think to change the culture of the Legislature, through training through orientation sessions, is one way to go, but I'm not sure it can be done, but that's the way I would start doing it…I don't think we're going to solve the ethical problems that exist in New Jersey all by ourselves, but I think it's a step in the right direction."

Blogger Supeonas Christie Over Threats
by The Associated Press
Wednesday, November 25, 2009

New Jersey's governor-elect has been subpoenaed to testify in the trial of a blogger accused of threatening judges and lawmakers in two states.

Blogger Hal Turner was arrested at his New Jersey home in June after authorities said he posted threats against Connecticut legislators and three federal judges in Illinois.

Turner's attorneys say he merely gave his opinion, which was protected free speech.

Attorney Michael Orozco writes in an affidavit that Gov.-elect Chris Christie knew Turner was working for the FBI and issued a letter declining to prosecute him. Christie was U.S. attorney at the time.

Orozco says Turner worked with an FBI agent connected to the
bureau's Joint Terrorism Task Force.
Christie said Tuesday he couldn't comment on the subpoena.

Self Control Or $pending Spree?
by David Matthau
Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts (D)

Governor-elect Christie has called on the leaders of the Jersey State Senate and Assembly - as well as out-going Governor Corzine to not enact any new spending bills in the lame duck legislative session - but some are wondering if lawmakers will really be able to control themselves.

Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts says it's true that in previous lame duck sessions "there's been a feeding frenzy to get bills passed, and that's really not been responsible - and that's not something that's going to be repeated this term - we simply don't have any money to authorize new spending- we have to use the greatest possible restraint."

When asked if two bills in a legislative package released yesterday by Committee - to combat recidivism in Jersey Prisons - would require new spending increases, Roberts replied "those are two issues where a limited amount of spending early on is going to yield great benefits down the line - we need to completely re-tool our criminal justice system - particularly with respect to prisoner re-entry- the cost of corrections in New Jersey is enormous - and this looks to be a very smart approach."

Roberts added the bottom line is simple - "we have to be smart and use great restraint in these final couple of months, because the State just doesn't have the resources to authorize new spending."

Legislature Picks Its New Leaders
by The Associated Press
Tuesday, November 24, 2009

The New Jersey Legislature has chosen new leaders.

South Jersey Sen. Steve Sweeney beat out Sen. Dick Codey for the
Senate presidency, the chamber's most powerful post. Sen. Barbara
Buono of Middlesex County will become majority leader.

Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver of East Orange will become the first African-American woman to be Assembly speaker. Assemblyman Joe Cryan of Union will be the Assembly majority leader.

The changes approved Monday become official when the Legislature
reconvenes in January.

The leaders will determine which bills get voted on after Gov.-elect Chris Christie takes office. Christie is a Republican. Democrats control both houses of the Legislature.

Poll: Axe, Don't Tax
by Dino Flammia
Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Click here to read the poll

It's been three weeks since Republican Chris Christie was elected as the next governor of New Jersey. He faces a massive budget deficit come January, and a new poll from Quinnipiac University asks Jersey voters what the right actions are to keep the Garden State afloat. The main message gathered - "Axe, Don't Tax!"

Less than 25% say taxes should be hiked to balance the state's budget. The majority supports cuts of programs and services. "They're rather harsh in their axing suggestions," explains poll director Maurice Carroll. The layoffs of state workers - 61% support them, including a slight majority of unionized households. Three-quarters of New Jersey voters are in favor of a state worker wage freeze.

Carroll says the Quinnipiac numbers other than that are a little ambiguous. That's when it comes to cutting spending. "If Governor-Elect Christie is thinking about swinging the axe, voters will help sharpen it, but they may disagree with him on where it ought to be wielded." The so-called popular spots to look at for possible cuts in spending, are not so popular with Garden State voters. Three-fifths of voters do not support a cut in state aid to local government and schools. Close to half hope tax rebates stay the same. "When you say where the axe may fall," says Carroll, "it gets a little more difficult."

Economic development was the top target among voters for budget cuts - 41%. That's followed by social services, education and health care.

There is one thing almost all New Jerseyans agree upon, though. A whopping 97% agree New Jersey is in fiscally-terrible shape.

The Quinnipiac University Poll surveyed 1,615 New Jersey voters from November 17-22, with a margin of error of +/- 2.4 percentage points.

Dems Legislative Leaders Decided Today
by Kevin McArdle
Monday, November 22, 2009

Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts (D)

No one was really talking openly about a Democratic leadership battle in the State Senate until Majority Leader Steve Sweeney joined Eric Scott as a guest on NJ 101.5 FM several months ago. Sweeney made it clear that he coveted the Senate Presidency, but he indicated he wasn't seeking to force out Dick Codey. From that moment on the heat was turned up as both Sweeney and Codey looked to form alliances.

