COUTINHO NAMED TO ASSEMBLY BUDGET PANEL

COUTINHO NAMED TO ASSEMBLY BUDGET PANEL

Assemblyman Gives State's Largest  City a Voice in Budget, Fiscal Issues

(TRENTON) - Assemblyman Albert Coutinho was today named to the Assembly Budget Committee, providing the City of Newark with a voice on the powerful fiscal panel.

Coutinho's selection to fill a vacancy on the committee was made by Assembly Speaker Joseph J Roberts Jr.

"It is an honor to be chosen to serve on a panel whose mission is to ensure New Jersey's fiscal policies meet the challenges of our times," said Coutinho (D-Newark). "As a businessman and a born-and-bred Newarker, I know how important it is that we shore-up our state's economy and protect and create jobs for residents who have been pushed to the margins by the global recession. Serving on the Budget Committee will ensure Newark has a front-row seat in the most pressing policy discussions."

Born and raised in Newark, Coutinho is a strategic development consultant for Portuguese Baking Co, in Newark. His family has been in the bakery business for more than 150 years. He is serving his first full term in the Assembly.

Assemblyman Coutinho is the vice-chairman of the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee and a member of the Higher Education Committee.

"Al has proven himself a diligent legislator who is unafraid to delve into the underpinnings of policy to ensure our laws are fair and will protect all residents," said Roberts (D-Camden). "His career in business and lifelong involvement in his community ensure he will see the state's budget from all sides and give him a perfect background for serving on the panel."

The Assembly Budget Committee currently is engaged in its annual review of the Governor's proposed budget plan. The panel will craft the final appropriations bill - the state's budget for the next fiscal year.

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