New Jersey TRENTON

Americans for Prosperity Foundation Kicks Off “Taxpayer Minute� Radio Ad Campaign in New Jersey

TRENTON -- The New Jersey chapter of the Americans for Prosperity Foundation today launched the first installment of its "Taxpayer Minute," a one-minute radio commentary featuring the group’s state director Steve Lonegan speaking out on state fiscal issues. The Taxpayer Minute ads began airing on stations around New Jersey and New York City today.

SMITH - 'TOUGH WORK IS AHEAD OF US ON PROPERTY TAXES'

Joint Consolidation Committee Begins Work To Reform Property Taxes, Shrink Government in New Jersey

TRENTON - Senator Bob Smith, D-Middlesex and Somerset, the co-Chair of the Joint Legislative Committee on Government Consolidation and Shared Services, issued the following statement today regarding the panel's organizational meeting, and their ongoing mission of finding savings for the taxpayers of New Jersey through an emphasis on smaller government on the State and local levels:

"From the information presented to us today, I know the really tough work is ahead of us. But, if we're ever going to do something about New Jersey's property tax crisis, we need to ensure a more efficient and cost-effective delivery of the services we provide to the taxpayers of the State.

KENNY - 'BUDGET AGREEMENT REACHED'

Senate Majority Leader Says Proposed Budget Will Restore Fiscal Sanity in New Jersey

TRENTON - Senate Majority Leader Bernard F. Kenny, Jr., D - Hudson, issued the following statement regarding a budget agreement reached today for the FY 2007 Budget:

"Over the next day and a half, New Jersey's Legislature will finally vote on a budget that will restore fiscal sanity and economic stability to the Garden State.

VITALE, CRYAN INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO CREATE NEW DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Legislators Say Separate Agency to Make Child Welfare a Priority for New Jersey

TRENTON - Senator Joseph F. Vitale and Assemblyman Joseph Cryan introduced legislation to create a new state Department of Children and Families to coordinate and refocus efforts to reform New Jersey's child protection services.

The new department would be created by separating out the state's Office of Children's Services - which includes the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) -from the Department of Human Services and converting the agency into a stand-alone executive branch department.

After the measure's introduction in both the Senate and Assembly, Vitale and Cryan released the following joint statement:

"Though we've seen some progress already in attempts to reform the State's DYFS program, there is still more work to be done.

SMITH: STUDY CLIMATE CHANGE'S IMPACT ON NEW JERSEY

TRENTON - A bill sponsored by Senator Bob Smith to study the impact of global warming on New Jersey's water supply, tourism industry and agricultural products was approved today by the Senate Environment Committee and sent to the full Senate for a floor vote.

"New Jersey has to adjust to the climate change over the years because it will have an impact on our natural resources, our recreational activities and our need for energy sources," said Senator Smith, the Chairman of the Senate environment panel.

LESNIAK: TRUST FUND RENEWAL WILL IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE IN NEW JERSEY

TRENTON - Senator Raymond J. Lesniak, the Senate sponsor of legislation, S-1470, to renew the Transportation Trust Fund, made the following remarks as the measure received final legislative approval today in the Senate by a vote of 25-13:

"We need to keep investing in our highways, our bridges, our rail lines and our buses so our residents can get to work, to stores and to school. What's clear is that we need to take the steps necessary to make everyday life livable, productive and fulfilling.