TRENTON – Senator Paul A. Sarlo, D-Bergen and Passaic, a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement today after attending Acting Governor Richard J. Codey’s budget address, to a joint session of the Legislature:
“Today’s message was an honest and direct assessment of the budget process that has been set before the Legislature. I know Governor Codey well; I’ve worked with him since 2002, when I was first elected to the Legislature as an Assemblyman. I know him to be an honest, no frills kind of guy, which has carried over to his Legislative career and now to his role as Acting Governor.
“Let’s face it, we are in debt, and the only way to solve the State’s fiscal problems is for both houses and both sides of the aisle to work toward a budget bill that best represents the needs of the State. Its time to lay aside our differences and do the job that we were elected to do – to fight for the people of New Jersey.
“One item that has been mentioned to help increase revenue for this year’s budget was the use of Video Lottery Terminals (VLT’s). These VLT’s would tie in well with other redevelopment efforts in the Meadowlands, which would help spur further economic development in Bergen County and throughout the State.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Legislature to pass a comprehensive budget that benefits all residents of the State of New Jersey.”