SWEENEY, BURZICHELLI & RILEY WELCOME COMPLETION OF BOSTWICK LAKE DAM RESTORATION

(THIRD LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT) – Third District legislators Senate Majority Leader Stephen M. Sweeney, Assembly Deputy Speaker John Burzichelli and Assemblywoman Celeste Riley today welcomed completion of the Bostwick Lake dam restoration, deeming it a crucial step toward improved public safety and a stronger economy for the region.

SWEENEY, BURZICHELLI AND RILEY ANNOUNCE NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION GRANT FOR SALEM CITY

TRENTON – Senate Majority Leader Steve Sweeney and Assembly Deputy Speaker John Burzichelli and Assemblywoman Celeste Riley announced today that the Stand Up For Salem campaign has been approved for a $25,000 State grant to provide funding for planning and revitalization efforts in the city of Salem.

“As the county seat of Salem County, the city of Salem stands as a visible reminder that we have to support our South Jersey communities which are struggling with the effects of a national and global economic downturn,” said Senator Sweeney, D-Thorofare. “Through this grant, we can support efforts to revitalize Salem’s bustling downtown and encourage new business opportunities and economic rebirth in struggling neighborhoods. These funds will be put to good use, expanding on the progress already made to help revive Salem City’s economy and clean up the streetscape.”

DIEGNAN / LAMPITT / BURZICHELLI BILL TO CREATE ‘PATRIOTS’ TRIBUTE ADVANCING

(TRENTON) – As the Independence Day holiday nears, legislation Assembly members Patrick J. Diegnan, Jr., Pamela R. Lampitt and John J. Burzichelli sponsored to create a permanent State House tribute to New Jersey’s patriotic men and women in uniform is advancing.

“All New Jerseyans take pride in the sacrifices and dedication of the men and woman who serve in the military to keep us secure and free,” said Diegnan (D-Middlesex). “We have numerous memorials for the men and women who have sacrificed so much for this state and county. This memorial gives proper due to those who are actively serving our nation.”

BURZICHELLI / RILEY BILL TO ESTABLISH PILOT ASSESSMENT PROGRAM IN GLOUCESTER COUNTY RECEIVES FINAL LEGISLATIVE APPROVAL

Bill Seeks to Address Property Tax Inequities

(TRENTON) – Legislation Assemblyman John Burzichelli and Assemblywoman Celeste Riley sponsored to establish a countywide property tax assessment pilot program in Gloucester County to study whether it could address property tax inequities and save money received final legislative approval today.

It was approved 25-7 by the Senate and 55-23-1 by the Assembly. It now goes to the governor.

“Under our current system, each municipality assesses property at a different percentage of market value and each municipality has its own assessor.” said Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Cumberland/Salem). “This is an inefficient, antiquated system that causes some property taxpayers to subsidize others. We can do better.”

BURZICHELLI BILL TO GIVE SCHOOLS ACCESS TO STUDENTS’ CRIMINAL RECORDS GETS FINAL LEGISLATIVE APPROVAL

Measure Would Permit School Administrators Access To Adult Students’ Criminal Histories when They Commit a Crime

(TRENTON) – Assembly-approved legislation Assemblyman John J. Burzichelli sponsored to give high school administrators access to adult students’ criminal histories was approved today 79-0 by the Senate, giving it final legislative approval.

***MULTIMEDIA PACKAGE***

ASSEMBLY DEMOCRATIC BUDGET COMMITTEE MEMBERS ON PASSAGE OF THE FY 2010 BUDGET

(TRENTON) - The Democratic members of the Assembly Budget Committee today issued a multimedia package on the Assembly passage of New Jersey's annual appropriations act for fiscal year 2010.

The $28.9 billion fiscal year 2010 budget (A-4100) is about $4 billion less than last year - representing the largest spending cut in state history - and would:

• Provide property tax rebates to households earning less than $75,000 per year;
• Retain the property tax deduction for households earning up to $250,000 per year;
• Devote more than half of state spending to property tax relief;
• Cap tuition increases at 3 percent and increase direct college student assistance by about 10 percent; and
• Increase school aid by $270 million.

BURZICHELLI: N.J. HAS BEEN AHEAD OF THE CURVE

(TRENTON) – Assemblyman John Burzichelli today released the following statement:

“This budget comes amid a global economic crisis the likes of which hasn’t been seen in generations, but the successful tax amnesty program that allowed us to boost property tax relief shows Democratic efforts to combat the recession are working.

“It’s also re-emphasizes how New Jersey is better positioned than other states..."

BURZICHELLI / RILEY BILL TO ESTABLISH PILOT ASSESSMENT PROGRAM IN GLOUCESTER COUNTY ADVANCED BY ASSEMBLY PANEL

Bill Seeks to Address Property Tax Inequities

(TRENTON) – Legislation Assemblyman John Burzichelli and Assemblywoman Celeste Riley sponsored to establish a countywide property tax assessment pilot program in Gloucester County to study whether it could address property tax inequities and save money was advanced today by an Assembly committee.

“Under our current system, each municipality assesses property at a different percentage of market value and each municipality has its own assessor.” said Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Cumberland/Salem). “This is an inefficient, antiquated system that causes some property taxpayers to subsidize others. We can do better.”

MORIARTY & BURZICHELLI BILL GIVING JOB PROTECTIONS TO EMERGENCY VOLUNTEERS CLEARS ASSEMBLY PANEL

(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assemblymen Paul Moriarty and John Burzichelli to provide job protections for volunteer emergency responders continued advancing toward law today.

Under the Emergency Responders Employment Protection Act (A-1263), employers would be prohibited from terminating, dismissing or suspending employees who fail to report to work because they’re providing volunteer emergency services.

“These volunteers selflessly sacrifice their time and risk their safety to protect our communities and families,” said Moriarty (D-Gloucester/Camden). “The least we can do is provide them protections when it comes to their livelihoods. This is the moral and decent thing to do.”

BURZICHELLI & RILEY BILLS TO PRESERVE FARMLAND, OPEN SPACE & HISTORIC SITES CLEARS ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE

(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman John Burzichelli and Assemblywoman Celeste Riley to preserve farmland, open space and historic sites throughout the 3rd Legislative District has been approved by an Assembly panel.

“This is our heritage, and preserving farmland, open space and historic sites will benefit our families and children for decades to come,” said Burzichelli (D-Gloucester). “Farming, parks, recreation and historic sites and the jobs and tourism they produce are the foundation for a strong economy and a way of life.”