Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Last Week's Five Most Viewed Stories
Kean: Dems Give NJ 'Worst Tax State" Status
New Jersey Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean, Jr. (R- Union) issued the following statement in response to the latest Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council) survey ranking New Jersey's tax climate 49th out of 51 states and the District of Columbia:
After nearly a decade of total Democrat control in Trenton, New Jerseyans are still paying the price for "courage to spend" policies that pushed taxes to new heights in our state.
The latest SBE Council 2012 Business Tax Index validates longstanding Republican criticisms of Demcorat economic policies as anti-competitive and antithetical to job creation. From 2002 through 2009, Democrats raised business taxes, sales taxes, income taxes, and cut or limited property tax rebates to fuel nearly $11 billion in new spending.
It is little wonder that New Jersey has a less attractive tax climate than every state save for Minnesota and Washington, D.C.
When competing for economic development, business growth, and job creation, New Jersey starts at a competitive disadvantage to all but two jurisdictions in the U.S. Yet Democrats in New Jersey continue to advocate for higher personal income taxes and unchecked spending by state government.
It is time for Trenton Democrats to stop bemoaning efforts by Governor Christie and Senate Republicans to reduce state spending and lower New Jersey's tax burden. The consequences of our competitive disadvantage are real for every worker who is unemployed, every small business struggling to survive, and our communities trying to attract investment and opportunity.
After nearly a decade of total Democrat control in Trenton, New Jerseyans are still paying the price for "courage to spend" policies that pushed taxes to new heights in our state.
The latest SBE Council 2012 Business Tax Index validates longstanding Republican criticisms of Demcorat economic policies as anti-competitive and antithetical to job creation. From 2002 through 2009, Democrats raised business taxes, sales taxes, income taxes, and cut or limited property tax rebates to fuel nearly $11 billion in new spending.
It is little wonder that New Jersey has a less attractive tax climate than every state save for Minnesota and Washington, D.C.
When competing for economic development, business growth, and job creation, New Jersey starts at a competitive disadvantage to all but two jurisdictions in the U.S. Yet Democrats in New Jersey continue to advocate for higher personal income taxes and unchecked spending by state government.
It is time for Trenton Democrats to stop bemoaning efforts by Governor Christie and Senate Republicans to reduce state spending and lower New Jersey's tax burden. The consequences of our competitive disadvantage are real for every worker who is unemployed, every small business struggling to survive, and our communities trying to attract investment and opportunity.
Allen's 'Donate Life' Bill Signed Into Law
Under the new law (formerly S-376, Allen/Vitale), the New Jersey State Treasurer is required to disseminate information about organ and tissue donation via state employee pay stubs, as well as encourage all businesses awarded contracts with the State to similarly inform their employees. The legislation also designates the month of April as "Donate Life Month" in New Jersey.
"Out of tragedy, much good can be done for another human being waiting for a life saving organ or tissue transplant," said Allen. "Signing up as an organ, tissue, eye, or bone marrow donor is easy, yet too few people do so out of a lack of awareness, misinformation, or fear. By raising awareness at the state level about how to donate and encouraging those doing business with the state to do the same, we can improve the odds that more patients fighting for their lives while on the transplant waiting list will be saved and go on to lead healthy, productive lives."
The legislation, signed following a tour of Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, requiresthat the State disseminate organ and tissue donation information to all State employees during the month of April, reminding them of the need for organ donors. Additionally, this law directs the Department of Treasury to encourage all businesses with contracts with the State to notify their employees of organ donation options through information and materials or through an awareness program.
“Establishing Donate Life Month is an opportunity for all residents to learn more about the critical importance of registering to become an organ donor,” said Governor Christie Christie. “By going through the simple process of becoming an organ donor, just one person can make a difference in as many as 50 lives. With nearly 5,000 New Jersey residents waiting to receive a life-saving organ transplant, being an organ donor is one of the most profound gifts to give someone else – a chance at a new, healthy life. And the gift of life is truly the greatest gift of all.”
