Since Governor Chris Christie took office earlier this year, he has made popular the term “shared sacrifice.” At its best, this phrase signifies the coming together of all New Jersey residents to resolve our State’s challenging fiscal situation. At its worse, shared sacrifice means the loss of vital programs, services, and resources for students, low-income families, elderly individuals, and people with developmental, intellectual, and physical disabilities. When Governor Christie vetoed the so-called Millionaire’s Tax last week only moments after both houses of the Legislature passed the legislation, he sent a message loud and clear to New Jersey citizens: shared sacrifice applies only to those individuals who are already sacrificing and not to those who could afford to share a little more. Below is a sampling from emails my office received from constituents expressing their disagreement with the Governor’s decision to put the concerns of 16,000 wealthy residents ahead of the needs of 600,000 senior citizens and individuals with disabilities:

“No one disagrees that NJ’s financial troubles NEED to be addressed. The budget proposal from Governor Christie includes major cuts to health care, senior citizen programs, education, municipal aid and transportation, BUT no new revenue. The responsible way to respond to the current realities of NJ’s budget deficit is to extend the ‘Millionaire’s Tax’ – which is true “shared sacrifice”.”

“Christie talks about sharing the pain in balancing the state budget, but when it comes to the wealthy, there is no sharing. I don’t believe a one time tax would drive the wealthy from this state. In fact, Christie’s attempt to balance the budget on the backs of the middle class will have the same effect in driving out the middle class.”

“Please override this veto and make it law.”

Governor Christie’s proposed Fiscal Year 2011 budget eliminates the relied-upon homestead property tax rebates for over 600,000 senior citizen and disabled homeowners and tenants. Additionally, the proposed budget calls for drastic changes to the Pharmaceutical Assistance and Disabled (PAAD) and Senior Gold Prescription Discount programs. If these changes go into effect senior citizens and individuals with disabilities would be forced to pay hefty deductibles that they are unable to afford, resulting in people not purchasing the prescription medications they need.

These budget proposals would cause two of our State’s most vulnerable populations, senior citizens and individuals with disabilities, severe financial hardship. In response to the many pleas we have heard from our constituents to reverse these budget proposals, Democrats in the Legislature proposed legislation to adjust the income tax rate for individuals making over $1 million per year in fiscal year 2010. By raising the tax rate less than 2% on this segment of the population for a single year, New Jersey would take in an estimated $637 million in revenue. With that money, our State would be able to continue providing necessary assistance to senior citizens and disabled individuals by restoring the homestead rebate and staving off the PAAD and Senior Gold Prescription Discount changes.

I am disheartened by the Governor’s swift rejection of the Legislature’s effort to save crucial programs for senior citizens and individuals with disabilities. However, I look forward to working with likeminded colleagues in sending a message back to Governor Christie: New Jersey’s most vulnerable residents should not have to sacrifice anymore.

In an effort to close New Jersey’s significant budget gap, Governor Chris Christie has proposed cutting funding for many programs, services, and resources across the state. No sector of public life has been spared, including our state’s library system. The Governor’s proposed budget calls for a 74% reduction in funding for New Jersey’s libraries. In addition to holding a rally in Trenton, opponents of this budget proposal have called, emailed, and written letters to legislators on the matter. Below is sampling from emails my office received from constituents urging me not to support the drastic decrease in funding for New Jersey’s library system:

“Gov. Christie’s budget calls for a 74% decrease in funding for statewide library services. This cut includes the elimination of all statewide library programs and services. Once state funding is eliminated, NJ will lose $4.5 million in federal funding. This will have a devastating impact on New Jersey libraries.”

Libraries are busier than ever before. 170,000 people enter a NJ library every day. Libraries are used by New Jersey residents to file unemployment claims, apply for jobs, interact with government, expand job skills and participate in life long learning opportunities. Libraries are community anchors.”

“Restore library funding. The $10 million in library programs cut from the Governor’s budget represent little more than $1 per capita in state funds.”

“Do not eliminate statewide library programs.”