As Codey and Sweeney battled behind the scenes, Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts announced he was retiring and that's when things got really interesting. It is reported that Roberts' imminent departure made possible a north Jersey-south Jersey Senate/Assembly arrangement orchestrated by south Jersey powerbroker George Norcross, Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo, and Union County State Senator Ray Lesniak. The deal would give Sweeney the Senate Presidency and Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver, a relative newcomer to the lower house, the Speaker's post.

The next leaders could be decided today. Caucus votes are expected in both houses. This is all very intriguing to politicians and the reporters who cover them, but Fairleigh Dickinson University political science professor Peter Woolley says the battles and the eventual winners really don't impact the average citizen.

"For the victors there will be advantages," says Woolley. "The first big advantage of course is to control the agenda. What's going to be discussed. When it's going to be discussed. How it's going to be discussed. The second thing they control is the deal making itself. When you're the leader you are in position to protect your interests far better than anybody else is to protect theirs."

Public leadership battles are rare and almost never happen as early as these fights have occurred says Woolley, "It's just out of order. Leadership fights typically take place after the lection and before the new session begins."

Woolley feels outgoing Democratic Governor Jon Corzine deserves at least some of the blame fort the early and open leadership squabble. He explains, "A party can only prevail when unified, but one of the side effects of the Corzine Administration was that big-tent coalition really fell apart and that infighting is really a symptom and a reflection of why the Democrats lost the general election."

"Now Or Never" For Current Legislature's Agenda
by The Associated Press
Monday, November 23, 2009

Democrats are seeing a "now or never"
urgency for pushing through a social agenda in the New Jersey
Legislature.

The party controls both the Assembly and Senate. But with Republican Gov.-elect Chris Christie on his way in, how
far to the left are lawmakers willing to go?

That question will start being answered Monday, when the lame duck legislative session begins with scores of bills awaiting action -- or death by inaction.
Among the issues legislators could take up are proposals to legalize gay marriage and the use of marijuana for chronic medical conditions.

But Democrats have agreed to put the brakes on appropriations bills, saying they won't attempt any legislation in the next few weeks that requires funding, in deference to the incoming
administration.

Christie: Change Is Coming
by Kevin McArdle
Friday, November 20, 2009

Governor Jon Corzine and Governor-elect Chris Christie both addressed local leaders yesterday at the State League of Municipalities annual conference in Atlantic City. Corzine defended his term while Christie sought to define what his would be.

Expect, "a continued period of pain," Christie told those in attendance and advised anyone who came expecting a miracle or great news to "hit the exits."

New Jersey is a "patchwork of 'what's in it for me'" says Christie. "That attitude is no longer acceptable to the people of this state……The people of the state of New Jersey will no longer stand for us asking, 'What's in it for me.'" He added, "I believe the message from this last election, the message to me and to (Lt. Gov-elect) Kim Guadagno, is we have to start asking what's in it for us. And what is in it for us is a period of continued pain, continued difficulty and continued challenge."

"We are ready to work with all of you," Christie told the local leaders. "Not without pain. Not without sacrifice. Not without difficulty……….Change is going to come and it's going to come now and if you want to participate in it we welcome you to the party, to the center of the room and if you don't we're coming into that corner to drag you out."

Governor Jon Corzine spoke after Christie. He said, "The size of government is lower. The size of our budget and spending is lower. Steps in the right direction. Mission not accomplished."

Corzine says the challenges in the state are still "enormous," and will take a lot to solve. He warns, "Bold and unpopular actions are the only way -- the only way -- to deal with these issues…….I wish I could have had more popular choices, but they boil down to two options; cutting government services….or some form of raising revenues or some combination of each."

The typically stoic Corzine nearly broke down into tears as he delivered his final line saying, "I say this from the bottom of my heart. Serving the people of this great state as your United States Senator and as your Governor has been the highest honor of my life."

Poll: Support For Gay Marriage In New Jersey
by Martin DiCaro
Friday, November 20, 2009

Click here to read the full poll results

New Jersey residents seem to be more open to legalizing gay marriage than are the residents of other states, according to a Rutgers-Eagleton poll released on Thursday. 46 percent of state residents support same-sex marriage against 42 percent who oppose it. 12 percent said they are unsure.

