TRENTON – Senator Barbara, D-Middlesex, co-sponsor of Senate Bill 1987, which would allow municipalities to enact pay-to-play ordinances that are stricter than state law, made the following statement today following the passage of the bill by the Senate:
“As co-sponsor of S-1987, I am pleased that the Senate passed this critical piece of legislation in the fight to end pay-to-play in New Jersey.
“Today’s action by the Senate ensures that the pay-to-play ordinance passed by the Edison Town Council and validated by a referendum overwhelmingly supported by the residents of Edison will remain in effect after the passing of the new year.
“By continuing to tackle the difficult issue of pay-to-play and campaign finance reform, we move forward in our efforts to reduce the impact that inflated no-bid contracts have on local property taxes. Every action we take to end pay-to-play is one more step in providing a government that is more accountable, transparent and democratic for the people of New Jersey.”