Ray Lesniak

BECK: TURNPIKE SALE IS A BAD DEAL FOR NEW JERSEY

HOPES PITFALLS IN THE PLAN WILL BE EXPOSED BY EXTENSIVE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE HEARINGS ON THE MATTER

LESNIAK SAYS FINAL SAY ON SPORTS BETTING SHOULD GO TO VOTERS

Senator Says Allowing Atlantic Casinos to Take Bets Could Generate Millions in State Revenue

TRENTON - With Super Bowl weekend serving as a back-drop, Senator Ray Lesniak announced today that he will be pushing efforts to allow voters to decide if they want to legalize sports betting in the State of New Jersey.

"With the biggest sporting event of the year taking place this weekend, it's naive to think that sports betting isn't taking place right now in the Garden State," said Senator Lesniak, D-Union. "But because of an act of Congress, we've surrendered sports betting to organized crime, off-shore casinos and Las Vegas. Why should millions of dollars go to Las Vegas, off-shore casinos and the mob? I believe New Jersey voters will want a say on this."

CODEY: KEEPING AN OPEN MIND TO LESNIAK'S TURNPIKE LEASING BILL

TRENTON - Senate President Richard J. Codey made the following comments today concerning the proposal by Senator Raymond J. Lesniak, D-Union, to lease the operations of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority to a private company or to the Authority itself.

"I've always said we have to keep our options open and explore all viable opportunities when it comes to the revenue potential of our State's assets. Senator Lesniak's proposal should generate a good conversation on a creative way to improve our fiscal situation. We shouldn't reject out of hand any ideas that could lead to a $15 billion reduction in our debt obligations."

WISNIEWSKI: PROPOSED TURNPIKE SALE/LEASE UNSAFE AT ANY SPEED
Transportation Chair Remains Unconvinced Road Sale a Good Idea

(TRENTON) - Assembly Transportation and Public Works Committee Chairman John S. Wisniewski today commended Senator Raymond Lesniak's (D-Union) efforts for engaging the asset monetization issue, but cautioned that it would be a mistake to put the New Jersey Turnpike into private hands through a sale or lease.

January 31, 2007
Senator Diane Allen (R-7)

Contact: Michelle Peal (609) 239-2800

Allen: Turnpike Leasing Idea Wrong for New Jersey

Senator Diane Allen, (R-7), issued the following statement today in response to a proposal by Senator Raymond Lesniak, (D-20), to authorize leasing the New Jersey Turnpike Authority:

This is another gimmick right out of the McGreevey play book that puts New Jersey in the fast lane on the highway to financial ruin. Leasing the Turnpike will guarantee toll increases for the next 75 years. That, in turn, will force an enormous number of cars and trucks off the toll road, clogging already stressed secondary roadways, such as Route 1, Route 295, Route 206 and Route 130. We will end up with increased congestion, more accidents and a steep decline in our statewide transportation system.

The Turnpike is a vital resource that keeps our economy strong. Turning it over to a private company, one likely based overseas, is a risky proposition that will have negative consequences. Other states have turned their highways over to private companies, and the results have been agreements to raise tolls substantially.

If Democrats are really interested in reducing the debt, they would do what most families do and start adopting realistic budgets in which expenses match revenues. They should reconsider their opposition to my proposal to cap state spending and force the state to stop spending more than it has.

New Jersey families struggle to stay within their means everyday. It is time the state started exercising the same financial discipline rather than playing more financial shell games.

WATSON COLEMAN: POTENTIAL TOLL HIKES MAKE ASSET MONETIZATION PROPOSAL A NON-STARTER IN ASSEMBLY

(TRENTON) -- Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Mercer) issued the following statement on legislation Senator Raymond J. Lesniak unveiled today to authorize a potential sale or leasing of state toll roads and the PNC Arts Center:

LESNIAK PROMOTES TURNPIKE LEASING FOR DEBT REDUCTION

TRENTON - Senator Raymond J. Lesniak today unveiled a landmark legislative proposal to authorize leasing the operations of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, a plan he believes will promote economic growth, encourage investment and dramatically reduce the total State debt which now exceeds $50 billion.

"New Jersey is at a crossroad," said Senator Lesniak, D-Union, and Chairman of the Senate Economic Growth Committee. "We cannot raise taxes or increase our debt, but we have obligations to invest in our future that we must make, or we will go backwards as a state."

**MEDIA ADVISORY**

SENATOR LESNIAK NEWS CONFERENCE ON TURNPIKE LEASING

TRENTON – Senator Raymond J. Lesniak, D-Union, will hold a news conference at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 31st., in Room 103 of the State House, to discuss the bill he is introducing to create a process for leasing the New Jersey Turnpike.

Senator Lesniak, Chairman of the Senate Economic Growth Committee, will discuss the financial benefits to New Jersey as well as the built-in safeguards relating to homeland security and highway maintenance contained in his proposal.

LESNIAK PROPOSES BANNING SMOKING IN CARS WITH KIDS

TRENTON - Senator Raymond J. Lesniak today announced efforts to prohibit smoking while in a car with a minor, in an attempt to protect kids from second-hand smoke in enclosed areas.

"Many parents who are smokers have the presence of mind to not expose their children to the dangerous toxins associated with second-hand smoke," said Senator Lesniak, D-Union. "We know for a fact that second-hand smoke contributes to heart disease, respiratory illness, and cancer, and responsible parents should try to limit their kids' exposure, even if they themselves aren't ready to quit. It seems like common sense that parents should avoid lighting up when they've got their kids in the car, and this law will stand to enforce that common sense."

LESNIAK ON GORMLEY: A "GIANT OF THE LEGISLATURE"

TRENTON - Senator Raymond J. Lesniak, D-Union, made the following comment today after Senator Bill Gormley, R-Atlantic, announced he would not seek re-election.

“Bill Gormley’s energy, intelligence and compassion made him a true giant in the Legislature for more than a quarter of a century.

“Bill’s remarkable political prowess was evidenced by his ability to keep his influence regardless of whether Republicans or Democrats were in control of the Governor’s Office or the Legislature.�

The two Senators began their legislative careers together when both were elected to the Assembly in 1977. Both won special elections to the Senate before winning full Senate terms in the 1980s.