ASSEMBLY DEMOCRATS COMMENTARY ON 2009 BUDGET ADDRESS (TRENTON) - Assembly Democrats today issued a multimedia package on their reactions to Governor Jon S. Corzine's 2009 Budget Address. The multimedia package consists of a video press release of legislative commentary, audio of same and a transcript of statements by the lawmakers.The video can be accessed directly via our Web site - www.assemblydems.com - or by clicking here.The audio file is available upon request.A transcript of comments by Democratic lawmakers is appended below:Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts, Jr. (D-Camden):"This is the toughest budget I've ever seen, and I think the Governor deserves a lot of credit for saying we can only afford basics this year.  That's what we're going to fund.  We're going to position this state so that when things get better, which we know that they will, we're going to be in a better shape than our neighboring states."Assemblyman Herb Conaway, M.D. (D-Burlington):"I think folks understand very clearly in very practical ways the severe economic crisis that this state and indeed this nation faces.  I think he [Governor Corzine] was right, however, to point out the actions that this administration and this Legislature have taken in advance of the worst of the crisis is an important part of our ability to maintain our commitment to closely shared and deeply held values."Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Mercer):"We believe that you have to have an economy that allows businesses to survive and thrive.  That families have to be able to shelter themselves and feed their children.  You've got to have access to health care.  Our children have to be educated.  And we have to give as much relief as we can to those with our property taxes in the State of New Jersey."Assemblywoman Nellie Pou (D-Passaic):"These are very difficult times, and we're going through a national crisis as the Governor has pointed out.  But the Governor has really put forward a budget that has made sure to protect some of our most vulnerable population - our seniors, our children, our disabled."Assemblyman Jack Conners (D-Camden):"He's protecting senior citizens.  We're protecting our young people.  He's protecting education.  In fact, he's even contributing to it in spite of this, as he called it, an economic tsunami that has hit the state of New Jersey."Assemblyman John S. Wisniewski (D-Middlesex):"There are lots of cuts in this budget, and those are cuts that are necessary because of the hard fiscal climate that we face.  But these are cuts that will pay dividends for New Jersey.  As the national economy recovers, New Jersey will be well poised to recover first and bring those benefits back to our taxpayers and our citizens."Assemblyman Albert Coutinho (D-Essex):"We were proactive back in June.  We were proactive in the fall with an economic stimulus plan."Speaker Roberts:"I think it was hopeful in the sense that we're going through some very, very tough times right now but we're New Jerseyans, we're fighters and we're going to get through this."On the Net:www.assemblydems.comwww.youtube.com/user/njassemblydemsNew Jersey Assembly Democrats on Facebook