Top Story - 2/8/2010
Lesniak Statement On Second COAH Hearing
TRENTON – Senator Raymond J. Lesniak, D-Union, the Chairman of the Senate Economic Growth Committee and prime sponsor of S-1, legislation to abolish the failed Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) in favor of a fairer, market-driven model to create inclusionary zoning in New Jersey’s municipalities, issued the following statement after the Committee met today for the second time to discuss his legislation:
“Today’s hearing was productive, and will ultimately help us refine our legislation, which will lead to a better system to provide for our State’s affordable housing needs.
Whelan Beach Bar Bill Approved By Senate Committee
TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Jim Whelan, D-Atlantic, to require the state Department of Environmental Protection to issue general permits to beach bars, allowing facility owners to keep their structures up year-round instead of tearing them down at the end of each season, was unanimously approved today by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.
The bill, S-208, would require the DEP to issue general permits to food and drink concession stands on the beach at a hotel or motel. The permits would apply only to concessions in municipalities where casino gaming is legal, limiting them to Atlantic City.
Lesniak-Van Drew Constitutional Amendment To Allow For Sports Wagering Advances
TRENTON – A constitutional amendment sponsored by Senators Raymond J. Lesniak and Jeff Van Drew which would allow for in-person and account wagering on sporting events at Atlantic City’s casinos and racetracks was approved by the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee today with a vote of 4-0, with one abstention.
“If we’re going to ensure the future vitality and viability of New Jersey’s casino and horse racing industries, legalized sports wagering has to be a part of the equation,” said Senator Lesniak, D-Union. “This is a venture which will raise at least $100 million in new revenues for the State, and more than $500 million in economic activity for casinos and racetracks. These are funds we cannot leave on the table, and we have to do whatever we can to overturn the over-reaching – and what I believe will ultimately be determined to be unconstitutional – federal ban which gives an unfair sports wagering monopoly to gaming interests in only four states.”
Atlantic City Gets Green Light For Green Energy Under Whelan Bill Okayed Today
TRENTON – The Senate Environment and Energy Committee today approved a bill sponsored by Senator Jim Whelan that would pave the way for the increased development of wind power in Atlantic City, helping the state meet its ambitious renewable energy goals.
“The Steel Pier in Atlantic City currently serves as an ideal location to help us increase our wind powered energy capacity,” said Sen. Whelan (D-Atlantic). “Hopefully this project will serve as a successful pilot program that can eventually be expanded along New Jersey’s coast, enabling us to solidify our place as a leader in renewable energy.”
Rice/Cunningham Measures To Examine Opportunities For Minority And Women-Owned Businesses Clear Senate Committees
TRENTON – Two measures sponsored by Senators Ronald L. Rice and Sandra Bolden Cunningham which would examine and help to increase opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses were today approved by Senate committees.
One measure, S-95, which was unanimously approved by the Senate Education Committee, would direct the New Jersey Schools Development Authority (SDA) to examine and compile biannual reports detailing the number of school construction contracts that have been awarded to minority and women-owned businesses. The reports would have to include information on the total value of the contracts, and the percentage of those contracts as they relate to the total number that have been awarded by the SDA over the six months prior to the issuance of the report. Reports would be submitted to the Governor and the Joint Budget Oversight Committee.
“It is only fitting that we make sure minority and women-owned businesses have a seat at the table when it comes to awarding these school construction contracts,” said Senator Rice, D-Essex. “These communities contain a great deal of talent; talent that is often passed over when these contracts are being considered. By requiring the Schools Development Authority to maintain this list, we would help to ensure that all of the State’s qualified talent is given an opportunity to excel.”
“Through this bill, we are hoping to level the playing field when it comes to awarding school construction contracts here in New Jersey,” said Senator Cunningham, D-Hudson. “It’s not as if there is a lack of qualified minority and women-owned construction companies, but too often, these businesses are not given the opportunity to compete for these lucrative contracts. By requiring the issuance of these reports, and requiring them to be reviewed by the Joint Budget Oversight Committee and the Governor, we would be establishing a two-tiered system of oversight, to ensure that equal access to school construction contracts is granted.”
MEDIA ADVISORY - Attorney General Nomination, Atlantic City Audit Hearing Top Senate Committee Agendas For Monday
TRENTON – On Monday, six Senate Committees will meet to discuss topics ranging from the nomination of Paula Dow to serve as New Jersey Attorney General, to a recent audit of Atlantic City municipal government by the State Comptroller’s Office, to the best way to move forward with the State’s obligation to provide access to affordable housing.
The Senate Judiciary Committee will meet at 1:00 PM in Committee Room 4 to consider the nomination of Ms. Dow to serve as the State’s Attorney General. If confirmed by the Senate, Ms. Dow would be the first African-American woman to serve as the State’s top law enforcement official. Ms. Dow, who currently serves as Essex County Prosecutor, would be the first cabinet-level nomination made by the Christie administration to be considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
