Both Dem And GOP Leaders Praise Senate Pick

“A True Professional”

Legislators On Both Sides Of The Aisle Agree, Jeff Chiesa Is “Honest,” “Straightforward,” “Proven” And “New Jersey Is Very, Very Lucky To Have” Him

__________________________________________________________

Senator Nicholas Scutari (D), Chairman Of Senate Judiciary Committee: "People have always said how lucky Jeff was to meet Gov. Christie early on in his career . . . but I've always been of the opinion that the governor was lucky to meet Jeff, to have an individual of his intellect and compassion, but as well in his devotion to his principles.” (Matt Katz, “N.J. Attorney-General Nominee Sails Through Hearing,” Inquirer, 1/6/12)

• Scutari: “Let me thank you for the service that you’ve had to the state already in the past two years, I think you’ve done an excellent job.” (New Jersey Legislature, Senate Judiciary Committee, Hearing, 1/5/12)

Senator Brian Stack (D): “You’re a true professional, you’re humble, you’re extremely intelligent, you’re honorable and you’re fair. And I think New Jersey is very, very lucky to have you.” (New Jersey Legislature, Senate Judiciary Committee, Hearing, 1/5/12)

Senator Paul Sarlo (D): “I wish there was more people that we were dealing with like you, because you’ve always been very open and very honest with us.” (New Jersey Legislature, Senate Judiciary Committee, Hearing, 1/5/12)

Senator Loretta Weinberg (D), Senate Majority Leader: “Responsive and respectful.” (Timothy J. Carroll, “Chiesa’s Strong Character Preempts Partisan Dicing; Committee Approval: 12-0,” PolitickerNJ, 1/5/12)

Senator Raymond Lesniak (D): “In all my dealings with you, and we’ve talked about some delicate political issues involving public policy, you’ve never handled them in a political manner. You have always been straight forward with me. You were always honest. And you never play the political game. And I thank you for that.” (New Jersey Legislature, Senate Judiciary Committee, Hearing, 1/5/12)

Senator Kevin O’Toole (R): “Jeff is more than qualified to serve the taxpayers, and our state’s law enforcement community … I have the utmost faith and confidence that Jeff will protect our residents with the same zeal he did as a former US Attorney.” (“O’Toole Praises Selection of Chiesa as Next State Attorney General,” Press Release, 1/5/12)

• O’Toole: “At this time in the state’s history, [the Attorney General’s Office needs] a steady hand like Jeff Chiesa. They need somebody who is non-partisan. They need somebody who is fair. And you have the full confidence, from what I’m hearing here and what I’ve heard throughout the legislature. Republicans, Democrats, staffers all over, that it’s incredible. No one hate’s you, which is shocking.” (New Jersey Legislature, Senate Judiciary Committee, Hearing, 1/5/12)

Senator Nia Gill (D): “You know how to try the case, you have been in the trenches … You know how to employ and effectively use your resources.” (Timothy J. Carroll, “Chiesa’s Strong Character Preempts Partisan Dicing; Committee Approval: 12-0,”PolitickerNJ, 1/5/12)

Senator Jennifer Beck (R): “Both as an attorney in private practice, a federal prosecutor and as the Governor’s Counsel Jeff Chiesa has discharged his duties equitably and with integrity.” (“Beck: Chiesa Is an Excellent Choice to Lead Dept. of Law & Public Safety,” Press Release, 12/12/11)

·          Beck: “We have obviously had many difficult issues in front of us over the last two years, and that I’ve always appreciated your intellectual openness.” (New Jersey Legislature, Senate Judiciary Committee, Hearing, 1/5/12)

Senator Kip Bateman (R): “Persistent, effective and fair, and he’ll do much to make New Jersey a safer place to live.” (“Bateman: Chiesa Is Eminently Qualified to Be State Attorney General,” Press Release, 12/12/11)

·          Bateman: “Proven himself both in private practice and the public sector.” (“Bateman: Chiesa Is Eminently Qualified to Be State Attorney General,” Press Release, 12/12/11)

Assemblyman Jon Bramnick (R): “Attorney General Chiesa’s gun buyback program is a success. It is taking guns off the street and hopefully reducing the amount of violence. New Jersey appreciates his efforts that will make a real difference throughout our state.” (“Bramnick, Attorney General’s Gun Buyback Program Is A Success, Press Release, 2/20/13)

Christie: I Like Him Because He'll Tell Me 'No'

Transcript

Governor Christie: Anybody who knows Jeff knows that he’s got a mind of his own and always has, and that’s one of the reasons why I value our friendship so much. You know, Charlie, there’s lots of people who, you know, you hear about these kind of old sayings about politics and about people who get into executive positions that they need to have people around them who can tell them no. 

