LESNIAK: FEED THE POOR WITH A 'BORN-TO-RUN' LICENSE PLATE

TRENTON - Senator Raymond J. Lesniak today said New Jersey residents could turn their love for native son Bruce Springsteen into a means of helping to feed the poor by purchasing a 'Born-To-Run' special license plate.

"Springsteen's message of hope should be a springboard for all of us to do something positive for the less fortunate," said Senator Lesniak, a co-founder of Democrats for The Soul Inc., an organization dedicated to promoting volunteerism.
Senator Lesniak sponsored a Senate resolution praising Springsteen for his inspiring music over the last 30 years, including his signature song, "Born To Run." It passed unanimously with a bipartisan voice vote.

While praising Springsteen and featuring his music in the Senate Chamber, Senator Lesniak said he was inspired to draft a bill today to seek State approval for a special "Born-To-Run" license plate where proceeds would be dedicated to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey.

Under State law, drivers can purchase a special license plate by paying an initial $50 fee and then contributing an additional $10 each year.

"'Born To Run' embodies a lot of the New Jersey attitude," said Senator Lesniak, a native of Elizabeth. "We're on the move. We go away. We come back. Look at Springsteen. He's been around the world several times. He could live anywhere. But he still comes back to live in New Jersey."

Senator Lesniak said he believes the special "Born-To-Run" plate could raise hundreds of thousands of dollars annually for feeding the poor.

"It will be a good way to help people in need and identify with a music legend at the same time," said Senator Lesniak, himself a veteran of many Springsteen concerts.

The Springsteen resolution passed in the Senate after Senate President Codey allowed Senator Lesniak to play Springsteen's version of "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town."

ATTACHED IS THE RESOLUTION TEXT:

SENATE RESOLUTION

by Senator Raymond J. Lesniak

WHEREAS, Bruce Springsteen, an esteemed native son of the Garden State, recently celebrated the Thirtieth Anniversary of his legendary rock album, Born to Run, which was first released on August 25, 1975; and,

WHEREAS, The music of Bruce Springsteen has bridged generational gaps, bringing together fans both young and old with equal intensity; and,

WHEREAS, The thunder of Max Weinberg's drums, the rip of Clarence "Big Man" Clemons's saxophone, the impact of the Miami Horns, the drive of "Little" Steven Van Zandt's guitar, the melodic interludes from keys played by either Danny Federici, Roy "The Professor" Bittan or Patti Scialfa, the deep rhythm of Gary Tallent's bass, or that unmistakable voice, gruff and soulful all at once, are instantly recognizable to residents of the Jersey Shore and beyond; and,

WHEREAS, Born to Run will forever stand in the pantheon of albums that have inspired millions; and,

WHEREAS, The poetry of Born to Run embodies the New Jersey Experience and spirit so perfectly that many individuals have encouraged this body, over the last thirty years, to adopt the title song as an unofficial anthem of the Garden State; and,

WHEREAS, Bruce Springsteen has served as the unofficial ambassador of Jersey Rock and Roll to the other forty-nine states and the global community; and,

WHEREAS, The continued success of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band has been a glowing source of pride for all citizens of this State; and,

WHEREAS, Bruce Springsteen, his wife, Patti Scialfa, and their three children have remained true to their New Jersey roots, and, despite a brief interlude in California, remain residents of the Garden State; and,

WHEREAS, the United States Senate Republican leadership, despite the best efforts of Senators Frank Lautenberg and Jon Corzine to honor one of our favorite native sons, rebuked those efforts earlier this year to honor Mr. Springsteen; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Jersey:
That this House hereby extends its heartfelt congratulations to Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band for thirty years of musical greatness; and,

Be It Further Resolved, That a duly authenticated copy of this resolution, signed by the President and attested by the Secretary, be transmitted to Bruce Springsteen and the members of the E Street Band.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Jim Manion
New Jersey Senate Democrats
(609) 292-5215
jmanion@njleg.org