Despite the budget problem, our legislature is finding lots of money to throw around. They continue to expand the size and cost of NJ government. If we ran our own house like this we would soon be in big trouble.
Notable recent bills include:
A104 - Establishes "Grandparenting Resource Center Pilot Program"; appropriates $1.5 million. Introduced January 8th, 2008. Sponsors are Valerie Huttle (D), Neil Cohen (D), and Nilsa Cruz-Perez (D).
A145 - The “New Jersey Board of Health Care Management Act”; appropriates $10 million. Introduced January 8th, 2008. Sponsor is Ruben J. Ramos, Jr. (D).
S317 - Appropriates $2 million for New Jersey Fire Engine and Equipment Museum. Introduced January 8th, 2008. Sponsors are Christopher Bateman (R) and Sean T. Kean (R).
A1119 - Establishes regional substance abuse treatment facilities; appropriates $100 million. Now there's a nice round number! Introduced January 8th, 2008. Sponsor is Harvey L. Smith (D) .
A1387 - Establishes the New Jersey State Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Institute; appropriates $6 million. Introduced January 8th, 2008. Sponsors are Herb Conaway, Jr (D), Jack Conners (D), and Douglas H. Fisher (D).
A1457 - Establishes New Jersey Transportation Heritage Center and authorizes establishment of Foundation for the New Jersey Transportation Heritage Center. This bill specifically grants State Pensions to all the new employees. Introduced January 8th, 2008. Sponsors are Alex Decroce (R) and Joseph R. Malone, III (R).
A1911 - Establishes "New Jersey Partnership for Secure Schools Pilot Program" in Department of Education; appropriates $3 million. Introduced January 24th, 2008. Sponsors are Frederick Scalera (D), Joan M. Quigley (D), Vincent Prieto (D), and Ralph R. Caputo (D).
Call and or write the sponsors to let them know what you think.
This is just a few of the many bills that I flagged, there may be others. There are lots of bills micromanging business (and destroying the economy of NJ). I couldn't find any bills that actually cut the size of government. The activities of the legislature can be monitored at their website . Please let me know if you find any other bills we should be watching.