Jim Manion New Jersey Senate Democratic Office

TURNER BILL ADVANCES TO BAN SMOKING IN CASINOS

TRENTON - A bill sponsored by Senator Shirley K. Turner, D-Mercer, to ban smoking in casinos and simulcasting facilities was approved today by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.

"It's time for gamblers to kick the habit or at least to butt out around the blackjack tables," said Senator Turner, D-Mercer. "Casino workers deserve the same smoke-free environment as everyone else."

VITALE: SMOKING BAN FOR CASINOS NEEDED TO PROTECT WORKERS

TRENTON - Senator Joseph F. Vitale, a prime sponsor of the bill, S-1089, to ban smoking in Atlantic City casinos, said its enforcement will save "thousands of lives" of casino workers who otherwise would contract deadly diseases due to second-hand smoke.

"This bill literally will save lives by commuting work-related death sentences," said Senator Vitale, Chairman of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee, which approved the bill unanimously today and sent it to the full Senate.

CONIGLIO ON CORZINE BUDGET: NO GIMMICKS THIS YEAR

TRENTON - Senator Joseph Coniglio, a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, today said the Corzine Administration's budget proposal impressed him because of its "no-gimmicks-approach" to dealing with these tough fiscal times.

"There's a growing realization that there are no easy solutions to property tax reform, but the Corzine Administration should be commended for its no-gimmicks approach in this spending plan," said Senator Coniglio, D-Bergen.

ADLER ON BUDGET: LITTLE HELP TO TAXPAYERS

TRENTON - Senator John H. Adler, D-Cherry Hill, today made the following comments about the Corzine Administration's budget proposal.

"This budget proposal will provide little help to suburban taxpayers.

"There is no reason to put off hard budget decisions any longer."

BUONO VOWS TO PURSUE LOTTERY OPTIONS FOR TAXPAYERS

TRENTON - Senator Barbara Buono today vowed to continue exploring the viability of privatizing the State Lottery because of its long-range potential to provide "hundreds of millions of dollars" in revenues to New Jersey taxpayers.

"I think the Legislature has a moral obligation to pursue revenue sources that are judged to be viable means to ease our financial burdens," said Senator Buono, D-Middlesex, and Chair of the Senate Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee.

**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.

ADLER PROPOSES NEW PUBLIC CORRUPTION STATUTE

TRENTON - All public officials convicted of corruption would face mandatory jail time of up 10 years and loss of their pensions and benefits under a new bill, S-14, introduced today by Senator John H. Adler.

In addition, the bill would subject officials convicted of public corruption to fines of up to $200,000 for crimes related to a public office or to public employment.

ADLER: MORE EFFICIENCIES ARE NEEDED FOR SCHOOL REFORMS

TRENTON – Senator John H. Adler, the Senate’s leading advocate for school reforms, today said the efficiencies being advanced by a joint legislative panel he co-chairs must be followed by additional spending cuts to avoid tax hikes.

“We need more action to end the property tax crisis,� said Senator Adler, D-Cherry Hill. “We need to keep pressing ahead for more efficiencies, more spending cuts and more ways to eliminate waste.�

Buono to Lottery Jackpot Winners: Pay Your Debts - Then Celebrate

TRENTON - Senator Barbara Buono today said she is drafting a bill to require big-time lottery jackpot winners to pay off their state debts before they cash in their tickets for a life of leisure.

"Lottery winners can still live out their dreams once they pay off their debts," said Senator Buono, D-Metuchen. "My bill will help the lucky lottery winners start their new lives with a clean slate."

KENNY TO SENATOR ALLEN - DON'T SCARE SENIORS WITH FALSEHOODS

TRENTON - Senate Majority Leader Bernard F. Kenny Jr. said it is "absolutely irresponsible" for Republican Senator Diane Allen to try to frighten senior citizens into thinking their rebates are being threatened by recommendations he made today as co-chairman of the Joint Committee on Constitutional Reform and Citizens Property Tax Convention.

"The most immediate message that has to be conveyed to seniors is that Senator Allen is dead wrong in her statements about seniors having their rebates jeopardized," said Senator Kenny. "It is clear to anyone who actually read the report that we are not only protecting the rebates for seniors, but seeking to provide additional property tax relief for our elderly.