Linda Greenstein

GREENSTEIN: EARLY SUCCESS FOR BUSINESS GRANT PROGRAM A POSITIVE SIGN FOR NEW JERSEY

(PLAINSBORO) – Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein today said the early success of a business grant program she sponsored to help New Jersey businesses weather the global economic meltdown is a positive sign for New Jersey.

Greenstein (D-Middlesex/Mercer) was among the sponsors of a new law that provides $3,000 grants for each full-time job created and retained for one-year. The law also gives sales tax rebates to companies that make capital investments of at least $5,000.

The bill was among about 40 advanced by the Assembly since September to help New Jersey businesses and workers emerge strong from the worldwide economic crisis.

“No one claimed this bill was going to solve the global economic meltdown, and unemployment and struggling businesses continues to be a worry, but the early success of this program is a positive sign for 2009 and a signal that businesses have confidence in New Jersey,” Greenstein said. “These grants and incentives are creating jobs and growth and helping position New Jersey to emerge strong from this crisis.”

OLIVER/QUIGLEY/GREENSTEIN BILL TO PROTECT ROADSIDE EMERGENCY WORKERS SIGNED INTO LAW

(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assemblywomen Sheila Y. Oliver, Joan M. Quigley, and Linda Greenstein that would require motorists to take safety precautions when approaching roadside emergency vehicles was signed into law today by Governor Jon S. Corzine.

“A little bit of courtesy can go a long way towards improving the safety of roadside emergency crews,” said Oliver (D-Essex). “Making drivers and emergency workers alike cognizant of this fact will most assuredly help to save lives.”

GREENSTEIN/HUTTLE/RAMOS BILL REQUIRING VICTIMS OF CRIMINALLY INSANE TO BE TOLD OF RELEASE OK’D

(TRENTON) – The Assembly Judiciary Committee today released legislation Assembly members Linda R. Greenstein ,Valerie Vainieri Huttle and Ruben J. Ramos, Jr. sponsored to require victims of the criminally insane to be notified when their tormentor is released.

“There is no circumstance under which a crime victim or their family should find out second-hand or by happenstance that the person responsible is back on the street,” said Greenstein (D- Mercer/Middlesex), the panel’s chairwoman. “We need to make it crystal clear that victims’ rights are paramount.”

BILL TARGETS UNSAFE JEWELRY

Measure Comes After Minnesota Boy Died After Swallowing Lead-Tainted Bracelet

(TRENTON) – Assembly Democratic-sponsored legislation targeting unsafe jewelry is advancing toward law. The bill is sponsored by Assemblywomen Sandi Love, Nilsa Cruz-Perez and Linda Greenstein and Assemblyman Paul Moriarty.

Under the bill, no one may sell, distribute, import or manufacture jewelry in New Jersey that contains materials classified as unsafe The bill also includes stricter restrictions on materials used in children’s jewelry and body piercing jewelry.

Love crafted the legislation (A-2877) after a 4-year-old Minneapolis boy died of lead poisoning from swallowing a tainted charm bracelet.

“Buying a necklace or a charm bracelet shouldn’t bring about fears of lead and mercury poisoning, yet the health and safety of New Jerseyans are at risk,” said Love (D-Gloucester). “It’s time these harmful products are taken down from store shelves for good.”

ASSEMBLY DEMOCRATS COMMENTARY ON 2009 STATE-OF-THE-STATE ADDRESS

(TRENTON) - Assembly Democrats today issued a multimedia package commenting on Governor Jon S. Corzine's 2009 State-of-the-State address.

HOLDING LINE ON PROPERTY TAXES ESSENTIAL TO MAKING STATE AFFORDABLE
Greenstein, DeAngelo Support Governor's Call for Strict Enforcement of Tax Caps

(TRENTON) - Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein and Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo (both D-Mercer/Middlesex) said Gov. Jon S. Corzine's plan to hold local officials' feet to the fire to ensure compliance with state law meant to limit property tax levy increases makes sense at a time when families are seeking ways to simply stay afloat, let alone pay their property tax bills.