Nationally, there are more than 111,000 people waiting to receive a life-saving organ transplant. Every 10 minutes another name is added to the waiting list.
“I am extremely pleased to have the Governor and Health and Senior Services Commissioner Mary O’Dowd visit Newark Beth Israel Medical Center to highlight the importance of organ donation and the life-saving clinical success of our transplant program,” said Barry H. Ostrowsky, President and CEO of Barnabas Health.
While New Jersey is making strides in organ donation, the state ranks 41 out of 50 states, with only 31% of residents registered organ and tissue donors.
“The need for organ transplants and the shortage of donors affects people of all ethnic backgrounds. Currently, more than half of the 5,000 people waiting for a life-saving organ transplant are minorities,” said Health and Senior Services Commissioner Mary E. O’Dowd. “As we celebrate Minority Health Month in New Jersey, it is important to recognize the need to increase the diversity of registered donors. Those waiting for a life-saving organ are more likely to receive transplants if more people from all backgrounds donate.”
Anyone, regardless of age or medical history, can sign up to be a donor. Organ donor registration is available online or in-person at local Motor Vehicle Commission agencies. Residents can request a paper registration form at 1.800.742.7365. When registering in-person, the words "Organ Donor" will appear on the NJ driver license or non-driver identification card. When registering online or through paper registration, the designation will appear in the driver’s record. Saying “yes” to organ donation is legal consent to the donation of organs and tissue for the purpose of transplantation or medical research.
For more details please visit www.state.nj.us/mvc/Licenses/organ_donor.htm
Last year alone, organ donors made more than 28,000 transplants possible according to the US Department of Health and Human Services.
To learn more about organ donation, please visit http://www.donatelifenj.org.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Condolences On Death Of Guadagno's Father
New Jersey Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean, Jr. (R-Union) issued the following statement on the passing of Charles McFadden, Jr., the father of Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno, following a battle with cancer:
“Rhonda and I extend our deepest condolences to Lieutenant Governor Guadagno for her family’s very difficult loss. Watching a parent fight and eventually succumb to illness is a particularly difficult experience, and we know that the people of New Jersey grieve with Kim and her family in this trying time.”
“Rhonda and I extend our deepest condolences to Lieutenant Governor Guadagno for her family’s very difficult loss. Watching a parent fight and eventually succumb to illness is a particularly difficult experience, and we know that the people of New Jersey grieve with Kim and her family in this trying time.”
Charles McFadden, Jr., Father Of NJ Lt. Governor Dies
Governor Chris Christie today issued the following statement on the passing of Charles McFadden, Jr., 79, the father of Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno:
“Mary Pat and I were deeply saddened today to learn of Chuck McFadden’s passing following a courageous battle with cancer. Chuck’s was a life of service to his country, a career in broadcasting and media, and, most importantly, as a loving family man who shared his values of service and community. Dealing with the loss of a parent is beyond difficult, and only possible through the strength and comfort of family and friends. The thoughts and prayers of Mary Pat and our entire family are with his wife Pat, Kim and their family today.”
'Fore' More Years For Obama? You Decide . . .
A lot of Americans have had to make sacrifices these last four years. We would expect our President to do the same.
Video: Reagan vs. Obama; Social Economics
Those who created this clip say they posted it on Facebook to help promote the informative documentary film "I WANT YOUR MONEY"
This is such a clever clip, I figured I may as well tell you about the full documentary, available at http://www.IWantYourMoney.net.
I'm told that if you like this short clip, you will love the full length documentary.
Reportedly, it features great in-depth interviews with economic experts and knowledgeable political figures including: Mike Huckabee Stephen Moore Michael Reagan William Voegeli Star Parker Kenneth Blackwell Edwin Meese lll Thad McCotter Newt Gingrich Lee Edwards Pete Wilson Steve Forbes Gary Bauer Kate Obenshain Chris Edwards David M. McIntosh Lila Rose John Stossel Allen Icet Rob Schaaf John Stossel Tom McClintock Andrew Breitbart George Runner Alison Fraser
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