At South Jersey event, lawmakers discuss plans for reform, job creation

By Andrew Kitchenman
NJBiz

A new governor and massive projected state deficit have opened up a major opportunity for reform, legislative leaders from both parties have agreed, but they differ on exactly what reforms are needed.

State Sen. Thomas H. Kean Jr. (R-Westfield) and Assembly Budget Committee Chairman Louis D. Greenwald (D-Voorhees) both see the coming months as a historic chance to change how Trenton operates. They shared a podium in Bordentown Township at a recent legislative breakfast held by the Southern New Jersey Development Council.

Kean said state leaders have recognized the need to change how the government operates for 20 years, but have "pushed the ball down the road."

"I think we really have an opportunity to get the right things done," he said.

The biggest priority is to create jobs by incubating new businesses and promoting business opportunities through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Kean said.

He also said there should be a conversation between state colleges and businesses over what job skills will be necessary in the future.

"How do we tie in business growth with educational opportunity?" Kean asked.

Whether necessary changes are made will be known by July 1 — the start of the next fiscal year, which Kean dubbed "judgment day."

Kean said reforms must be made to allow businesses to thrive, as "the backbone of the New Jersey economy is small business." He said the incoming leaders of the Legislature are "very serious people," and Gov.-elect Chris Christie’s appointment of former Assembly and Senate member Richard Bagger as chief of staff is a "very good indication of where he wants to go."

Both Kean and Greenwald said there should be a chance for state pension reform.

Kean said the state should have tort reform and allow health plans from other states to compete with those in New Jersey.

Greenwald said the lame-duck session presents a chance to cut the size of government. However, he said the overwhelming issue that Christie’s administration must face is to shift the state’s tax burden away from property taxes.

Greenwald said he supports local-option alternate taxes, such as local income taxes to fund schools or local gas taxes to fund road improvements, while holding property taxes at a flat level.

He said this would link tax payments to the people who use the services and reflect their ability to pay them, taking pressure off of senior residents.

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