TRENTON – Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg issued the following statement on Monday on the passing of Senator frank Lautenberg:
“This is a sad loss for everyone, especially working people, women, minorities and the underprivileged. He was a true friend to those in need and a fierce fighter for their needs and for causes that would allow them to share in the opportunities of a country that I know he loved and valued. And he was a true friend of mine who provided personal support as well as political allegiance on issues of importance to us both. We worked together to help end gun violence, to crack down on drunk drivers and on bans on indoor smoking, among many shared goals.
“Over a long career of service to others he never wavered in his commitment to the principles and priorities that he believed were so important to all Americans. He fought for them, for their rights and for their equal opportunities with fierce determination. He was a real street fighter from Paterson who carried with him the ability and the willingness to stand up for his beliefs.
“Frank Lautenberg was a true political lion who embodied the best qualities of the ‘greatest generation’ of Americans. We will miss him but his legacy will live on, providing guidance and inspiration.”