"New Jerseyans are more supportive of gay marriage than opposed to it, and more importantly, a majority would accept a legislative decision legalizing same-sex marriages," said David Redlawsk, director of the Rutgers-Eagleton Poll and professor of political science at Rutgers University. 52 percent said they would accept the Legislature's decision to legalize same-sex marriage, while 40 percent favor a constitutional ban.

For all the attention the issue has received in the press, gay marriage doesn't register as an important issue with many people. 44 percent of survey respondents said it's "not at all important."

Activists on both sides on the issue responded to the poll by seeing signs that support their respective cases.

"People in New Jersey have better things to worry about like taxes, jobs, the economy. Let gay people marry, we don't care. That's the message of this poll," said Steven Goldstein, the chairman of Garden State Equality, the largest gay rights group in the state.

Len Deo, the president of the New Jersey Family Policy Council, a group that opposes same-sex marriage, said polls are misleading.

"People answer polling questions one way and when they have an opportunity to actually vote on an issue, they actually vote in a different manner. Even including Maine and California, which are basically more liberal leaning states, people, when given the opportunity to vote have voted to protect marriage as the union between one man and one woman," said Deo.

"Sooner or later, we will get to the point where the people of New Jersey will get to vote on this issue," he added.

Who's To Blame For The Fiscal Mess?
by Kevin McArdle
Thursday, November 19, 2009

Click here for Kevin's report

The state Office of Legislative Services (OLS) has estimated that if department budgets continue to grow at their current rate, there could be a shortfall of about $8 billion in the state budget that takes effect July 1. Governor-elect Chris Christie has created a Transition Task Force on Budget and Taxes. Co-chairman Bob Grady, a former aide to President George H.W. Bush and Gov. Tom Kean, says, "The estimates that all of you have previously seen from OLS which was $8 billion of a structural budget deficit for Fiscal Year 2011 is at the low end of the range……. That's a big number when you consider a budget of $28.5 Billion."

State Treasurer David Rousseau says the deficit could be $6 billion or $8 billion depending on what assumptions are made. Any way you slice it, the gap is huge, but who is to blame for New Jersey's chronic structural deficit? Christie is quick to point the finger of blame in the direction of at least one person.

"I don't think there should be any doubt left in anybody's mind that the policies of the last eight years have created a fiscal mess that is almost mind boggling," explains Christie. "Some of the things in particular that Governor (Jim) McGreevey did during his time, it is obscene the course that he put this state on…..It is extraordinary to me that somebody could do that much damage in less than three years and so, we've got to fix it now. We're going to fix it because that's what we got elected to do."

Now that the gubernatorial campaign is history, Christie does not mention Governor Jon Corzine by name when giving reasons as to why the state is in such a financial mess. He also doesn't mention former Governor Dick Codey. There's another former Governor who is left out of the conversation. Many point to Christie Whitman's pension enhancements as a key reason for New Jersey's fiscal disaster. Christie also does not mention the former Republican chief executive.

The Governor-elect insists he will turn around the state in his first term even if that means he'll only serve one term. He says he'll achieve that goal cutting taxes and lowering spending, "It is going to be with pain, but that's what we're going to do. That's what I got elected to do and I am not, repeat not going to change course on that. It is not going to happen."

The budget and finance task force leaders on Christie's transition team met for three hours Monday with the top treasury and budget officials in the current administration of Governor Jon Corzine to learn details of the state's budget situation. "We did not get any pleasant news from the Treasurer's Office," says Christie. "Not that I expected to, but more unpleasant perhaps than we had hoped."

Asked how this sobering news might affect the timing of his planned budget cuts, Christie says, "The answer is; I don't know how it's going to affect it, but I will tell you this, we are not going to balance this budget by increasing taxes."

Christie says he's ready to deal with the problem, nevertheless. He explains, "People voted for me because they wanted spending to be less. They wanted government to be smaller." He adds, "I absolutely believe that we can have New Jersey back to fiscal health by the end of our first term. There's going to need to be a lot of hard things that are going to need to be done to do that."

Throughout the campaign, Christie said the state budget was in bad shape and that he would fix it for the future by cutting spending and taxes. He wouldn't lay out many specific cuts or timelines yesterday, other than to say that most of the tax cuts he wants to make would not come next year. "A lot of you pushed me for specifics and I would not give details and now you know you see why. I refused to do it because I had a sense that things were getting worse and I wanted to be responsible."

"Governor-elect Christie gave few specifics in his campaign, and we're still getting the same political speak," says Democratic State Party chairman Joe Cryan. "Considering the lingering impact of the global recession, it shouldn't be news to anyone that the state budget is in tough shape, as it is in states throughout the nation. Governor-elect Christie needs to begin offering real solutions."

