Você está na página 1de 19

Americans for Prosperity Taxpayer Scorecard

215th Legislative Session, 2012-2013

Trenton Makes - The World Takes So boasts the famous statement adorning the Lower Trenton Bridge. Today, however, Trenton takes far more than it makes. Years of profligate spending and fiscal mismanagement by Trentons political class have led to an insufferable tax burden for many New Jersey families seemingly with no end in sight. The facts are both sobering and depressing. According to the Tax Foundation, a Washington D.C.-based nonpartisan tax research group, New Jerseyans suffer under the weight of the second worst state and local tax burden and the second worst property taxes in the country, while our state business tax climate also ranks as the second worst in the country. The Mercatus Center at George Mason University, a research center renowned for its work on the benefits of free markets, ranks New Jersey as the third least economically free state in the union and recently appraised New Jerseys fiscal condition to be the nations worst. Citing these rankings does little justice, however, to how this dire tax and fiscal climate impacts New Jersey families. The sad reality is New Jerseyans are seeing their quality of life erode and their ability to achieve the American Dream diminished in their beloved home state. As a result, many of us have witnessed family members, friends and neighbors voting with their feet and fleeing to lower tax states. Many local businesses and mom-and-pop shops across the state, have had to close their doors, while major corporations like Hertz, Roche, Ocean Spray and others decided to shift operations to other states, taking thousands of high-paying jobs with them. Our economy is stagnant and unemployment remains stubbornly high. New Jersey has become uncompetitive and is falling behind other states, many of which have realized the folly of big government and started to embrace free-market ideas and policies. Theres no mistaking it: New Jersey is in economic declinea decline which has been most precipitous since the turn of the millennium. Since then New Jersey has been subject to a barrage of big governmentan agenda of higher taxes, runaway spending and ever-increasing debt which continues unabated to this day despite the presence of Gov. Christie in the executive branch. The time is long overdue for our state Legislature to change courseto free citizens to pursue their dreams in the Garden State without being oppressed by the long arm of state government. Until that day dawns, the prospects for prosperity and robust economic growth in the Garden State will continue to dwindle, and our quality of life along with it. Americans for Prosperity is committed to turning the Garden State around and making it a great place to live, work, and raise a family. We are devoted to your economic well-being and the well-being of every New Jerseyan. And thats exactly why we are committed to informing citizens like you about how your representatives have voted on legislation affecting your economic freedom and quality of life. This scorecard is a tool that will help you put grassroots pressure on your representatives to support policies that will put New Jersey back on a path to prosperity.

Taxpayer Scorecard Spotlight: Exploiting the State Constitution


One of the more disturbing trends during the 215th Legislative Session has been the attempts to bypass the traditional legislative process and the governor in order to enact policy via constitutional amendment. Our state constitution provides the framework for how our system of representative democracy works and delineates the rights of the citizenry. Constitutional amendments should generally be limited to these matters, although in our states history, amendments have also been necessary to impose major changes such as the establishment of the income tax. As elected representatives, lawmakers in Trenton hold a sacred trust and an obligation to practice restraint in regards to constitutional matters. Policy matters should be fought within the confines of the traditional democratic process with input from the legislative and executive branches. When those battles are lost, amending our state constitution should not serve as an end-around. Unfortunately, thats exactly what the majority has increasingly sought to do. The most egregious example is last years ballot referendum on the minimum wage which won voter approval. More recently, the Legislature has proposed an amendment that would force New Jersey to participate in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) Cap-and-Trade program and yet another that would siphon off up to $6B in sales tax revenue to preserve open space over the next 30 years. These efforts represent nothing less than an assault on the democratic process in New Jersey that should be of grave concern to all citizens. On the pages that follow, you may want to pay particular attention to how your representatives voted on these measures.

About Americans for Prosperitys Taxpayer Scorecard


AFPs Taxpayer Scorecard is our good faith effort to inform citizens about the performance of their elected representatives in Trenton. There is no better barometer by which to measure lawmakers allegiance to fiscal responsibility and economic freedom than to register and evaluate their votes on key fiscal legislation. Simply put, their votes are their record. Of course, no legislative scorecard can take into consideration every bill affecting taxpayers. AFPs Taxpayer Scorecard aims to include the bills and votes which will have the most dramatic impact on the states economic condition and the tax burden of every New Jerseyan. Accordingly, we have weighted some votes more heavily than others, depending on the specific vote and how it relates to our mission and legislative priorities. In sum, AFPs Taxpayer Scorecard provides a thorough and accurate representation of the respective fiscal records of your representatives in Trenton.

Scan the code to the right to visit our Action Center and respond to our live action alerts on fiscal legislation currently moving through the Legislature!

Taxpayer Scorecard Key


Voted with the Taxpayer X Voted against the Taxpayer NV Not Voting or Abstained

*Legislators are given half-credit for not voting on amendments and Motions to Table legislation opposed by AFP.

Table of Contents
New Jersey Legislator Ratings..................................................................5 Legislative Vote Explanations..................................................................6 Legislative Votes Members of the General Assembly.......................15 Legislative Votes Members of the State Senate..................................18 Notes Regarding the 215th Legislative Session.................................19

Overview of 215th Legislative Session


The New Jersey Legislature meets regularly during the two-year legislative session. During the 20122013 Legislative Session, 8,382 bills and resolutions were introduced. Overall, 249 bills and resolutions were enacted, including fiscal and nonfiscal measures. The Taxpayer Scorecard comprises 42 total votes, including 40 fiscalrelated bills, resolutions and amendments along with 2 committee votes on Supreme Court nominations. AFP opposed all but one of the 40 measures, 11 of which were enacted or, in the case of various resolutions, registered with the Secretary of State. A total of 25 measures in the Taxpayer Scorecard reached Gov. Chris Christies desk, 19 of which received either an absolute or conditional veto and did not become law.

