Bob Gordon

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Bob Gordon which would remove regulatory stumbling blocks to allow for the construction of an aquarium in the Xanadu complex at the Meadowlands was approved by the Senate today by a vote of 28-7, receiving final legislative approval.

“The Xanadu project stands to be a major economic and entertainment engine in northern New Jersey,” said Senator Gordon, D-Bergen. “In addition to being a major entertainment destination at the Meadowlands, I believe that the proposal to include an aquarium at the site brings a valuable educational element. We need to remove all regulatory obstacles for this project, to create a top-tier facility to draw in visitors from around the New York metropolitan region.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Bob Gordon which would provide for a one-time diversion of funds from the State’s “Shore Protection Fund” to pay for park operations in New Jersey was approved by the Senate today by a vote of 22-17, receiving final legislative approval.

“Earlier this year, when Governor Corzine proposed slashing park funding as part of a tough, no-frills State budget, the people of New Jersey rightfully demanded restorations,” said Senator Gordon, D-Bergen, and a member of the Senate Environment Committee. “Particularly in a year when gasoline prices are through the roof and families are seeking recreational opportunities closer to home, deep cuts in park services and operations would have been devastating. Through this measure, we’re giving parks a one-year delay in any cuts while we seek new funding sources in the next fiscal year.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Bob Gordon which would provide for a one-time diversion of funds from the State’s “Shore Protection Fund” to pay for park operations in New Jersey was approved by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee today by a vote of 9-5.

“For so many New Jersey residents, our State parks represent a glimpse of New Jersey’s history or a valuable chance to get away from the stresses of everyday life,” said Senator Gordon, D-Bergen, and a member of the Senate Environment Committee. “We saw just how precious New Jerseyans consider their parks earlier in the year, when hundreds of State residents protested the Governor’s tough decision to eliminate funding for park services in his proposed FY 09 Budget. Through this bill, we would be able to tap an existing surplus to make sure that State parks are fully operational in the upcoming fiscal year.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Bob Gordon which would remove regulatory stumbling blocks to allow for the construction of an aquarium in the Xanadu complex at the Meadowlands was unanimously approved by the Senate Economic Growth Committee today.

“Allowing the developers of Xanadu to include an aquarium in their planning introduces an educational element to the facility,” said Senator Gordon, D-Bergen. “Aquariums are a fantastic opportunity for both children and adults to come face to face with some of the treasures of our planet’s oceans. A world-class aquarium at the heart of Xanadu would enhance the development’s regional profile and draw in visitors from around the New York City metropolitan area.”

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Bob Gordon which would address hospital finance in an attempt to keep hospitals strong in New Jersey was approved by the Senate today.

“New Jersey spends billions of dollars each year to support our hospitals throughout the state,” said Senator Gordon, D-Bergen. “At a time when the State has faced the closing of several hospitals for financial reasons, we need to make sure that those funds are being spent as efficiently as possible.”