In a letter to Corzine Christie asked that he place all discretionary grant and state aid accounts, including, but not limited to, Special Municipal Aid and Extraordinary Aid, in reserve, freeze all new paid appointments and re-appointments to boards and commissions, line item veto any legislation with a fiscal impact on the State budget, veto all discretionary spending items in authority minutes and freeze all professional service, public relations, and consulting contracts, all pending regulations that would incur additional spending, all nonessential hires, promotions and raises, all non-contractual personnel actions, including title changes and transfers, all transfers of funds and directory letter appropriations, all new leases, long term purchasing contracts and other long term obligations including certificates of participation and the retention of all new outside professionals, manager selections, and new contracts for managing alternative investments with respect to New Jersey's pension funds.

Christie also asked Corzine to dvise and provide advance notice to transition staff and major financial transactions, to strictly enforce, and refrain from relaxing, any existing spending constraints and financial controls and to hold 50% of all operating accounts in reserve to ensure that agencies are not spending more than half of their operating budgets prior to the commencement of the second half of the year.

A spokesman for Corzine office says the Governor is keeping a close watch on the budget. Since the election, he's asked government officials to find cuts of $400 million to help balance the current year's budget. Robert Corrales says, "He will take all necessary actions to ensure that the budget he turns over to the governor-elect is balanced and he will review the details of the letter and take appropriate action with this fiscal principle in mind."

Leaders of Christie's task force also said they would meet with Moody's Investors Service, which earlier this year lowered the state's outlook -- a step that could lead toward lowering the state's bond rating, which would make it harder to borrow money.

How Long With Bipartisanship Last In Trenton?
by Kevin McArdle
Thursday, November 19, 2009

Republican Governor-elect Chris Christie has Democrats on his transition team and he's reaching across the aisle to get input from key Democratic leaders in the legislature. In the wake of Christie's election there's an air of bi-partisanship blowing through Trenton these days. However, we've seen this before and it rarely lasts for very long.

Democratic State Senate President and former Governor Dick Codey has been in the legislature for more than three decades. He's seen Governors come and go and he's seen bi-partisanship disappear as quickly as it has surfaced. He explains, "Many times the bi-partisan spirit ends the second the new Governor puts his hand down after he's sworn in."

"A Governor and a legislator can take things personally," says Codey. "Governor (Jon) Corzine would take things very personally as to opposed to just a difference of opinion……The key is understanding that you've got to separate the issue from the person. We can disagree on issues, but we can be civil with each other."

Codey raised some eyebrows when he chose then-State Senate Republican Leader Leonard Lance to swear him in as Governor when he officially took the reins from the disgraced former Governor Jim McGreevey. Codey says, "You may be of the same party as someone, but like someone of the other party better even though you disagree with them."

Ironically, Codey the Democratic former Governor had to cut the phone interview for this story short because as he explains, "As we're talking, you and me, my staff just handed me a message that the (Republican) Governor-elect is on the phone."

Increased Concern Over The Economy
by Raquel Williams
Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Click here to read the full poll

A new Rutgers-Eagleton poll finds that New Jerseyans worry more about economic issues than they did 10 years ago.

New Jerseyans' outlook about living in the state the next 10 years is mixed: Only 35 percent think conditions will get better, 41 percent say they will stay the same, and 19 percent think they will get worse. Men are more optimistic about the future of the economy than are women by a 69 percent to 56 percent margin. There was one positive note...residents believe that race relations will improve over the next 10 years, with 58 percent optimistic, and only 19 percent pessimistic.

"New Jerseyans are simply unsure about how good a place to live the state will be in 10 years," said David Redlawsk, Director of The Rutgers-Eagleton Poll and Professor of Political Science at Rutgers University. "Ten years ago, about 60 percent thought the state would either stay the same or get worse as a place to live. There is clearly a long-term lack of positive expectations about the future of New Jersey."

Other economic concerns include health care and the gap between the wealthy and the poor. Almost half believe health care will be less affordable, and two-thirds think the gap between the rich and poor will grow.

Following Gov.-elect Chris Christie's victory, 43 percent of republicans are more optimistic about the state's future; 32 percent of democrats and 34 percent of independents have positive outlooks.

When asked about New Jersey's future economic strength, almost two-thirds of respondents say the economy will get stronger, but almost half believe New Jersey will be less affordable 10 years from now, while 35 percent think it will be more affordable. As a result, 51 percent of residents believe the state will be a worse place to retire, while only 19 percent think it will be better.

