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TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Barbara Buono (D-Middlesex) which would create a comprehensive, searchable online public record of state spending was unanimously approved today in the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee.

“Taxpayers deserve to know how their money is spent, especially during these tough economic times,” said Senator Buono. “Placing state expenditures under a public microscope through which New Jerseyans may investigate and understand the state’s spending and fiscal priorities will be an ally in the on-going battle against waste and corruption.”

TRENTON – Senator Raymond J. Lesniak, D-Union, the sponsor of legislation to pave the way for sports betting as a revenue source for New Jersey, issued the following testimony in support of his proposal, which was discussed in the Senate Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee today:

“In 1992 Congress passed a law that made residents in New Jersey and 45 other states second class citizens. And when it allowed sports betting in Nevada and three other states, while giving New Jersey a one year window to adopt sports betting or forever be banned from permitting it, Congress did more than make us second class citizens. It violated the Constitution of the United States of America.