About Americans for Prosperity


AFP is a nationwide organization of citizen leaders committed to advancing every individuals right to economic freedom and opportunity. Our mission is to empower citizens and to reduce the size and scope of government, safeguarding individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. AFP educates and engages citizens in support of restraining state and federal government growth, and returning government to its constitutional limits.

New Jersey Legislator Ratings


Senate
Taxpayer Heroes
(A-rated Legislators: Taxpayer Score of 90-100%) Doherty, Michael (R-23) 98% Smith, Bob (D-17) Sarlo, Paul A. (D-36) Codey, Richard J. (D-27) Sacco, Nicholas J. (D-32) Vitale, Joseph F. (D-19) Lesniak, Raymond J. (D-20) Scutari, Nicholas P. (D-22) Weinberg, Loretta (D-37) Buono, Barbara (D-18) Gill, Nia H. (D-34) Greenstein, Linda R. (D-14) Norcross, Donald (D-05) Pou, Nellie (D-35) Beach, James (D-06) Gordon, Robert M. (D-38) Madden, Jr., Fred H. (D-04) Stack, Brian P. (D-33) Cunningham, Sandra B. (D-31) Ruiz, M. Teresa (D-29) Sweeney, Stephen M. (D-03) Whelan, Jim (D-02) 18% 17% 16% 14% 14% 13% 13% 13% 11% 11% 11% 11% 11% 5% 5% 5% 4% 2% 2% 2% 2% Rumpf, Brian E. (R-09) Schroeder, Robert (R-39) Bramnick, Jon M. (R-21) Handlin, Amy H. (R-13) McGuckin, Gregory P. (R-10) Rumana, Scott T. (R-40) Angelini, Mary Pat (R-11) Brown, Christopher J, (R-08) Casagrande, Caroline (R-11) DeCroce, Betty Lou (R-26) Gove, DiAnne C. (R-09) Kean, Sean T. (R-30) Russo, David C. (R-40) OScanlon, Declan J. (R-13) Schepisi, Holly (R-39) Space, Parker** *R-24) Wolfe, David W. (R-10) 86% 86% 84% 84% 84% 84% 82% 82% 82% 82% 82% 82% 82% 80% 80% 80% 80% Burzichelli, John J. (D-03) Chivukula, Upendra J. (D-17) Giblin, Thomas P. (D-34) Greenwald, Louis D. (D-06) Gusciora, Reed (D-15) Lampitt, Pamela R. (D-06) Wimberly, Benjie E. (D-35) Barnes III, Peter J. (D-18) Caride, Marlene (D-36) Diegnan, Patrick J. (D-18) Egan, Joseph V. (D-17) Fuentes, Angel (D-05) Jasey, Mila M. (D-27) McKeon, John F. (D-27) Singleton, Troy (D-07) Spencer, L. Grace (D-29) Stender, Linda (D-22) Watson Coleman, Bonnie (D-15) Wilson, Gilbert (D-05) DeAngelo, Wayne P. (D-14) Green, Jerry (D-22) Johnson, Gordon M. (D-37) Sumter, Shavonda E. (D-35) Wisniewski, John S. (D-19) Coughlin, Craig J. (D-19) Eustace, Timothy J. (D-38) Moriarty, Paul D. (D-04) Mosquera, Gabriela M. (D-04) Riley, Celeste M. (D-03) Vainieri Huttle, Valerie (D-37) Benson, Daniel (D-14) Caputo, Ralph R. (D-28) Conaway, Herb (D-07) Jimenez, Angelica M. (D-32) Mainor, Charles (D-31) Prieto, Vincent (D-32) Connors, Sean (D-33) Ramos, Ruben J. (D-33) Wagner, Connie (D-38) 11% 11% 11% 11% 11% 11% 11% 9% 9% 9% 9% 9% 9% 9% 9% 9% 9% 9% 9% 7% 7% 7% 7% 7% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 0% 0% 0%

Defenders of the Taxpayer


(B-rated Legislators: Taxpayer Score of 80-89%) Bucco, Anthony R. (R-25) 82% Oroho, Steven V. (R-24) 82% Thompson, Samuel D. (R-12) 82% Addiego, Dawn Marie (R-08) 80% Pennacchio, Joseph (R-26) 80%

Taxpayer Neutral
(C-rated Legislators: Taxpayer Score of 60-79%) Cardinale, Gerald (R-39) 78% Holzapfel, James W. (R-10) 78% Kyrillos, Joseph M. (R-13) 78% Kean, Thomas H. (R-21) 77% Connors, Christopher J. (R-09) 75% Allen, Diane B. (R-07) 70% OToole, Kevin J. (R-40) 70% Beck, Jennifer (R-11) 67% Singer, Robert W. (R-30) 66%

Taxpayer Neutral
(C-rated Legislators: Taxpayer Score of 60-79%) Brown, Chris A. (R-02) 75% Clifton, Robert D. (R-12) 75% Dancer, Ronald S. (R-12) 75% Amodeo, John F. (R-02) 70%

Assembly
Taxpayer Heroes
(A-rated Legislators: Taxpayer Score of 90-100%) Webber, Jay (R-26) 98% DiMaio, John (R-23) 95% Peterson, Erik (R-23) 95% Bucco, Anthony M. (R-25) 93% Carroll, Michael Patrick (R-25) 93% McHose, Alison Littell (R-24) 91%

Taxpayer Foes
(D-rated Legislators: Taxpayer Score of 30-59%) Albano, Nelson T. (D-01) 30%

