Beck: Coniglio Trial Highlights Corzine's Failure at Ethics Reform

In response to the protracted corruption trial of Senator Coniglio, which resulted in a jury voting to convict him on six counts, Senator Jennifer Beck, R-Monmouth, renewed her call for legislation that bans any legislator from seeking grants for their employers, regardless of whether there is a quid pro quo.

"It's been almost seven months since Governor Corzine trumpeted a package of very modest ethics reforms. Republicans backed the governor's proposals and introduced legislation that would greatly strengthen the laws and close glaring loopholes.

"Even with the promise of bipartisan support, this governor has failed to get his package or any meaningful ethics legislation through the Legislature. It's no wonder voters are questioning whether the governor really wants reform or if his September announcement was merely an attempt to pander to the polls in an election year.

"Every New Jersey lawmaker should be saddened by the fall of former Senator Coniglio. The ethical climate in New Jersey politics is so poisoned that many officials see no problem with steering government business to their private employers.

"If the governor is serious about ethics reform, he should immediately call for passage of Senate Bill 2315 sponsored by Senator Kevin O'Toole and myself. This bill would make it illegal for any legislator to advocate for grants on behalf of their employers. It's common sense legislation that the corruption-weary voters of New Jersey need and deserve."

Web: www.senatenj.com  Twitter: twitter.com/senatenj  YouTube: youtube.com/senatenj  Facebook: senatenj.com/facebook