PRIETO: CHRISTIE SCHOOL AID CUTS AN ATTACK ON WORKING CLASS SCHOOL DISTRICTS

(SECAUCUS) - Assemblyman Vincent Prieto on Saturday said Gov. Chris Christie's school aid cuts - especially his plan to strip Secaucus of all its school aid - represent an unprecedented attack on New Jersey families and public education.

"Gov. Christie has made it clear public school education is not his priority, nor is holding down the crushing burden of property taxes for New Jersey's middle-class, poor, disabled and senior citizens," said Prieto (D-Hudson). "His budget plan represents a $2.8 billion statewide loss in property tax relief and an assault on public education. That is especially the case in places like Secaucus and it's inexcusable."

SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER LABOR NOMINEE ON MONDAY, CONFIRMATION VOTES SCHEDULED FOR SEVEN CABINET NOMINEES

WITH MEDICAL MARIJUANA-RELATED CRIME ON THE INCREASE, ANGELINI REITERATES OPPOSITION TO NJ'S IMPENDING LAW

            In response to an article today that reports an increase in crime in states that have legalized medical marijuana, Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini said the Legislature should re-consider the state’s medical marijuana legislation which becomes law in July, calling it “reckless public policy.”

TRENTON – Senator Raymond Lesniak will hold a news conference on Monday, March 22nd at 11:00 AM in State House Room 103 to introduce his “Opportunity Scholarships Act,” legislation that would establish the “Educational Innovation” pilot program in the Department of Education and create a pilot program in the Department of Treasury to provide tax credits to entities that endow scholarships for eligible low-income students.

Sarlo: 'Devastated' Bergen County Perfect Host For Budget Committee's First Public Hearing

TRENTON - Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee Chairman Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen) today said that while the committee chose Bergen Community College to host its first public hearing prior to Governor Christie's Tuesday budget address, the selection was made even more appropriate given the county's dire prospects under the proposed plan.

The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee is scheduled to hold its public hearing 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 23, in the Moses Training Room, Bergen Community College, 400 Paramus Road, Paramus.

MORIARTY & BURZICHELLI UNVEIL BILL TO ALLOW COUNTIES, TOWNS TO WITHDRAW FROM CIVIL SERVICE

(TRENTON) - Assemblymen Paul Moriarty and John Burzichelli Friday announced they’ve introduced legislation to give local governments more flexibility to control costs and property taxes by allowing counties and municipalities to withdraw from the civil service system.

"The civil service system certainly serves a purpose, but there's no reason for local governments to be forced to use it if they would prefer a different approach to possibly save property taxpayers money," said Moriarty (D-Gloucester/Camden). "Anything that can give local governments more freedom to take the steps they need to save money is the right thing to do."

SCALERA BILL SUPPORTING CONTINUING HAMBLETONIAN AT MEADOWLANDS ADVANCED BY ASSEMBLY PANEL

(TRENTON) – A resolution Assemblyman Fred Scalera sponsored calling for New Jersey to continue to support holding the Hambletonian harness racing triple crown event at the Meadowlands Racetrack was released Thursday by an Assembly committee.

The bill (AR-71) was released by the Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee.

The Hambletonian is the premier American harness horse race and has been held at the Meadowlands since 1981. After May 17, the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority holds the exclusive right to renew the contract for the stakes for an additional five years, but if the contract is not renewed the Hambletonian Society may advertise for bids for the stakes beginning in 2013.

“It’s hard to imagine this slice of Americana not taking place at the Meadowlands, and we have to make sure it stays there,” said Scalera (D-Essex/Bergen/Passaic). “This is the richest and most prestigious event in the United States Trotting Triple Crown and the only such event held in New Jersey. It attracts spectators to New Jersey from around the world and is vital to our horse breeding and racing industry. We cannot let it leave.”

MILAM & QUIJANO BILL TO PROTECT CONSUMER DEBIT CARD NUMBERS ADVANCES IN SENATE

(TRENTON) – Legislation Assemblyman Matthew Milam and Assemblywoman Annette Quijano sponsored to protect consumer debit card account numbers is advancing in the Senate.

The bill (A-310) clarifies that both credit card and debit card account numbers must be truncated on sales receipts, including copies retained by merchants.

“This bill just makes common sense,” said Milam (D-Atlantic/Cape May/Cumberland). “In this day and age, when identity theft is proving all too common, there’s no reason why a consumer’s credit or debit card number should ever be made available to others. This is a simple step that protects consumers.”

ASSEMBLY PANEL ADVANCES FIVE PUBLIC WORKER PENSION & BENEFIT REFORM BILLS

Comprehensive & Expanded Package Aims to Save Taxpayer Money & Create Reliable Benefit System for Public Workers

(TRENTON) - An Assembly committee on Thursday advanced five bills reforming taxpayer-funded pensions and benefits for public workers, with the bipartisan effort aiming to save New Jersey taxpayers money and make the benefit system sustainable for public workers.