They need to have people around them that will tell them the truth. The reason I’ve loved having Jeff Chiesa around me, both as US Attorney and as Governor, is because he’s one of those people, and everybody in the Executive Branch knows this. I can’t tell you how many times when he was Chief Counsel that there was bad news to be given or somebody had to deliver something that they didn’t necessarily want to deliver. 

How many times they went into Jeff’s office first to either try to get him to do it for them, or to get his advice on the best way to approach it because they knew that Jeff was somebody who could tell me the truth, even when he disagreed, and I assume that he’ll do the same thing in the US Senate. 

And as I said on Monday because there was a question, it might have been yours that was similar to this, if he calls me and asks me, ‘hey, there’s a vote for cloture on the following bill, what do you think I should do?’ I’m going to hang up. I’ve got enough to do here. He wouldn’t make that call, but if he did, I’d tell him, ‘do what you think is right. That’s what I sent you down there for,’ and I think that’s exactly what he’ll do.

Video: Christie Announces His Pick To Serve Out Senate Term

Transcript

Governor Christie: Good afternoon. It’s my honor today to let you all know that I intend to appoint New Jersey State Attorney General Jeff Chiesa to be New Jersey’s next United States Senator. 

I’ve obviously known Jeff for twenty-two years, and he has been an extraordinary public servant in the time that I have gotten to know him. Graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Catholic University of America Law School, an outstanding private practice attorney, Assistant United States Attorney rising to leadership positions in the United States Attorney’s Office, Chief Counsel to the Governor my first two years as Governor, and now New Jersey’s Attorney General. 

I said on Monday that I was going to select the person who I thought would be the best person to represent New Jersey between now and October 16th, when all New Jerseyans gets an opportunity to elect the person to succeed the late Senator Frank Lautenberg. During the last few days as I’ve gotten to deliberate on this decision, it became clear to me that Attorney General Chiesa would be the best person to represent the people of the state of New Jersey in the United States Senate. 

And so I intend to execute all the appropriate documents to effectuate his appointment effective this Monday June 10th, and I want to thank Jeff and his family for their willingness to once again step in and serve the public of the state of New Jersey. And so it is my honor to introduce for remarks and then I will come back for questions. It’s my honor to introduce for remarks New Jersey’s newest United States Senator, Senator Jeff Chiesa.



U.S. Senator Appointee Jeff Chiesa: Good afternoon everybody. This is an incredible honor for my family and I. The Governor has given me some extraordinary chances to serve in public life, none of them that I expected, this probably the least of all, but to have this chance to continue to serve in public life is a wonderful opportunity for anybody. 

I’ll use my best judgment and the skill that I have to conduct myself in the way that will make – I hope that will make everybody in New Jersey proud, and to do everything I can to advance the interests of the people that live here as I’ve tried to do in all the positions that I’ve had the honor to have. 

I want to thank Governor Christie for again placing his trust and confidence in me. It really is extraordinary to me that I’m standing here today again with his confidence and his support. 

And I really want to thank my family because you can’t have the chances that I’ve had, and you can’t do the things that I’ve had a chance to do without the support of your family. And my wife Jenny and my children Al and Hannah have been incredibly supportive and I’m incredibly thankful to them for all that they’ve done for me, and I look forward to doing my best in this job over the next few months.

Bateman, O'Toole, Kean Laud Choice of Chiesa

Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman stated the following in support of Governor Christie’s appointment of state Attorney General Jeffrey S. Chiesa to the U.S. Senate:

“I applaud the Governor’s decision to name Attorney General Chiesa to the U.S. Senate,” said Bateman (R-Somerset, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex). “Mr. Chiesa has proven himself to be a bold, honest leader as Attorney General and will carry those much needed attributes to Washington. New Jersey residents should be glad, knowing he will be dedicated to representing their interests in the U.S. Senate.

“Attorney General Chiesa has fought hard to protect New Jerseyans and I know he will do the same as a U.S. Senator,” Bateman concluded.