As I walked through the State House in Trenton a couple of weeks ago, I heard the loud chants of a normally quiet group of individuals: librarians. They were urging legislators to at least partially restore some of the $10.4 million Governor Chris Christie has proposed be cut from New Jersey’s state library system. I hope that we are able to do so, because like so many of my constituents, I am deeply concerned by the impacts such a hefty funding reduction will have on our state.

While remaining a cornerstone of community life in New Jersey, libraries have evolved over the years into vital hubs for information, resources, and services. Beyond helping people of all ages explore new interests and ideas, libraries host computer and ESL classes, help individuals search for employment opportunities, and promote multicultural understanding.

As a result of the Governor’s proposed funding cut, libraries may be forced to reduce hours, layoff employees, and eliminate certain resources currently available to library patrons, such as free internet. Of especially great concern is that libraries will have to limit their use of interlibrary loans and electronic databases. The Bergen County Cooperative Library System would be most affected by this, as two out of three statewide interlibrary loan transactions occurred in Bergen County in 2009. Many of the system’s users are elderly or disabled. Additionally, the governor has proposed eliminating RefUSA and EBSCOhost, databases that provide access to newspapers, journals and other publications.

While the proposed library funding reductions are no doubt troubling, I ask that you keep in mind that they are only proposed cuts at this point. Along with my colleagues in the legislature, I will advocate for our libraries and the important services they provide to our communities. I look forward to working to find creative solutions to the Governor’s proposed library cuts during the budget process.

On Saturday, May 1st, 2010 Kyleigh’s Law goes into effect. This legislation revises New Jersey’s Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) statute in an effort to reduce motor vehicle accidents involving teenage drivers. I have received many calls, emails, and letters from teenagers and parents regarding the impacts of Kyleigh’s Law. There is a great deal of misinformation about how this legislation will affect teenage drivers, and I hope to clarify the facts. Below is a sample from emails my office has received:

“The law states that any driver in New Jersey under the age of 21 years old has the rights of a basic provisional license.”

“This is not fair for the kids who got their license within the past year. They are now allowed to be home at midnight, but as of May 1st they will be getting punished for nothing and must be home by 11.”

“I do completely understand that a car is a weapon and it kills. I just do not want to be penalized for something I did not do nor intend to do.”

“I have two younger female cousins that will begin to drive soon and I am concerned for them. With this new law provisional drivers will be easily identifiable to predators, carjackers, and assailants.”

Background on Kyleigh’s Law

Kyleigh’s Law originated with the death of Kyleigh Dalessio, a promising 16 year old honor student and recognized athlete from Long Valley, NJ who died as the result of a motor vehicle accident. Unfortunately, Kyleigh was one of many teenagers in our state who has died as a result of a car accident. According to data compiled by the New Jersey State Police Fatal Accident Investigation Unit, 38 individuals between the ages of 16-20 were killed in automobile accidents in 2008. In that same year, 100 drivers between ages 16-20, 8 of whom were legally intoxicated, were involved in fatal accidents.

What is Kyleigh’s Law?

Kyleigh’s Law is a new set of provisions for all drivers under the age of 21 subject to New Jersey’s Graduated Driver’s License (GDL). This law requires all permit holders and drivers under 21 who have not yet completed a full year of probationary driving to abide by the following regulations:

1. May not operate a motor vehicle after 11:01 p.m. and before 5:00 a.m.

2. May not use a hand-held or hands-free interactive, wireless communication device
3. Unless over age 21, GDL drivers may only drive with the following passengers:

   a. Special Permit Holders:

   (i.) Supervising driver who is over 21 and licensed to drive for at least three (3) years

   (ii.) Parent(s), guardian(s) or dependent(s)

   (iii.) One additional passenger unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

   b. Examination Permit Holders

   (i.) Supervising driver who is over 21 and licensed to drive for at least three (3) years

   (ii.) Parent(s), guardian(s) or dependent(s)

   (iii.) One additional passenger unless accompanied by a parent or guardian

   c. Probationary (formerly Provisional) License Holder

   (i.) Parent(s), guardian(s) or dependent(s)

   (ii.) One additional passenger unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

4. Must display a reflectorized decal on each license plate (front/back) of any motor vehicle they operate.
5. Failure to abide by any GDL restriction during operation of a vehicle by a learner’s permit, an examination permit or probationary license holder, who is subject to the GDL requirements, is a violation subject to a $100 fine.

