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09 Aug: Senate Committee Releases Bills To Streamline Process For Voters Statewide

TRENTON – The Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee today released three measures aimed at streamlining the state’s processes for voter registration and allowing residents to cast their ballots by mail, and saving taxpayers money by eliminating duplicative mailings of sample ballots.

“Elections aren’t just expensive because of campaigns, they also carry with them significant administrative costs and hurdles that can and should be addressed and removed,” said Sen. Jim Whelan (D-Atlantic), the committee chairman. “When we can streamline the way we do things, voters and the democratic process both win.”

24 Jan: Karcher/Buono Bill Would Prohibit Legislative Ownership Of Casinos

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Ellen Karcher and Barbara Buono that would prohibit the Governor, Legislators and members of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority from owning any interest in a casino or their holding or intermediary companies received committee approval today.

“When the conflict of interest laws with relation to the casinos were passed in 1981, the gaming industry was just starting,” said Senator Buono, D-Middlesex and Chair of the Senate Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee. “At that time, less than 1% ownership wouldn’t have been that much of an investment. Now that the casinos are billion dollar companies, owning just 1% of their stock can equal millions of dollars. That kind of financial investment would clearly lead to a conflict of interest in voting on matters regulating the industry.”