Taxpayer Foes
(D-rated Legislators: Taxpayer Score of 30-59%) Bateman, Christopher (R-16) 59% Van Drew, Jeff (D-01) 41%

Taxpayer Zeroes
(F-rated Legislators: Taxpayer Score of 0-29%) Quijano, Annette (D-20) 25% Andrzejczak, Robert** (D-01) 20% Coutinho, Albert (D-29) 18% Tucker, Cleopatra G. (D-28) 18% Cryan, Joseph (D-20) 16% ODonnell, Jason (D-31) 14% Oliver, Sheila Y. (D-34) 14% Schaer, Gary S. (D-36) 14%

Defenders of the Taxpayer


(B-rated Legislators: Taxpayer Score of 80-89%) Simon, Donna (R-16) 89% Ciattarelli, Jack (R-16) 86% Munoz, Nancy (R-21) 86% Rible, David P. (R-30) 86% Rudder, Scott (R-08) 86%

Taxpayer Zeroes
(F-rated Legislators: Taxpayer Score of 0-29%) Rice, Ronald L. (D-28) 20% Turner, Shirley K. (D-15) 20%

Legislative Vote Explanations


Spending and Appropriations Measures
During the 215th Legislative Session, state spending continued an upward trend that should startle taxpayers. Despite a sputtering economy and ongoing budgetary challenges, the FY 2013 and FY 2014 budgets increased spending by nearly 11%. In fact, since FY 2010 (Gov. Corzines final budget), the state budget has grown a staggering 13.75%, from $29B to $33B, while our economy has barely grown more than 1% a year. The Legislature also continues to try to pile on spending for pet issues such as family planning, an effort twice vetoed by Gov. Christie.

State spending rose 11% during the legislative session and has risen 13.75% over the past four years!

While investment firms such as Fitch and Moodys have sounded alarm bells regarding the states debt burden and future pension and benefit obligations, far too many legislators are ignoring these warnings. Take open space preservation as an example. In the General Assembly a measure was proposed to borrow $200M over the next two fiscal years to fund open space. Worse yet, the state Senate proposed a constitutional amendment to siphon off up to $200M a year in sales tax revenue for open space over the next thirty yearsa total that could reach as high as $6B! Vote 1 FY 2013 Budget* AFP Position: NO, Enacted with Line Item Veto A3200/S2013 The FY 2013 $31.74B budget appropriation represents roughly a 7% year-over-year increase. AFP considered this budget to be fiscally irresponsible given the state of the economy and the States dire fiscal condition. AFP continues to advocate for significant spending reductions and to reduce the size and scope of State government. Vote 2 FY 2014 Budget* AFP Position: NO, Enacted A4200/S3000 The FY 2014 $32.98B budget represents another 4% increase in spending.

Vote 3 FY 2012 Supplemental Appropriations AFP Position: NO, Enacted AFP opposed this profligate supplemental appropriations bill which increases FY 2012 spending by a net of another $170M.

A3203/S2012

Vote 4 Transportation Trust Fund Borrowing AFP Position: NO, Enacted A3205/S2020 Authorized more borrowing without voter approval to fill the coffers of the Transportation Trust Fund. This bill is illustrative of the States fiscal mismanagement. Vote 5 FY 2013 Family Planning Appropriation and Medicaid Expansion AFP Position: NO, Absolute Veto A3204/S788 A proposed $7.45M supplemental appropriation for family planning services, the primary vehicle for taxpayer-funded abortions, and to extend Medicaid coverage for family planning services to persons with incomes up to 200% of federal poverty level. Vote 6 FY 2014 Family Planning Appropriation AFP Position: NO, Absolute Veto Another attempt at a $7.45M supplemental appropriation for family planning services. A4172/S2825

Vote 7 Open Space Constitutional Amendment AFP Position: NO, Passed Senate SCR160 Reckless proposal to amend our state constitution to dedicate $200M a year in sales tax revenue for open space preservation for next 30 yearsa staggering total of $6B for a highly questionable investment. Vote 8 Open Space Constitutional Amendment AFP Position: NO, Passed Senate SCR165 Slightly amended version of original CR also aimed at dedicating up to $200M a year in sales tax revenue for open space for next 30 years. Vote 9 Green Acres, Water Supply and Floodplain Protection, and Farmland and Historic Preservation Bond Act of 2014, AFP Position: NO, Passed Assembly Assembly ballot proposal to borrow another $200M for open space in FY 15 and FY 16. A4541

Tax and Regulatory Measures


While there have been no major tax increases on Gov. Christies watch, it has not been for lack of effort from the Legislature. Several times since 2010, including once during the recent session, bills have been put forth that would raise New Jerseys top-end income tax rate from 8.97% up to a punitive 10.75%. The Legislature also continues to manipulate the tax code to impose their agenda of wealth redistribution. Case in point is the effort to expand the Earned Income Tax Credit, which is in effect a transfer program for many who do not pay taxes in the first place. Bills like the Economic Opportunity Act are tantamount to an admission by lawmakers of both parties that New Jerseys high tax climate is hurting

economic growth and job creation. However, these kinds of misguided corporate welfare tax breakspicking winners and losers in the marketplacedo little, if anything, to generate jobs and prosperity. Instead the Legislature should be focusing on delivering truly stimulative tax relief to all New Jersey residents and businesses. Instead of stimulating our economy by cutting taxes for all New Jersey taxpayers and job creators, lawmakers passed a convoluted corporate welfare bill dubbed the Economic Opportunity Act. Picking winners and losers in the marketplace is not the solution to making New Jersey competitive again and growing our economy.