Addressing Concerns about the Reflective Decal

A key provision of Kyleigh’s Law requires permit holders and probationary drivers to display a reflective decal on their motor vehicles. Teenage constituents and their parents have expressed unease regarding these decals, arguing that teenagers could be targeted and profiled on the road. The intent of the decal provision is to help law enforcement officials better identify probationary drivers who are breaking the rules of their restricted license.

However, it is necessary for the State to make sure Kyleigh’s Law is only enhancing the safety of teen drivers. Therefore, I will introduce legislation requiring the Office of the Attorney General to compile data on the impacts of the legislation over a year long period. If adjustments to the law are needed, then I will work swiftly with my colleagues in the legislature to make those changes. The purpose of the Kyleigh’s Law is to save lives.

Valerie Vainieri Huttle

New Jersey faces a difficult fiscal situation, and although cuts are necessary, we are deeply concerned about the significant cuts to school districts in Bergen County. $102 million dollars is being cuts from Bergen County school district. Constituents are not in favor of these cuts. Hundreds of people have called, emailed and written letters to my office urging me not to support these education cuts. Below is a sampling from four letters my office has received.

“Governor Christie has already cut state aid to education by $475 million. Now he is talking about cutting education by another $1 billion in September. These cuts will mean fewer teachers, larger class sizes, fewer programs in math and reading and not enough books and materials in classrooms.

New Jersey’s public schools produce successful students who are ready to contribute to our workforce and build our economy. In a tough economy, you have to focus on what’s essential. There’s nothing more essential to our future and our economy than maintaining New Jersey’s excellent public schools.

Our schools simply can’t function without adequate funding. Please oppose Governor Christie’s cuts to education. It’s time to get our priorities straight.”

“The people that can really help to contribute to reducing New Jersey’s debt are protected by laws which will ultimately eliminate the middle class and the excellent teachers it produces. In many cases the teacher’s spouse is already out of work (LIKE ME!!) and the reduction in work force is going to have a devastating effect on our household.

Urge Gov. Christie to come up with a fair and equitable solution that effects EVERYONE in the great state of New Jersey and not just the state workers.”

“hello my name is ________ and im __ year old girl from ________. beacuse of this my dad is in trouble of losing his job and so are my teachers. i just wanted to say stop governer christy. and my dad and all the teachers need thier job. they are great leaders to me and all the other kids of N.J. i hope you take my email serially.”

“Cutting funding to New Jersey schools is a huge mistake. Education is the foundation to success for future generations. Don’t punish New Jersey’s students by taking away funding. I realize the state is in debt, but cutting funding to our schools is not the way to solve it.

I am extremely disappointed with Governor Christie and the other elected officials who agree with the him and urge you to change your minds and protect New Jersey’s Schools.”

As a parent and legislator, I believe that a strong public school system is essential to having a vibrant, creative, and productive society. Therefore, I too am deeply concerned by the Governor’s actions, especially by his cutting $102 million of education aid to Bergen County school districts.

While we are all aware of the state’s current fiscal situation, our children’s education must be our primary concern. As you are well aware, as a result of the Governor’s proposed education cuts, some teachers and school employees will lose their jobs and students across the state will no longer have access to vital language, arts, athletics, and extracurricular programs. Students will also face larger class sizes and receive fewer resources.

The short-term savings of such cuts are not worth the long-term impacts they will have on the quality of education in New Jersey. Currently, New Jersey ranks second in math and fifth in reading for elementary and middle schools across the nation. We must fight to preserve the quality of New Jersey’s public school education.

Along with my colleagues in the New Jersey Assembly, I will advocate for our students, teachers, and families during the budget process. I hope the Governor joins me in re-evaluating the detrimental education cuts he has proposed in his budget. After all, the Governor has spoken passionately about making New Jersey a better environment for the business community and there is no better way to do that than to invest in education.

I look forward to working to find creative solutions to the Governor’s proposed education cuts.

Valerie Vainieri Huttle