TRENTON – Senator Nia H. Gill, who was named Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee by Senate President Richard J. Codey, today pledged to focus her panel’s attention on encouraging the entry to New Jersey of cutting edge bio-tech industries and ensuring the health of small businesses.
“As Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, I look forward to our continued role in the successful transformation of New Jersey from a manufacturing community to an economic engine for the cutting edge bio-tech industry,” said Senator Gill, D-Essex and Passaic.
Senate President Codey said he is grateful Senator Gill accepted the difficult assignment of dealing with the complexities of the Commerce panel for the benefit of the people of New Jersey.
“Senator Gill is an incredibly talented and intelligent leader who understands the complexities of commercial law, but never forgets to balance the concerns of businesses with what’s best for consumers and all the people of New Jersey,” said Senate President Codey.
Senator Gill also served as Chair of the Commerce Committee for the previous Senate session.
Senator Gill said that while it is critically important for New Jersey to keep pace with the necessities of the global economy, she will not forget that small, independent business owners are vital to the thriving local economy envisioned by the 18th Century champion of free trade, political economist Adam Smith.
“Establishing a strong local economy is crucial to our businesses, families and communities,” Senator Gill said. “While it is very important that we make New Jersey an active participant in the global economy, it is equally important that we provide a structure and environment to ensure the health of our Main Street and small businesses. We cannot overlook the backbone of our communities – the small, independent business owners who are the real manifestations of the philosophy of Adam Smith.”
Senate President Codey also announced that Senator Raymond J. Lesniak, D-Union, would serve as Vice Chair of the Commerce panel.
Senator Nicholas Scutari, D-Union, Somerset and Middlesex, will also serve on the panel as the third member of the Senate Democratic Majority, Senate President Codey said.
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