Getty Images Photo

Gov. Jon Corzine is expected to seek re-election to a second term in 2009.

Look for former U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie to file papers this month as a candidate for the Republican nomination for Governor.   The former federal prosecutor is expected to become the establishment GOP candidate in a primary against former Bogota Mayor Steven Lonegan, the leader of the conservative wing of the New Jersey GOP.   Two other candidates, Assemblyman Richard Merkt and Franklin Township Mayor Brian D. Levine, are also mulling gubernatorial bids.

Incumbent Jon Corzine is expected to seek a second term as Governor, and is likely to run unopposed in the Democratic primary.  Not since Brendan Byrne faced nine rivals, including two Congressmen and a member of his own cabinet, in 1977 has a sitting Governor faced serious opposition for the nomination of his or her own party.  Corizne has struggled to win the approval of voters, but he's a Democrat in a very blue state, and he is expected to spend a huge amount of money to get re-elected.  It will be hard for any Republican to beat him.

If budget issues or e-mails make it impossible for Corzine to continue his race, look for a spirited Democratic primary with Senate President (and former Governor) Richard Codey as the front runner.

New Jerseyans will elect a Lieutenant Governor for the first time in 2009.  The new state law requires the winners of the major party gubernatorial primaries to pick a running mate, much like vice presidential candidates are designated after a presidential nominee is picked.

ASSEMBLY LEGISLATION HONORING ISRAEL SIGNED INTO LAW

Measures Make Permanent New Jersey Israel Commission, Commemorate Israel’s 60th Anniversary

(TRENTON) – Gov. Jon S. Corzine today signed into law Assembly legislation honoring Israel, including plans to make permanent the New Jersey Israel Commission and to commemorate Israel’s 60th anniversary.

The New Jersey-Israel Commission was established in 1988 to honor Israel’s 40th anniversary and promote trade, science and technology, tourism and cultural and economic exchanges.

An executive order extended the commission to 2012, but legislation (A-3162) sponsored by Assembly members Gordon Johnson, Valerie Vainieri Huttle (both D-Bergen), Gary S. Schaer (D-Passaic) and Cary Rodriguez (D-Hudson) makes it permanent.

“Israel has been a steadfast friend and faithful ally of the United States over the past six decades, all the while showing immense bravery in the face of countless terrorist attacks,” said Johnson.

OLIVER/QUIGLEY/GREENSTEIN BILL TO PROTECT ROADSIDE EMERGENCY WORKERS CLOSER TO LAW

(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assemblywomen Sheila Y. Oliver, Joan M. Quigley, and Linda Greenstein that would require motorists to take safety precautions when approaching roadside emergency vehicles is closer to becoming law.

The Assembly recently gave the bill final legislative approval.

“A little bit of courtesy can go a long way towards improving the safety of roadside emergency crews,” said Oliver (D-Essex). “Making drivers and emergency workers alike cognizant of this fact will most assuredly help to save lives.”

ASSEMBLY BILL TO BOOST PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FOR SENIOR CITIZENS AND DISABLED SIGNED INTO LAW

Measure Increases Income Limits for Property Tax Relief Program

(CLIFFSIDE PARK) – Gov. Jon S. Corzine today signed into law an Assembly bill to help more senior citizens and disabled residents receive property tax relief.

The bill (A-3460) raises the income eligibility limits for senior citizen and disabled homeowners to apply for the Senior Freeze property tax relief program, increasing household income limits from $55,000 to $80,000 over the next three years.

The law is sponsored by Assembly members Paul Moriarty (D-Gloucester), Joan Voss (D-Bergen), Linda Greenstein (D-Middlesex), Sandi Love (D-Camden/Gloucester), Nellie Pou (D-Passaic) and Patrick J. Diegnan (D-Middlesex).

“Making it easier for senior citizens and disabled homeowners to take advantage of this property tax relief will help ensure the global economic crisis doesn’t force residents on fixed incomes out of their homes,” Moriarty said.