Vote 10 Unemployment Insurance (UI) Tax Hike A UI tax hike on New Jersey businesses.

AFP Position: NO, Passed Senate

A2222/S1121

Vote 11 Millionaires Tax AFP Position: NO, Conditional Veto A3201/S1147 Proposal to increase New Jersey top-end income tax rate from 8.97% to 10.75% on individuals and businesses earning $1M or more. The governors conditional veto calls for a tax cut. Vote 12 Internet Sales Tax AFP Position: NO, Passed Assembly Revises sales and use tax definition of sellers to apply to Internet vendors and others. AFP opposes an Internet sales tax. A2003/S1305

Vote 13 Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Expansion AFP Position: NO, Absolute Veto A3029/S1141 Increased benefit amounts under New Jersey EITC program to 25% of federal EITC amounts beginning in Tax Year 2012. The EITC amounts to a transfer program, rewarding many who do not pay taxes with a tax credit. Vote 14 Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Expansion Identical proposal to Bill A3029/S1141 reintroduced in 2013. AFP Position: NO, Conditional Veto A3793/S2535

Vote 15 The New Jersey Economic Opportunity Act of 2013 (Original Vote Only) AFP Position: NO, Enacted after Conditional Veto A3680/S2583 A corporate welfare bill on steroids. Bill also sought to expand union prevailing wage but provision was stricken by Gov. Christie. Vote 16 Corporate Disinvestment Property Tax Relief Act AFP Position: NO, Absolute Veto Another ridiculous idea to bail out municipalities facing a drop in ratables after losing a major corporation to another state. A3807/S2595

Energy & Environmental Measures


The 215th New Jersey Legislature could hardly be termed a friend of ratepayers. Here in the Garden State, electricity rates are nearly the highest in the nation. Yet just about every energy policy pursued by the Legislature over the past two years would make the costs of heating our homes, keeping our lights on and running a business even more expensive. Included among these efforts are re-imposing the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, aka RGGI; Cap & Trade electricity tax; massive subsidies for the states solar energy racket; and a wild-eyed pursuit of installing offshore windmills along the Jersey Shore.

The New Jersey Legislature continues to pursue a ridiculous $100M taxpayerfunded scheme to install windmills off the Jersey Shore. An analysis of a proposal to complete the project determined it would result in the most expensive offshore wind power in the world!

Vote 17 RGGI Cap-and-Trade Bill: Force Re-Entry* AFP Position: NO, Absolute Veto A1998/S1322 A countereffort by RGGI cap-and-trade supporters to compel the governor to keep New Jersey in the program and enforce this job-killing electricity tax. Vote 18 Fracking Wastewater Ban AFP Position: NO, Absolute Veto A575/S253 AFP views fracking (hydraulic fracturing) as a safe, effective way of extracting natural gas resources, as well as a critical boon to our nations economy and jobs. This ban is without merit. Vote 19 Solar Energy Sector Subsidies AFP Position: NO, Enacted Taxpayer subsidies to prop up the states failing solar sector. Cost to energy consumers could reach as high as $400 million. A2966/S1925

Vote 20 DEP Waivers Inconsistent with Legislative Intent AFP Position: NO, Passed Assembly ACR37/SCR59 Resolution which attempted to undercut executive branches authority to shield New Jersey businesses from onerous DEP regulations. Vote 21 Resolution on NJ Energy Link AFP Position: NO, Filed with Sec. of State ACR197/SCR159 A proposed $1.8B boondoggle to install a transmission line off New Jerseys coast as part of the States wrong-headed offshore wind scheme. Vote 22 Expands States energy efficiency and renewable energy requirements. AFP Position: NO, Passed Assembly A1383/S2700 Another bill that would result in higher utility costs for New Jersey ratepayers by increasing the states reliance on more expensive and less efficient renewable energy.

ObamaCare & Other Health Care Measures


Over the past two years, the state Legislature has attempted to entrench the federal health care takeover in New Jersey. Thanks to enormous grassroots pressure from AFP however, Gov. Christie vetoed the establishment of a staterun ObamaCare exchange two times, leaving the task of running and funding this bureaucracy to the federal government. There was also a push for a permanent expansion of Medicaid under ObamaCare which, if enacted, would likely have cost New Jersey taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars in future years. While Gov. Christie vetoed this legislation, the governor opted to go along with expanding Medicaid for at least one yearputting it on budget for FY 2014.

AFP activists put the heat on to thwart the establishment of a state-run ObamaCare exchange in New Jerseyand Gov. Christie listened, vetoing the effort twice! A2171/S1319 A3186/S2135 A3878/S2673

Vote 23 New Jersey Health Benefit Exchange Act* AFP Position: NO, Absolute Veto This bill advanced the government health care takeover in New Jersey by initiating the setup of health care exchanges. Vote 24 New Jersey Health Benefit Exchange Act (2nd Attempt)* Second attempt to establish an ObamaCare exchange in New Jersey. AFP Position: NO, Absolute Veto

Vote 25 Health Care Exchange - Public Awarness Campaign AFP Position: NO, Absolute Veto Required establishment of a public awareness campaign about new federally required health insurance exchange.

Vote 26 Health Care Exchange - Task Force Another effort to impose ObamaCare in New Jersey.

