Kean: Put Economic Development At The Top Of New Jersey's Agenda

Legislation Will Help Restore Leadership In Job Creation

Republican Senate Leader Tom Kean Jr. made the following statement about New Jersey's lackluster economy:

"New Jersey was the economic driver of the Northeast during the 1980s and 1990s. Now it ranks near the bottom in private sector job creation. Nearly every state in the region is outperforming New Jersey in all areas of economic development.

"Five years of anti-business policies by the Trenton Democrats have nearly crippled our economy. The Democrats in Trenton have created or expanded 101 taxes doubled the state debt and added new and more onerous regulations. It's no wonder that business and working families are fleeing the state in record numbers.

"New Jersey needs to take steps to actively cultivate new opportunities for businesses. We must work to expand the economy and grow our way out of the problem.

"The comprehensive economic development plan, S-281 that I am sponsoring with John Adler and my new Republican colleague in the Senate, Steven Oroho, will do just that. I've been trying to get this legislation passed since 2005. Unfortunately, job creation and economic growth have not been priorities of this administration to date, but now I think the climate is right in this year of economic uncertainty to develop momentum behind the bill and get it passed."