Senate Republican Whip Kevin O’Toole (R-Bergen) stated the following in support of Gov. Chris Christie appointment of Jeffrey Chiesa as U.S. Senator:

“Jeffrey Chiesa is an outstanding selection for the people of New Jersey. Mr. Chiesa is a venerable public servant, devoted to protecting people from corruption and violence. He is a smart, deliberative individual who will represent this state in Washington with honor and distinction.”

Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean Jr. (R-Union, Morris) issued the following statement regarding Gov. Chris Christie’s announcement today that Jeffrey Chiesa will temporarily fill the late Frank Lautenberg’s U.S. Senate seat.

“Gov. Christie’s swift action assures that the people of New Jersey will not be without a voice in the U.S. Senate, as Congress is set to take significant action that directly impacts New Jersey families. As state Attorney General, Chiesa has served admirably and honorably to protect children and stop public corruption. He is the right man for the job and will be a dignified voice in Washington to serve the people of New Jersey.”

Christie Picks Chiesa: Here's What You Need To Know

Governor Chris Christie has picked a loyalist and longtime Christie staff member Jeff Chiesa (kEE-A-Sah) to fill the unexpired term of US Senator Frank Lautenberg until October when a new Senator will be elected. Chiesa is currently New Jersey's Attorney general. But who is Jeff Chiesa?
Well, here's some background:

Meet Jeff Chiesa

Governor Christie’s U.S. Senate Appointee Has Spent More Than A Decade Fighting For And Defending The People Of New Jersey

____________________________________________

Jeff Chiesa has served as the Attorney General of New Jersey since January 2012. He received bipartisan support from leaders on both sides of the aisle, and was confirmed by a unanimous vote in the State Senate.

·        Attacking The Problem Of Human Trafficking: Chiesa’s office issued a statewide Law Enforcement Directive designed to increase human trafficking investigations and prosecutions, and formed a new Human Trafficking Unit within the Division of Criminal Justice.

·        Protecting Children: Chiesa’s office launched a multi-pronged attack on child exploitation crimes, including statewide stings that have resulted in the arrest and indictment of many child pornography offenders. The AG’s office has also worked closely with the Legislature on proposed reforms aimed at toughening penalties for child pornography offenses

·        Targeting Gun Violence: As Attorney General, Chiesa has aggressively targeted gun violence in New Jersey through strategic investigations focused on seizing illegal weapons in violent areas, disrupting the supply-chains of those weapons, and aggressively prosecuting criminals involved in the illegal sale and possession of weapons.

o   Chiesa’s office implemented the most sweeping gun buyback program in state history which to date has collected more than 10,000 guns off the street, including 1,200 illegal guns.

·        Combating Gang Violence: Under Chiesa, the Attorney General’s office has opened 120 new “gangs and organized crime” cases in 2012, filing charges against 285 alleged gang members, drug dealers and other dangerous offenders.

·        Cracking Down On Public Corruption: Chiesa’s office filed 40 new public corruption cases in 2012, charging current and former public officials at every level with crimes related to the exploitation of their positions for personal gain.

·        Promoting Diversity: Chiesa has personally led a continuing effort to recruit and train a diverse State Police organization. Through this effort, the 152nd State Police class is the most diverse in history.

o   Star-Ledger: “New N.J. State Police Class Most Racially Diverse In State History, Attorney General Says”

·        Responding To Hurricane Sandy: Chiesa helped lead the State’s Superstorm Sandy response involving handling logistics, rescuing victims from floodwaters, and protecting residents from price-gougers and scam artists. To date, 27 lawsuits have been filed against businesses for alleged fraud.

Chiesa served for two years as Chief Counsel to Governor Christie.

·        During Chiesa’s time as Chief Counsel, he helped to guide New Jersey through an extraordinarily difficult budget period, including closing a combined $13.2 billion shortfall in the first six months of the new administration.

·        Chiesa was intimately involved in crafting the negotiations to pass landmark reforms such as:

o   Historic, bipartisan pension and benefits reform that will save New Jersey taxpayers $120 billion over the next 30 years.

o   A 2 percent property tax cap and interest arbitration reform to rein in the cost of government.

o   Major education reforms such as the Inter-District School Choice Program and the Urban Hope Act.

o   $2.35 billion in tax relief for New Jersey’s job creators.

Chiesa served as Executive Director of Governor Christie’s Transition Team during which he oversaw a comprehensive review of New Jersey government operations.

·        Under Chiesa’s guidance, the Christie transition team developed 19 individual reports reviewing the operations of every department, agency and authority in state government.

o   Chiesa’s team developed assessments and recommendations to improve, shrink and, in some cases, eliminate wasteful or inefficient government operations.