AFP Position: NO, Filed with Sec. of State ACR184/SCR144

Vote 27 Medicaid Coverage for Family Planning Services AFP Position: NO, Absolute Veto A4171/S2824 Provided Medicaid coverage for family planning services to individuals with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Vote 28 Medicaid Expansion Resolution AFP Position: NO, Passed Senate ACR170/SCR132 AFP opposed this concurrent resolution urging the governor to expand this entitlement under ObamaCare. AFP supports full repeal of ObamaCare and block granting of funds to states to empower them to administer Medicaid programs as they see fitnot enrolling more Americans in the failing, broken Medicaid system. Vote 29 Medicaid Expansion* AFP Position: NO, Absolute Veto A4233/S2644 Expands Medicaid eligibility pursuant to ObamaCare. Vote 30 Expands Health Coverage Benefits for Government Workers AFP Position: NO, Absolute Veto A1665/S1253 This bill would have added roughly $4B in costs by expanding health care coverage for certain government workers to cover treatment for alcoholism, other substance-use disorders, and non biologically-based mental illnesses.

Supreme Court Nominations


New Jersey has one of the most radical, left-wing courts in the country. Over the course of four decades, and more than 20 Abbott decisions, the court has imposed its will in the area of education funding, usurping the Legislatures authority to appropriate these dollars. The result has been a massive redistribution of wealth to just 31 of the states 603 school districtsand soaring property taxes for New Jersey homeowners in most of the remaining districts. Likewise, the Supreme Courts activist Mt. Laurel decisions forced taxpayers to subsidize affordable housing in every community across the state. Gov. Christie rightfully pledged to remake the state Supreme Court by appointing judges who would interpret, rather than make law from the bench. Unfortunately, AFP found two of the governors nominees, attorney Bruce Harris and first assistant state Attorney General Philip Kwon, to be unqualified and unsuitable for the states highest court and actively worked to defeat their nominations.

AFP opposed the nominations of Bruce Harris and Phillip Kwon to the state Supreme Court due to lack of qualifications and concerns that they would not be originalist justices committed to interpreting rather making law from the bench.

Vote 31 Philip Kwon Judicial Confirmation AFP Position: NO, Rejected NA AFP opposed the nomination of Philip Kwon to the state Supreme Court due to lack of qualifications. Vote 32 Bruce Harris Judicial Nomination AFP Position: NO, Rejected NA AFP opposed the nomination of Bruce Harris to the state Supreme Court due to lack of qualifications.

Labor, Unions & Government Worker Measures


Perhaps no other legislation demonstrates the misguided priorities in Trenton than the ballot referendum to embed the minimum wage in our state constitution. Approved by the voters last fall, the amendment bumped the current minimum wage up $1.25 to $8.50 an hour, andeven worseindexes future increases to inflation (CPI). Increasing the minimum wage may be feel-good politics, but this law will result in fewer jobs and opportunity for the very people the law is intended to help: lowskilled workers and teenagers. Exploiting our constitution to make this bad policy permanent will prove to be a long-lasting blow to New Jersey workers and businesses. Similarly, right on the heels of securing more than $30B in Hurricane Sandy relief aid, a bill passed both houses that would have expanded project labor agreements, or PLAs, for stormrelated reconstruction projects---thus, allowing Big Labor to take advantage of the windfall. Gov. Christie vetoed this legislation that placed Big Labor special interests ahead of Sandy victims. Reckless! Raising the minimum wage hurts the very people it intends to help. And, no thanks to the state Legislature, this bad economic policy is now embedded in our state constitution for the foreseeable future. Vote 33 Minimum-Wage Hike* AFP Position: NO, Conditional Veto A2162/S3 Increased minimum wage from $7.25 to $8.50 and indexed future increases to inflation. According to the vast majority of economists, the minimum wage destroys jobs for teenagers and low-skilled workers. Guaranteeing future increases tied to inflation is terrible economic policy and will hurt the very people this supposedly aims to help.

Vote 34 Minimum Wage - Constitutional Amendment AFP Position: NO, Enacted Via Referendu ACR168/SCR1 Increasing the minimum wage and indexing it to inflation is a bad enough idea, but institutionalizing minimum-wage hikes via constitutional amendment is even more disastrous. Vote 35 Constitutional Amendment Pertaining to Judicial Salaries & Benefits AFP Position: YES, Enacted via Referendum ACR152/SCR110 Proposed constitutional amendment clarifying Legislatures authority to pass laws taking contributions from justices and certain judges salaries for employee benefits. Vote 36 Expansion of Project Labor Agreements AFP Position: NO, Absolute Veto A3679/S2425 An outrageous attempt to pay off Big Labor with Sandy relief aid money by expanding the application of cost-inflating PLAs for storm-related reconstruction projects.

Social Engineering Measures


Government interference in the housing sector was in large part responsible for the housing bust and Great Recession. But this lesson has not been learned in Trenton. One of the more outrageous proposals of the 215th Legislative Session, the so-called New Jersey Residential Foreclosure Transformation Act, combined a bailout of institutional lenders and social engineering scheme into one big, bad bill. The bill would have authorized the state to borrow billions of dollars to purchase foreclosed homes across the state, turn them into affordable housing units, and house them with people with special needs. Shockingly, special needs individuals encompass ex-cons, sex offenders, homeless people and juvenile delinquents!

If liberals in the statehouse had their way, the State would have been Gov. Christie heeded our call to veto this absurd and offensive legislation, authorized to borrow billions of dollars to buy foreclosed homes in our while also thwarting two subsequent variations of the bill. neighborhoods, turn them into affordable housing units, and house them with sex offenders, ex-cons and other undesirables! Vote 37 New Jersey Residential Foreclosure Transformation Scheme* AFP Position: NO, Absolute Veto A2168/S1566 Bailouts and social engineering all in one: This bill authorized the State to borrow billions of dollars to purchase foreclosed homes, turn them into affordable housing units, and house them with people with special needs.

