August 25, 2010
Contact: Bill Murray / (609) 292-5199
Senator Tom Kean (R-21)
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean issued the following statement regarding the decision by the Obama Administration to disqualify New Jersey’s “Race to the Top” application over a clerical error:
“I was disappointed to learn today that the Obama Administration found an easily corrected, clerical error more important than the substantive education reforms outlined in New Jersey’s ‘Race to the Top’ application. I trust the Obama Administration will explain to the people of New Jersey why form is more important than substance.
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August 23, 2010
Contact: Bill Murray / (609) 292-5199
Senator Mike Doherty (R-23),
Senator Tom Kean (R-21)
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean and Senator Mike Doherty, a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, sent a letter today to Senate President Steve Sweeney asking him to convene hearings on the subject of tax abatement policy in New Jersey. Tax abatement and tax exemptions were the subject of a recent report released by the Office of the State Comptroller. The letter is attached.
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August 18, 2010
Contact: Bill Murray / (609) 292-5199
Senator Tom Kean (R-21)
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean, Jr. (R-Union) cited a recent Comptroller report highly critical of the secrecy and abuses surrounding tax exemptions and abatements as further reasons why reform bills he has sponsored should be given consideration. In a report issued today, the State Comptroller indicated that property tax exemptions and abatements awarded in certain areas of the State have been cloaked in secrecy and have skewed school funding policies.
Certain municipalities over the years have increasingly exempted major developers from paying property taxes that support municipalities, schools and counties. The municipalities have permitted the developers to make alternative payments to only the municipalities and they that were not shared with counties and schools.
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August 16, 2010
Contact: John Gorman / (609) 292-5199
Senator Tom Kean (R-21)
One of Governor Christie’s Toolkit Initiatives
A bill sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean (Union) that would permit State colleges and universities to maintain their own workers compensation program was passed by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee today.
“Allowing a state college to administer their own workers’ compensation program, will be more convenient for workers and more cost-efficient for colleges, ” Kean stated. “Any savings may then be passed onto students in the form of lower tuition and fees.”
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August 5, 2010
Contact: Bill Murray / (609) 292-5199
Senator Tom Kean (R-21)
Senator Republican Leader Tom Kean (R-Union) made the following statement in the context of today’s Assembly Budget hearing on the State’s structural deficit:
“The need to fix a decade long structural deficit in New Jersey is old news. What’s new is Governor Christie’s commitment to not raise taxes. The legislature should now build on the structural reforms started since Governor Christie took office. Here’s a plan of immediate action: further reforms to pension and health benefits, acting on proposals to save our gaming industry, and moving forward with ‘tool kit’ reforms that drive down the costs of government at the State and local levels. My hope is that we come to the center of the room and find these solutions in bipartisan hearings.”
August 2, 2010
Contact: John Gorman / (609) 292-5199
Senator Tom Kean (R-21)
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean issued the following statement regarding the composition of the Legislative panel that will consider Governor Christie’s proposed changes to New Jersey’s gaming industry:
“It’s unacceptable to inject partisan politics into the modernization of major industries in New Jersey’s economy. The long-term futures of gaming and horse farming cross geographic and ideological boundaries. A transparent and fair process should include a balance of stakeholders including bipartisan representatives of the people.”
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July 27, 2010
Contact: John Gorman / (609) 292-5199
Senator Tom Kean (R-21)
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean expressed optimism today after it was announced that New Jersey is among 19 finalists for federal Race to the Top funding. The Race to the Top Fund provides competitive grants to encourage and reward States that are creating the conditions for education innovation and reform. If successful, the grant could bring up to $400 million in federal funding to New Jersey’s cash-strapped public schools over the next four years.
“New Jersey is home to some of the best schools and most dedicated teachers the country has to offer. Unfortunately, there are some schools that are failing our children year after year, as reflected in their low test scores and high drop-out rates, ” stated Kean. “It is time to challenge the status quo in these failing schools and ensure that a New Jersey high school diploma means our young people are prepared for college or to enter the workforce.”
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July 23, 2010
Contact: Bill Murray / (609) 292-5199
Senator Tom Kean (R-21)
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean issued the following statement:
“Many Republican members consider these priorities worthy of support. However, to fund them now would knock our budget out of balance. Having thoroughly analyzed Governor Christie’s full message and having discussed the state of our finances with members of the Republican caucus, there is strong support for maintaining a balanced budget. Should Senate President Sweeney determine the need to call another vote on these measures, there will not be enough support to spend money we do not have. It is now time to move forward with substantive committee hearings and a timely up or down vote on the property tax relief tool kit.”
July 8, 2010
Contact: John Gorman / (609) 292-5199
Senator Tom Kean (R-21)
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean issued the following statement today after the Senate passed a property tax cap. Under the bill, property tax increases would be capped at 2 percent annually with a limited number of exemptions, including voter override:
“New Jersey residents will finally have some predictability and control when it comes to their property tax bill. Giving voters a choice will help prevent another family from moving out or another business from closing due to rapidly escalating property taxes.
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July 3, 2010
Contact: Bill Murray / (609) 292-5199
Senator Tom Kean (R-21)
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean and the Republican Caucus issued the following statement regarding Governor Chris Christie’s Saturday special session on property taxes in New Jersey:
“The Senate Republican Caucus welcomes the agreement between Governor Christie and the Legislature that will impose a 2.0 percent hard cap on property tax increases at every level of government. We also understand that a hearing and vote on the various ‘Toolkit’ legislation will take place in the late summer. This is good news for New Jersey residents who have been routinely subject to more than seven percent property tax increases over the past decade.”