Chiesa spent seven years in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, ultimately serving as the Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney.

·        Chiesa was involved in all aspects of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including the management of the Criminal, Civil, Appeals and Special Prosecutions Divisions.

·        He led the U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecution of several high-profile public corruption cases such as former state Senate President John Lynch.

·        He oversaw the investigation and prosecution of criminal cases involving bank robbery, child pornography, human trafficking and identity theft.

·        He also served as Counsel to the U.S. Attorney and as Chief of the Public Protection Unit.

Chiesa has over 10 years of experience in private practice.

·        Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Chiesa was a partner at the law firm of Dughi and Hewit, where he litigated civil matters, including the representation of medical professionals and hospitals.

·        Before joining Governor Christie’s transition team, Chiesa was a partner at the firm of Wolf & Samson.

Chiesa graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1987, and earned his Juris Doctorate from The Catholic University of America in 1990.

·        Chiesa is a native of Bound Brook, New Jersey and currently lives in Branchburg with his wife, Jenny, and their two children, Al (14) and Hannah (12).

·        He has served as a Eucharistic minister and taught Sunday School at his church, St Joseph Parish in Raritan Borough, and has coached soccer and basketball for more than eight years in Branchburg.

After Lautenberg: Christie Explains His Decision

Transcript from June 4, 2013 Press Conference:

Governor Christie: Yesterday, I spoke about the courage and the persistence of Frank Lautenberg, he was a true public servant who fought tirelessly for the people of New Jersey. It’s no secret that Senator Lautenberg and I didn’t always agree and we didn’t always get along. We had our fights. We had our words, but I always respected the vigor which he put into his job each and every day. So while we’re saddened by his passing, and we’ll look to the rest of the week to remember his life and his service, I know that Senator Lautenberg wouldn’t want the people of New Jersey to go without a voice in the United States Senate. So today, we’re going to begin the process of sending a new representative to the U.S. Senate.

Let me be clear: this is the way I see my responsibility to the people of this state. This is about guaranteeing the people of New Jersey both a choice and a voice in the process and the representation that they deserve in Washington. Whoever is going to be our next United States Senator should be nominated by a primary of the people and voted on by all the people of the state of New Jersey, and that’s why as is clearly indicated by New Jersey law, I am calling for a special election to be held this year.

First, the issues facing the United States Senate are too critically important and the decisions that need to be dealt with too vital not to have an elected representative making those decisions who was voted on and decided on by the people of this state. These decisions should be made by an elected official who represents the will of the voters of New Jersey. Yes, New Jersey statute does allow me to name an appointment to serve for the remainder of Senator Lautenberg’s term, with a primary and general election taking place in 2014, but I firmly believe that the decisions that need to be made in Washington are too great to be determined by an appointee for a period of eighteen months. We must allow our citizens to have their say over who will represent them in the Senate for the majority of the next year and a half. The people of New Jersey deserve to have that voice.

Secondly, we have to move swiftly to fill this seat and ensure that there is both a primary and general election as soon as possible. As dictated by New Jersey law, I have today issued a writ that will specifically designate the cause and purpose of this special election and the dates the primary and general elections will be held. The process to fill this U.S. Senate seat must allow the people to have a choice to determine their nominees. This is simply non-negotiable to me. I will not permit the insiders and a few party elites to determine who the nominee of the Republican Party and the Democratic Party will be. A primary election is necessary. The people must choose. As such, pursuant to the provisions of New Jersey state law, the primary election for the United States Senate will be held on Tuesday, August 13th, 2013, which is seventy days after the issuance of this writ today, and then sixty-four days thereafter the general special election will be held on Wednesday, October 16th.

The statute provides for the Governor of New Jersey to make this decision if the Governor deems it advisable to have a special election. I deem it advisable to have a special election. In fact, I deem it necessary. The dates are what the statute requires and at the same time there is enough time to guarantee a fair process and voter engagement throughout. The special election must honor the electoral process and the will and rights of the people to have a choice, a voice, and timely elections, and while there will be a cost associated with the special election process, the state will be responsible for all the costs of this election. We are calling this special election; we will be responsible for all of the associated costs, and as such the Secretary of State’s Office will oversee this process and the mechanisms required to ensure that it runs smoothly and I have complete confidence in their ability to do so.