Vote 38 New Jersey Residential Foreclosure Transformation Scheme (2nd Attempt) AFP Position: NO, Conditional Veto A3413/S2157 An attempt to enact a slightly amended version of the foreclosure scheme. Vote 39 New Jersey Residential Foreclosure Transformation Scheme (3rd Attempt) AFP Position: NO, Conditional Veto A4251/S2716 Third version of this bad bill. Vote 40 Tax Credits for Hiring Long-Term Unemployed AFP Position: NO, Passed Assembly A2402/S1756 Government manipulation of the labor market. Provided bonus awards to certain businesses who hire employees who were previously unemployed for more than 13 weeks.

Measures Impacting Local Government


AFP is a leading advocate for home rule and local control. A government that is closest to the people, after all, is more responsive to the people and typically more responsible with taxpayer dollars. As such, AFP opposes Trentons heavy-handed approach and imposition of incessant mandates on local government which tie the hands of mayors and town councils, undermining their authority to run their municipalities as they see fit.

Bills like the Shared Services Mandate undermine local self-government and force towns and municipalities to pay the price for Trentons fiscal mismanagement.

Vote 41 Shared Services Mandate AFP Position: NO, Passed Senate A1171/S2 AFP supports the concept of home rule as the best way to keep the costs of local government down for taxpayers. Moreover, AFP denounces the provision in this bill that threatens to reduce State aid to municipalities that do not comply with this law. Extortion is no way to govern. Vote 42 User Fee Mandate AFP Position: NO, Passed Senate A2975/S1914 Another attack on home rule. Required certain user fees for the provision of traditional municipal services to be included within the 2% municipal and county property tax levy cap.

Legislative Votes--Members of the General Assembly


Measure
Assembly Member Albano, Nelson T. Amodeo, John F. Andrzejczak, Robert** Angelini, Mary Pat Barnes III, Peter J. Benson, Daniel Bramnick, Jon M. Brown, Chris A. Brown, Christopher J, Bucco, Anthony M. Burzichelli, John J. Caputo, Ralph R. Caride, Marlene Carroll, Michael Patrick Casagrande, Caroline Chivukula, Upendra J. Ciattarelli, Jack Clifton, Robert D. Conaway, Herb Connors, Sean Coughlin, Craig J. Coutinho, Albert Cryan, Joseph Dancer, Ronald S. DeAngelo, Wayne P. DeCroce, Betty Lou Diegnan, Patrick J. DiMaio, John Egan, Joseph V. Eustace, Timothy J. Fuentes, Angel Spending & Appropriations District/ Total Party Votes 1* 2* 3 1 2 1 11 18 14 21 2 8 25 3 28 36 25 11 17 16 12 7 33 19 29 20 12 14 26 18 23 17 38 5 D R D R D D R R R R D D D R R D R R D D D D D R D R D R D D D 44 44 15 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 X Tax & Regulatory Energy & Environment Obamacare & Other Health Care Sup. Court Labor, Unions Social & Govt Engineering Worker Local Govt

Taxpayer Scores
20122013 30% 70% 20% 82% 9% 2% 84% 75% 82% 93% 11% 2% 9% 93% 82% 11% 86% 75% 2% 0% 5% 18% 16% 75% 7% 82% 9% 95% 9% 5% 9% 20102011 22% 74% NA 79% 21% 14% 76% NA NA 84% 21% 19% NA 92% 74% 18% NA NA 21% NA 21% 20% 17% 70% 17% NA 25% 94% 18% NA 20%

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17* 18 19 20 21 22 23* 24* 25 26 27 28 29* 30 31 32 33 34* 35 36 37* 38 39 40 41 42 X X X X X X NV X X X X NV X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X NV X X X X X X X NV X X X X NV X X X X X X X X X X X NV X

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

NV X NV X

X NV X

X NV X

X X NV

X X X X

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X NV X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

X X X X

X X X X X X X X X X X X

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

X X X

NV X

NV

NV NV

NV

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

X X X NV NV X X X X NV X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X NV NV X X X X X X X

X X X X

NV X X X X X X X X X

X X X X X X X X NV X

X X X

NV NV

X X

NV

X X X X NV

NV X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X NV NV X X NV X X NV NV NV

X X

X X X X X

X X X X X X

X X

NV

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

X X

X X X X X

X X NV X X X X X X X NV X X X X X X X NV X X NV X

X X X X NV X X X X X X X NV X X X X

X X X X X X X X

X X X X X X X X NV

X X X

X X X X NV X X X X X

X X X X X X X

X X X X X X X X X X X X X

X X

X X X X X

NV X

X X X X

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

X X

X X NV X X

X NV

X X X X NV NV X X X X X X X X X X X

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X NV X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X NV X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

X X X X X X

X X X X X X X NV X X X X X X X

Legislative Votes--Members of the General Assembly


Measure
Assembly Member Giblin, Thomas P. Gove, DiAnne C. Green, Jerry Greenwald, Louis D. Gusciora, Reed Handlin, Amy H. Jasey, Mila M. Jimenez, Angelica M. Johnson, Gordon M. Kean, Sean T. Lampitt, Pamela R. Mainor, Charles McGuckin, Gregory P. McHose, Alison Littell McKeon, John F. Moriarty, Paul D. Mosquera, Gabriela M. Munoz, Nancy ODonnell, Jason OScanlon, Declan J. Oliver, Sheila Y. Peterson, Erik Prieto, Vincent Quijano, Annette Ramos, Ruben J. Rible, David P. Riley, Celeste M. Rudder, Scott Rumana, Scott T. Rumpf, Brian E. Riley, Celeste M. Spending & Appropriations District/ Total Party Votes 1* 2* 3 34 9 22 6 15 13 27 32 37 30 6 31 10 24 27 4 4 21 31 13 34 23 32 20 33 30 3 8 40 9 3 D R D D D R D D D R D D R R D D D R D R D R D D D R D R R R D 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 X X X X X Tax & Regulatory Energy & Environment Obamacare & Other Health Care Sup. Court Labor, Unions Social & Govt Engineering Workers Local Govt