Speaker Introduces Autism Bill
by Kevin McArdle
Wednesday, November 18, 2009

"We've taken several strong steps to improve the lives of those with autism and developmental disabilities, but our fight is constantly evolving and our work against these lifelong disabilities is never done," says Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts. "While much of the focus has been on helping children, we must also focus on the growing need to provide a higher quality of life to adults with autism and developmental disabilities."

Roberts, who is retiring at the conclusion of the current legislative session says next week he will introduce additional legislation to further help New Jersey combat its highest-in-the-nation autism prevalence.

One bill would permit adults with autism to voluntarily place their names on a new state registry that will help New Jersey improve its planning and services for those with autism. The other would revise the state's Law Against Discrimination to specifically prohibit discriminatory acts against people with autism.

Roberts explains, "These bills represent common sense steps forward meant to ensure adults with autism and developmental disabilities are given equal chance to succeed as they grow older. That's crucial, not only to their lives, but to society as a whole. It will cost taxpayers severely if adults with autism do not get the services they need to live as independently as possible."

A Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study based on research in 14 states found one in every 150 children diagnosed with autism, with New Jersey having the highest rate in the country with one in 94.

The bills are recommendations of the Adults with Autism Task Force that was created under a law sponsored by Roberts. They will likely be heard during the Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee's Monday meeting. "The task force should be commended for its hard work and dedication on behalf of those with autism and developmental disabilities," says Roberts. "Their work helped lay the groundwork for continuing our efforts to combat these disorders that affect so many people in New Jersey."

The first bill the Speaker plans to introduce Monday would amend the Autism Registry law to include adults with autism on an opt-in basis, both to enhance future planning and ensure the proper delivery of services to children and adults with autism spectrum disorders. The information would allow experts to better analyze contributing factors to the cause of the increase in autism spectrum disorders. Adults could register themselves, or be listed by their health care and service providers. The state's Law Against Discrimination prohibits discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations, and Roberts' other new bill would specify that it also includes those with autism spectrum disorders.

Report: Polygraphs Work On Sex Offenders
by Kevin McArdle
Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Today, at its annual public meeting, the New Jersey State Parole Board will release a study on the polygraph testing of convicted sex offenders. Being deceptive on a lie detector examination will not necessarily send an offender back to jail, but the report gives ample proof that polygraph testing gives parole officers a very valuable tool.

The study reveals that 42% of all polygraph examinations result in new information or deceptive test results that lead the State Parole Board to make an adjustment to the sex offender's supervision plan. The testing, and even the possibility of being tested, seems to increase sex offenders' ability to acknowledge the crimes for which they were sentenced, and to progress in counseling. In order to successfully complete Phase 1 of counseling, the sex offender must admit culpability for his or her offense and be ready to progress in treatment.

80% of treatment providers reported that when one individual in a treatment group undergoes a polygraph exam, the sex offender's discussion of that experience will affect the rest of the group. If the sex offender says he was caught in a deceptive answer, others in the group will begin admitting their own behaviors. More than one-third of the treatment providers said that "simply reminding a client that they can be polygraphed has led to an admission."

Captain Anne McGrath with the State Parole Board says, "There are sex offenders who seem to be in absolute compliance with their parole requirements, but it's only in polygraph where we learn that they haven't been exactly compliant with every single condition it does kind of raise a red flag for us and tell us this is not someone where you can say, 'Okay everything is okay.' We continue to be on high alert with him."

The report also notes that immediately prior to taking a polygraph exam, a sex offender residing in Passaic County admitted to a new sex offense committed while under lifetime supervision. He admitted to having physical contact with his grandson for the purpose of sexual pleasure. Additionally, he admitted to lewd behavior in public on multiple occasions. The admission was made during a pre-polygraph interview. It was provided to the Sussex County Prosecutor's Office and the sex offender was arrested.

Another test found a sex offender in Mercer County to be deceptive in answering questions about contact with minors. After the interview the sex offender admitted having unsupervised contact with a teenage boy he met in a park, and occasionally giving the boy cigarettes. As a result of the admission, the State Parole Board placed the sex offender on electronic monitoring, referred the matter to the county prosecutor's office for a review of his Megan's Law tier, and required that he return to counseling.

"One of the State Parole Board's most important and challenging roles is the containment of sex offenders who have been sentenced to lifetime supervision," says State Parole Board Chairperson Yolette Ross. "As this report demonstrates, we continue to use the best available methods, based on nationwide research into sex offender crime prevention and psychology. Polygraph testing is an important component of our system of intense supervision, information-sharing with partner law enforcement agencies, and communication with psychological treatment providers, in our commitment for the safety of New Jersey's families and communities."

Budget Suprise For The Governor Elect
by Kevin McArdle
Tuesday, November 17, 2009