In the end, the costs associated with having a special primary and general election in my mind cannot be measured against the value of having an elected representative in the United States Senate when so many consequential issues are being debated and determined this year. The citizens of New Jersey need to have an elected representative to the United States Senate and have it as soon as possible. I have yet to make a determination as to who I will appoint to hold this seat between now and the results of the October 16th special election, but when I determine who that person is I will make that announcement promptly.

Christie Orders Flags Lowered For Lautenberg

Today, Governor Chris Christie signed the following Executive Order:

Executive Order No. 133 − Ordering all State buildings to fly flags at half-staff on Wednesday, June 5, 2013, to honor the service and contributions of United States Senator Frank R. Lautenberg, who was born in Paterson, graduated from Nutley High School and served in the United States Army Signal Corps from 1942 to 1946. First elected to the United States Senate in 1982, Senator Lautenberg was the last serving World War II veteran in the Senate and will be remembered as a passionate public servant, dedicated to enriching the lives of the people of the State of New Jersey.

Video: Christie On Lautenberg's 'Life Well Lived'

Governor Christie On Senator Lautenberg: I Give Him Praise On A Life Well Lived from Gov Chris Christie on Vimeo.

Lautenberg Jumps Into Rutgers/Rowan Controversy

As many of you know, we're not big fans of crusty old US Senator Frank Lautenberg.
He too liberal, He too cantankerous. And he's been wielding power in the Garden State for way too long.
But we'd be remiss if we did not report a significant development: Frank Lautenberg wants answers -- and he wants them now -- about the details of the plan endorsed by Governor Chris Christie and others to have Rowan University essentially take over Rutgers Camden.
Now, we've already said that we believe this plan needs a truly thorough airing.
What's happening now is that Lautenberg is signaling serious skepticism, to say the least.
In a letter to Governor Christie he says he wants to know more about the details of the controversial merger including how it will impact Rutgers Camden employees, student tuition, federal funding, services and other matters.
"Many concerned New Jerseyans have raised questions about the specifics of the plan and your endorsement of it," Lautenberg wrote. The Senator says he wants "evidence, data or analysis" that would support arguments made by the plan's proponents.
We know that Governor Christie believes in this plan. He's made that clear and experience has shown we'd be foolish not to take him at his word.
But it appears as if this may not be a fight for the short-winded.
So, the days ahead may give us evidence of how much Chris Christie believes in this merger and/or just how much time, energy and political capital he's willing spend to make it a done deal.
It ain't gonna be easy.

Christie: New NY/NJ Tunnel Idea A 'Better Deal'

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie  delivers a response to a question regarding the new trans-Hudson tunnel project during a press conference in Trenton yesterday.

Christie's Ratings Surpass Obama, Lautenberg, Menendez

The Quinnipiac Poll says that Governor Chris Christie is the MOST popular public figure in New Jersey -- MORE popular that President Obama; MORE popular than crusty 'ole Sen. Frank Louseybird and MORE popular than the self-impressed Sen. Bob Menendez. In just one year, Christie has gained higher approval ratings than any of them.
Are we surprised? Not one bit.
Click here for the full story from Bob Ingle of Gannett New Jersey,