Taxpayer Scores
20122013 11% 82% 7% 11% 11% 84% 9% 2% 7% 82% 11% 2% 84% 91% 9% 5% 5% 86% 16% 80% 14% 95% 2% 25% 0% 86% 5% 86% 84% 86% 5% 20102011 21% 84% 20% 21% 22% 80% 20% NA 21% 69% 21% 18% NA 90% 20% 37% NA 75% 18% 79% 17% 93% 18% 17% 18% 80% 25% 78% 88% 84% 25%

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17* 18 19 20 21 22 23* 24* 25 26 27 28 29* 30 31 32 33 34* 35 36 37* 38 39 40 41 42 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X NV X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X NV X X X X NV X X X X X X X X X X

X X X X

X X X

X X X X X X X X X X X X

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X NV X X X X X X NV X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X NV X X X

X X X X

X X X X X X X X X X

X X NV X NV NV X X

X X X

X X X

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

X X X X X X

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

X X X X X X X X X X X X

X X X

X X X X

X X X X NV X X X X X X NV X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X NV X X X

X X X X

X X X X X X X X X X NV

X X X X X X X X X X X NV 1

NV NV X

X X X

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X NV X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X NV X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

X X X X X X

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

X X X X X NV X X X

X X X X X X X X X X X NV NV X X

X X X NV X X NV NV

X X NV X X X X X NV X X X X NV X X

NV

X NV X X X X X NV X

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X NV

X X X X X X X X X X NV

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X NV NV X X X NV X X NV X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X NV X

X X

X X X X X

X NV NV X X X X X X X NV X X X X X NV X X NV

X X X X X X X NV X

X X X X X X X X X X X X NV

X X X X NV X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X NV X X NV X NV NV

X X X X X

NV

NV NV X NV

NV

NV

44 NV X NV X NV NV 44 X X X X X X

NV X NV

NV

NV

NV NV

X X X X NV X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

X X

X X X X X

Legislative Votes--Members of the General Assembly


Measure
Assembly Member Schaer, Gary S. Schepisi, Holly Schroeder, Robert Simon, Donna Singleton, Troy Space, Parker** Spencer, L. Grace Stender, Linda Sumter, Shavonda E. Tucker, Cleopatra G. Vainieri Huttle, Valerie Wagner, Connie Watson Coleman, Bonnie Webber, Jay Wilson, Gilbert Wimberly, Benjie E. Wisniewski, John S. Wolfe, David W. Spending & Appropriations District/ Total Party Votes 1* 2* 3 36 39 39 16 7 24 29 22 35 28 37 38 15 26 5 35 19 10 D R R R D R D D D D D D D R D D D R 44 44 44 44 44 15 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 X X X X X X Tax & Regulatory Energy & Environment Obamacare & Other Health Care Sup. Court Labor, Unions Social & Govt Engineering Workers Local Govt

Taxpayer Scores
20122013 14% 80% 86% 89% 9% 80% 9% 9% 7% 18% 5% 0% 9% 98% 9% 11% 7% 80% 20102011 34% NA 78% NA NA NA 21% 20% NA 18% 19% 20% 18% 89% 19% NA 20% 74%

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17* 18 19 20 21 22 23* 24* 25 26 27 28 29* 30 31 32 33 34* 35 36 37* 38 39 40 41 42 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X NV NV X X X X X X NV X X X X NV X X X NV X X X X X

X X X X

X X X X X X X X X

NV NV NV

NV X X

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

X X X X X X NV X X NV X X X X X X X X X X X

NV X NV X X X X X X X X X NV X X X X X X X X X

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X NV X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X NV X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

X X NV X X X X X X X X X X NV X

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

X X NV X X X X X X X NV X X X X X X X NV X NV X X X

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

X X X X X X X X X X X X

X X X X NV X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X NV X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X NV NV X

X X X X X X

X X X X X

NV X X X X X X X X X

X X X

AFP Position = NO Abstention/Not Voting on Amendments or Motions to Table = 1/2 vote Abstention/Not Voting on Final Passage or Resolutions = 1 vote AFP Position = YES Abstention/Not Voting on Amendments or Motions to Table = 0 vote Abstention/Not Voting on Final Passage or Resolutions = 0 vote NOTE REGARDING ASSEMBLY VOTES: In the General Assembly , 35 of the 42 measures were voted on. 8 votes we were weighted bringing the vote tally for most Assembly members to 44.

Legislative Votes--Members of the State Senate


Measure
Senator Addiego, Dawn Marie Allen, Diane B. Bateman, Christopher Beach, James Beck, Jennifer Bucco, Anthony R. Buono, Barbara Cardinale, Gerald Codey, Richard J. Connors, Christopher J. Cunningham, Sandra B. Doherty, Michael Gill, Nia H. Gordon, Robert M. Greenstein, Linda R. Holzapfel, James W. Kean, Thomas H. Kyrillos, Joseph M. Lesniak, Raymond J. Madden, Jr., Fred H. Norcross, Donald OToole, Kevin J. Oroho, Steven V. Pennacchio, Joseph Pou, Nellie Rice, Ronald L. Ruiz, M. Teresa Sacco, Nicholas J. Sarlo, Paul A. Scutari, Nicholas P. Singer, Robert W. Spending & Appropriations District/ Total Party Votes 1* 2* 3 8 7 16 6 11 25 18 39 27 9 31 23 34 38 14 10 21 13 20 4 5 40 24 26 35 28 29 32 36 22 30 R R R D R R D R D R D R D D D R R R D D D R R R D D D D D D R 44 44 46 44 45 44 44 46 44 44 44 45 46 44 46 46 44 46 46 44 44 46 44 44 46 44 44 44 46 46 44 Tax & Regulatory Energy & Environment Obamacare & Other Health Care Sup. Court Labor, Unions Social & Govt Engineering Workers Local Govt

