It's the Assembly, Stupid

//August 9, 2005//

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Date: May 3, 1999

Section: Under the Dome

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Title: “It”s the Assembly, Stupid”

Author: By Gene J. Mulroy

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Story:

The potential rematch of Governor Whitman and former Governor Florio in next year”s U.S. Senate contest has dominated the New Jersey political scene for more than two months now. Most pundits and members of the media agree that a Whitman vs. Florio sequel would understandably make for great political theater.

What”s lost in the fervor over next year”s Senate race, however, is the fact that all 80 members of the New Jersey Assembly are up for reelection this year. As Politifax editor Nick Acocella wrote last week, some politicos, tired of the Y2K campaign hype, have donned lapel pins that aptly read, “It”s the Assembly, Stupid!”

Currently, Republicans in the lower House hold a comfortable 48-32 majority over their Democratic colleagues. However, Democrats have been steadily gaining seats for most of this decade after they lost their majority in 1991.

Still, even the most stalwart Democrat must concede that capturing a majority (9 seats) in this off-year election would be a difficult, if not impossible, task. Party insiders have said privately that gaining six seats is a more realistic goal. But Julie Roginsky, the Democrats” coordinated campaign director, disagrees, saying “we are aiming for a majority and will dedicate the necessary resources in nine targeted districts to accomplish that goal.” Those districts are: 2,4,11,13,14,30,34,36 and 38.

As for the Republicans, when asked of her party”s chances this election year, a high-ranking member guaranteed that the GOP will easily hold its margin and could actually beat a few incumbent Democrats to widen its majority.

The Legislature resumes its regular work schedule this week after a month-long hiatus to hold hearings on the Governor”s proposed budget for the next fiscal year. The following is a report on pending business-related bills that are expected to be considered this week.

A bill that would require developers and subdividers who are offering residential property for sale to notify prospective buyers of a stop work order is scheduled to be considered by the Assembly Local Government and Housing Committee this week. Sponsored by Assemblymen Gerald Luongo and George Geist, the legislation (A-2448) is simply intended to give potential buyers reliable information concerning possible construction delays so that they can make an informed decision regarding the purchase. The work stop orders are those that are issued by a regulatory agency concerning environmental or construction code concerns. The bill only applies to small developments under 100 units and does not include rental housing or commercial property. The Senate companion bill is awaiting a hearing by the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee.

Legislation (A-2139) that would increase the amount of exemption under the sales tax for coin-operated vending machines from $.10 to $.25 is scheduled to be considered by the Assembly Appropriations Committee this week. Aptly dubbed the “bubble-gum bill,” the measure would exempt any coin-operated purchase of up to $.25 from paying sales taxes. The bill”s sponsor, Assemblyman Guy Gregg, told BUSINESS NEWS that he may amend his legislation to extend a sales tax exemption for coin-operated car washes. Governor Whitman previously vetoed Gregg”s sales tax exemption bill for car washes. A Senate companion (S-1040) to the “bubble gum bill” was released by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee and is awaiting a vote by the full Senate.

The Assembly Commerce Committee is expected to approve a resolution designating November as the “Month of the Small Manufacturer.” Sponsored by Assemblyman Joe Azzolina, the measure (AR-167) recognizes the important contributions of the more than 13,000 New Jersey small manufacturers. Azzolina said New Jersey is the ninth largest center of small manufacturing in the country, providing more than 500,000 jobs and $36 billion annually to the state”s economy. The legislation will be considered by the committee on May 5, 1999.