LOOKING TO THE 2004 AGENDA

How quickly the seasons and years pass. At the close of each year we inevitably find ourselves reflecting on the previous 12 months and all they have brought us, both good at bad. At the close of 2003 there is glimmering hope that our Nation’s economy is improving and the evil dictator Saddam Hussein was finally captured by our brave troops. So much has happened over the past months and a lot has yet to be done. As we look forward into 2004 we must endeavor to make right what we can and strengthen what has already been done.

This year my colleagues and I in the New Jersey legislature have witnessed approximately 200 of our bills signed into law. Some of these new laws help control urban sprawl and protect our environment. Not every law made the headlines. Some are simple laws that help make a difference in our everyday lives, but tend to go unnoticed such as funding for new bridges over the Shark River and the Raritan River. Other bills provide funding for the ongoing beach replenishment program and historical site preservation.

This year my agenda contained many issues important to my constituents and New Jersey citizens alike. I felt very strongly about protecting our school children. My anti-hazing bill, Assembly Bill 1373 proposed a new definition of hazing to include the failure of faculty and school administrations to stop hazing activities in the guise of "tradition" and by substantially increasing the penalties for hazing. Although the bill passed the Assembly, the Senate took no action on it. I will continue to work on this issue until it is signed into law.

The environment remains another issue close to my heart. As the Assemblyman for a district that contains many seaside towns, I understand the important role that the beaches play in our state. This environmental treasure is also major component of the State’s second largest industry – travel and tourism. The Jersey Shore’s economy is an indispensable source of tax revenue for the State Treasury. This year the anti-PCB dumping bill A2879 sponsored by myself, Assemblyman Kean and Senator Palaia was signed into law by Governor McGreevey. This legislation initiated by our friends in Clean Ocean Action helps to insure that our ocean quality standards are set high for the benefit of not only our citizens and tourists but the entire aquaculture.

As we move further into the 21st century new issues emerge. Personal privacy is on the minds of many as we look forward to 2004. As a way to help protect New Jerseyans I have sponsored two bills, that I hope will help confront some problems head on. I sponsored an Assembly Bill A3302 that redefines "Peeping Toms" to include new stealth surveillance technology. This bill was passed on December 15, 2003 by both houses and awaits action by the Governor to be signed into law. Specifically this law will close a loophole in the State’s "Peeping Tom" law by penalizing those who rely on tiny cameras and other technology for sexual spying. Such a case arose in the 11th District that I represent. A second bill that I cosponsored prohibits lenders from demanding the disclosure of our social security numbers on documents that become public records such as deed and mortgages. This bill was passed by the NJ Senate on December 15, 2003 and also awaits the Governor’s signature.

Although the improvement of economy has a long way to go, New Jersey’s 2003 unemployment rates began to drop. Another good sign for State government was the improved 2003 tax revenue reports with projections for the new year looking promising.

This has been a tumultuous year politically, as well. In New Jersey state government we have seen a shift from the once veto proof Republican majorities of the 1990’s to Democrat majorities for the foreseeable future. The New Jersey Senate will not be up for reelection until 2007.

Only a small percentage of bills that legislators sponsor actually become law. The intent of the constitutional framers was that all proposed bills be submitted to a vigorous process. For legislators however it is sometimes frustrating to wait years for a good idea to clear all the hurdles to become law.

As I look forward into 2004 I am formulating new ideas for proposed laws

- some major and some minor. For example a major change would be stopping or at least slowing the runaway increases in local property taxes. A minor change in the law might be as simple as the public posting of the level of radon in public schools.

Bills that did not complete the legislative process in the 2002-2003 session will be pre-filed for the new session 2004-2005. "Pre-filing" means beginning the entire bill process all over again from bill introduction to action by the governor. A new voting session also provides another opportunity to hear from you on various issues. By voicing your concerns and suggestions to me and your other government representatives we can better serve you and improve our way of life in New Jersey.