Christie Live, In Moorestown Takes Aim At Lautenberg

I'm with Governor Chris Christie on this bright sunny autumn day and we're in Moorestown, NJ (Burlington County).
The Governor is here at the Moorestown Community House right on Main Street in this old Quaker town and he's in front of a capacity audience in what used to be the gymnasium of the Community House.
People started lining up early in the morning to be here with the Governor.
The meeting began with a zippy new video with images of Christie at town meetings around the state and clips from his appearances in front of national media.
Once again, the Governor arrived to rousing applause and a standing ovation from an enthusiastic crowd.
Christie is continuing to push his reform agenda and he's noted that he's doing one to one-and-a-half town hall meetings every week, all over the state. He continues to chide the state legislature (particularly the Democrat majority in both chambers) to act.
On the platform with Christie are two of our favorite people, Assemblypersons Dawn Marie Addiego and Scott Rudder. On the way in we chat with Big Jon Runyan, the GOP congressional candidate here in the third district. Accompanied by his wife, Loretta, Jon is relaxed and appears confident as he heads into Tuesday's election. When I mention recent favorable polls to Runyan he says: "The only poll that matters is on election day." And, indeed he continues to work the crowd as we head toward the Big Day.
Back inside, here's the big zinger of the morning: Christie starts talking about the ARC (Access to the Region) tunnel project which was set to connect New Jersey and New York City and he explains why he killed the project: "The tunnel was was called "access to the REGION yet the only people in the region who were paying for it were New Jersey taxpayers. The tunnel would have connected to New York but New York City wasn't paying for it and New York state wasn't paying for it. Instead, we were."
And Christie says these projects always run over budget. "You know that from your own home improvement projects at home," Christie says. "You know how they wind up costing you more than you ever imagined."
The Governor then cites the "Big Dig" in Boston and says "that started out at about $2 billion and wound up costing $22 billion. I will not write a blank check. I will not do that to the taxpayers of New Jersey."
Christie says that unless someone can show him added sources of revenue (outside of New Jersey) the tunnel project is dead, kaput, finuto. "Don't talk to me about it. Don't ask me about it. I don't want to hear about it anymore, " he adds.
And then Christie takes a swipe at New Jersey Senator Frank Lautenberg who he says "is making a fool of himself" over the tunnel project. Lautenberg, a long time tunnel proponent has been critical of the Governor's stance. "I'm not going to let Frank Lautenberg push us around," Christie says.
"Now Frank Lautenberg doesn't usually do town halls like this," Christie adds."But if you happen to see Frank Lautenberg, go up to him and ask him how we're going to pay for the tunnel that he wants."
Christie tells that crowd that "we have plenty of roads and bridges to repair right here in New Jersey. Let's fix those."
Again Christie vows "I was elected to make decisions and to do what I said I was going to do. We don't have a revenue problem in New Jersey. We have a spending problem. I will not spend money we don't have."
Direct and candid as always, Christie delights in the town hall setting and relishes the give and take with the citizens.

Governor Wishes Lautenberg Well

Reacting to the announcement today that New Jersey Senator Frank Lautenberg is battling stomach cancer, Governor Chris Christie said: "As he’s proven through the years, Senator Lautenberg is a tenacious fighter. I wish him the best for a speedy recovery and a successful fight against his illness, so he can get back to doing what he loves most, helping New Jersey and its people."
Senator Lautenberg's doctors said today that the Senator is expected to make a "full and complete recovery" after undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

Jersey Stiffed On Stimulus

New Jersey Senator Robert Singer, Senate Republican Caucus Leader, called on Governor Corzine and United State Senators Menendez and Lautenberg and an investigation and reconsideration of $1 billion of federal economic stimulus grants awarded to police departments throughout the country. On July 28, Vice President Joe Biden announced grant recipients and indicated that only 18 of approximately 300 local governments in New Jersey that spent time and money applying for grants received any funding.
The $1 billion was provided by federal taxpayers through the federal stimulus appropriation (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, P.L.111-5). The funding was to be provided directly to law enforcement agencies to hire and/or rehire career law enforcement officers in an effort to create and preserve jobs and increase their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts.
According to the IRS data, New Jersey taxpayers pay about 4.5% of all federal tax revenue, so New Jersey taxpayers had to pay about $45 million towards the $1 billion in grants. However, New Jersey only received $26 million of its taxpayers' money back.
In comparison, Ohio taxpayers pay less than 4% of all federal tax revenue, so their taxpayers had to pay less than $40 million towards the $1 billion in grants. However, Ohio received almost twice what it sent to Washington.
In other words, the program took money out of New Jersey and sent it to other States, thereby further weakening our economy.
In Senator Singer's District, 8 towns applied for grants and received no money (Allentown, Bordentown, Fieldsboro, Howell, Jackson, Lakewood, Plumstead, and Robbinsville).
"Our United States Senators need to speak up, and forcefully, about how poorly New Jersey is being treated by our federal government when it comes to stimulus funding out of Washington."

Check It Out

Ever wonder how much of your tax money is being spent by your U. S. Senator or Congressperson?
What about those trips and junkets that Washington pols enjoy?
Would you like to see your representatives' financial disclosure statements?
You can do it all at LegiStorm, a site is dedicated to providing a variety of important information about the US Congress. While some parts of the site require password access much of it (including salary information) is password-free.
You might be surprised at what you find in LegiStorm. For example, I learned that New Jersey's Senator Frank Lautenberg and his staff cost us more than $1.5 million in salaries alone over the course of just six months. Extend that out over a year and it comes to more than three million dollars!
BTW: Some Senators, Reps and members of their staffs don't really like LegiStorm. But you're really not shocked to learn that, are you?