Taxpayer Scores
20122013 80% 70% 59% 5% 67% 82% 11% 78% 16% 75% 2% 98% 11% 5% 11% 78% 77% 78% 13% 5% 11% 70% 82% 80% 11% 20% 2% 14% 17% 13% 66% 20102011 73% 56% 66% 27% 62% 69% 24% 80% 27% 74% 21% 93% 25% 31% 22% 75% 67% 76% 18% 25% 27% 76% 84% 75% 28% 26% 16% 25% 35% 24% 69%

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17* 18 19 20 21 22 23* 24* 25 26 27 28 29* 30 31 32 33 34* 35 36 37* 38 39 40 41 42 X NV X X NV NV X NV X X NV X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X NV X X X X X NV NV X X X X X NV X X X X X X X X X X X X X NV X X X X X X X X X X X X NV X X X X X X X X X X NV X X

X X X X X

NV

X NV X X

NV X

NV NV NV

X X X X X X X

X X

X X X X X X NV X X X X X X X X X X X NV X NV

X X NV X

X X X X X X X X X X X

X X X X X X X X X X X X

X X

X X X X

NV

X NV

NV

NV

X X X X X X X NV X

X X X

X X

X X X X

X NV X X X X X X NV X X X

X X NV X X X X

NV X X

X X X X X X X

X X X

X X X X X NV

X NV X X X X X X NV NV X

X X

X X X X NV

X X X NV

NV X

X X X X X X X X X

X X NV X X X X X X X X X

X X X X X X X NV

X X X X X X X X X

X X

X X X X

NV

X X X X X NV

X X X X X X X X X X X X X NV X X X X X X X NV X X X X X

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X NV NV X X

X X NV X X X X X X X X X X

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X NV X X X X NV

X X NV X X X X

X X X X X X

NV

NV NV X

NV NV

X X

X X X X X X

X X X X X X X X X

X X X X X X

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X NV

X X X X X X

X X X X X X X X X X X X

X X X X X X NV X X X X X X X NV NV X X X X X X X X X X NV X NV

X X X X X X X X X X X X NV X NV NV NV X NV NV X NV X X X

X X X

NV

NV

X X X X X X

X X X X X X X X X X X X X

X X X X X X X X NV NV X X NV

X X X X X X X X NV X X X X X X

X X NV X X X X X X NV X X NV X X X X X X X X X

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

X X X X X X X X X X X X X

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X NV

X X NV X X X

X X X X NV NV X X X X X X X X X X X

X X X X

X X X X X NV X X X X X

X X NV X X X X

X X X

Legislative Votes--Members of the State Senate


Measure
Assembly Member Smith, Bob Stack, Brian P. Sweeney, Stephen M. Thompson, Samuel D. Turner, Shirley K. Van Drew, Jeff Vitale, Joseph F. Weinberg, Loretta Whelan, Jim Spending & Appropriations District/ Total Party Votes 1* 2* 3 17 33 3 12 15 1 19 37 2 D D D R D D D D D 44 46 44 44 44 44 44 46 44 X Tax & Regulatory Energy & Environment Obamacare & Other Health Care Sup. Court Labor, Unions Social & Govt Engineering Workers Local Govt

Taxpayer Scores
20122013 18% 4% 2% 82% 20% 41% 14% 13% 2% 20102011 26% 25% 24% 82% 22% 39% 28% 28% 26%

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17* 18 19 20 21 22 23* 24* 25 26 27 28 29* 30 31 32 33 34* 35 36 37* 38 39 40 41 42 NV X X X X X X X X X X X NV X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X NV X X X NV X X X X X X X X NV NV X X X X X X X NV X X X NV X X X X

X X X X X X

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X NV NV NV

X X X X NV X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X NV NV X X

X X X X

X X X X X X X X X X

X X X X X X NV X X X X X X X X

X X X X X X X X X X NV X

X X

X NV X NV X X

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

X X X X

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

X X X X X X

NV X X X X X X X X X X X

X X NV X X X X X X X X X X X

X X X X X X X X

AFP Position = NO Abstention/Not Voting on Amendments or Motions to Table = 1/2 vote Abstention/Not Voting on Final Passage or Resolutions = 1 vote AFP Position = YES Abstention/Not Voting on Amendments or Motions to Table = 0 vote Abstention/Not Voting on Final Passage or Resolutions = 0 vote NOTE REGARDING SENATE VOTES: In the Senate, 35 of the 42 measures were voted on. 8 votes we were weighted bringing the vote tally for most Assembly members to 44. Notes Regarding the 215th Legislative Session The New Jersey Legislature consists of 80 members of the General Assembly and 40 members of the State Senate covering 40 legislative districts. Three members of the Legislature departed mid-session and were replaced as follows: District 1 Asm. Matthew Milam (D), replaced by Robert Andrzejczak (D) District 24 Asm. Gary Chiusano (R), replaced by Asm. Parker Space (R) District 28 Asm. Albert Coutinho (D), replaced by Asw. Eliana Pinto Marin (D)

AFP recommends visiting the state legislative website to access the most up-to-date information on sitting legislators for the 216th Legislative Session which is available at http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/Default.asp.

Você também pode gostar