S2475

Senators Bob Smith, D-Middlesex and Somerset, and Barbara Buono, D-Middlesex, speak to each other before the beginning of session.

02 Feb: Smith-Buono Bill To Create Flexibility In Environmental Infrastructure To Spend Federal Stimulus Funds Advances

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Bob Smith, Chair of the Senate Environment Committee, and Senator Barbara Buono, Chair of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, which would create needed flexibility in the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust Fund to allow the State to spend federal stimulus dollars on clean water and wastewater projects was unanimously approved by the Senate Environment Committee today.

“While Congress and the new President hash out the details of a historic economic stimulus package, New Jersey stands to receive billions of dollars to fund various needs throughout the State,” said Senator Smith, D-Middlesex and Somerset. “As a result of this unprecedented federal recovery package, many programs within State government aren’t prepared to spend the funds that New Jersey is eligible for. This bill would give the Environmental Infrastructure the flexibility to complete its mission and capitalize on the federal stimulus package for states.”

11 Jan: Weinberg: Now Is The Time To Reform Port Authority

TRENTON – Senator Loretta Weinberg today called for comprehensive reforms at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to make the bi-state transit agency “more accountable and responsive to the public it was created to serve.”

Senator Weinberg said her bill, just introduced, S-2475, is part of a two-state legislative reform effort with New York Assemblyman Richard L. Brodsky, to “end a culture of secrecy” at the Port Authority.