The Courier-News from Bridgewater, New Jersey • Page 2

A-2 Tuesday, June 22, 1993THE COURIER-NEWS NEW JERSEYREGION 1 POLITICS LEGISLATIVE ACTION V3 Assembly approves term limits for federal representatives at the ballot box. The Senate delayed action on a measure that would add New Jersey to the list of states calling for a constitutional convention to force a balanced-budget amendment. '( Opponents for the measure picketed outside' the Statehouse earlier Monday. They say a constitutional convention could result in sweeping changes to the basic framework of American democracy, contending there would be no way to control what amendments such a convention would vances to the state Senate. "New Jerseyans understand that meaningful political reform is not possible as long as career politicians are in charge," said Assemblyman George Geist, R-Blackwood.

"Congress has become a playground for special interest groups and a fortress for incumbents. Under term limitations, we open the doors of democracy and let the people back in." Supporters say the bill is designed to get Congress to put national interests over special interests. Gov. Jim Florio said Monday he would sign the measure if it is passed in the Senate. But opponents said it would hurt New Jersey because lawmakers would not get seniority and committee chairmanships, which go along with length of service.

'Political move "This is an election-year political move playing to special interests," said Assemblywoman Loretta Weinberg, D-Teaneck. "It would rob New Jersey of future seniority. Our system already allows the people to have the final say" Gov. Jim Florio said he would sign the measure if it passed the state Senate. TRENTON (AP) The Assembly on Monday passed a bill that would limit the terms of New Jersey's U.S.

senators and representatives in Washington. However, the bill does not include any term limits for state lawmakers. The bill, which passed 52-23, would limit House members to six years in office and senators to up to 12 years. The measure now ad ENVIRONMENT Added limits are near on Shore building Permits would be required for all beach' and is-. 1r dune development.

TRENTON (AP) A bill that Senators OK money for property tax relief The state Senate gave final legislative approval Monday to a bill that would return $144 million in excess state gross receipts taxes to local governments. The bill would send $77 million in windfall taxes for the current fiscal year and another $67 million in the fiscal year that begins next week. Sponsors say the bill would provide needed property tax relief. It will now be considered by Gov. Jim Florio.

Drug offenders could lose drivers' licenses The Assembly on Monday passed a bill that would require that drivers' licenses be revoked for any residents with drug convictions. The bills sponsors say that under current law, someone who is convicted of a drug offense in a federal court or in another state's courts can retain driving privileges in New Jersey. They say this violates federal guidelines and could cost New Jersey a loss of federal highway dollars. The measure now advances to the Senate. International trade subject of three bills The state Assembly approved three bills Monday that sponsors said will help stimulate international trade and spur exports.

The package will create new foreign trade zones in the port districts, establish foreign investment and export venture districts, and grant tax credits to help rebuild the state's manufacturing sector. Each of the bills passed the Assembly with bipartisan support and head to the state Senate for consideration. Assembly bill would help abused children Victims of child abuse and neglect would get more protection from state officials under terms of a bill the Assembly approved Monday. Family court judges would have the authority to increase Division of Youth and Family Services protection to two years, from 12 months. The bill is part of the Assembly Republicans' comprehensive anti-crime package, "Operation: Safe and Secure Communities." It was approved 76-1 and moves to the state Senate.

would revamp New Jersey's 20-year-old coastal development law and place greater restrictions on new projects at the Jersey Shore gained finaj legislative approval Monday in the" Assembly. The passage of reforms to the Coastal Area Facility Review Act better known as CAFRA represents a compromise between developers and conservation groups that had long battled over the issue. The bill was lauded by sponsors as a way to protect the Shore area. It passed, 60-8, and was sent to Gov. Jim Florio, who supports the measure.

"I think it will go a long way toward protecting the shore for areas closest to the water," said Assemblywoman Maureen Ogden, R-Millburn, "We've been deadlocked for the past decade. It's a major step in the right direction." 1. Under current law, residential der velopments of more than 24 units; commercial developments with 300 or more parking spaces and all indus trial projects in a defined coastal area require permits from the Department of Environmental Protec tion and Energy. The changes would require permits for all developments on beaches or dunes. Permits would also be re-quired for developments within 150 feet of the mean high water line for tidal waters, beaches or dunes.

Ogden said she sponsored a bill that would have stretched 1,000 feel from the beach, but could not get support. "Do I think 1,000 feet is better thai? 150 feet? Yes," said Ogden. "But that bill couldn't get support." The CAFRA area stretches up to about 20 miles inland along the coast, from Raritan Bay to the Delaware Memorial Bridge, and the permits are intended to limit environmental damage. But while the law has kept large industrial projects from overrunning the Shore, one-third to two-thirds of all coastal development has escaped state review, including many 23-unit housing projects. BUDGET OVERVIEW A summary of the $15.46 billion fiscal 1994 budget the state Senate passed 21-17 on Monday: HIGHLIGHTS Anticipates total state revenue of $15,877,972,000.

Appropriates $15,466,409,000. Expects $411.5 million surplus at end of fiscal 1994, an increase of $264.8 million above what Gov. Jim Florio proposed In January. Adds $62.1 million to general surplus for a $112.1 million total. Adds $52.5 million to the 'rainy day' fund for a $155.5 million total.

Creates 'taxpayer relief surplus fund' with another $150 million. Proposes no direct state worker layoffs. Expects 4,700 employees to leave state government through early retirement or other means. Removes $9 million from $17 million Florio set aside to increase per diem for state inmates housed in county facilities. Cuts $2.5 million from NJ Transit's $251 million state subsidy.

Increases Homestead Rebate program to $310 million, adding $10 million. Reduces $81.5 million hospital subsidy by $10 million, to $71.5. Cuts $5 million from $30 million program to stabilize college tuitions. Makes no changes to school and municipal aid programs. Returns $77 million in gross receipts tax revenue to municipalities.

REVENUE RAISERS $25 million from changing state tax laws to require New York residents working in New Jersey to calculate state income taxes based on total family income instead of just the portion of income earned in New Jersey. $6 million from the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority. $6 million in court fees. $10 million from enforcing liquor tax laws. $1.3 million from the Department of Banking.

SPENDING ADDITIONS $13 million for municipal and county infrastructure program. $12 million for Delaware and Raritan Canal Transportation Safety Commission Study. $6 million grant to the Department of Agriculture program to increase productivity of New Jersey farms and the marketing of their products. $5.7 million, supplemental municipal aid. $4.4 million to build road connection in South Brunswick.

$3.7 million for construction at community colleges in Sussex and Warren counties. $2.5 million for New Jersey Challenge Program in Department of Labor. $2 million for state assumption of federal grant for public defender costs. $2 million to dredge Maurice River. $1.5 million to widen Route 1 in South Brunswick.

$1.5 million for regional health education center at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Union County. $1.3 million for expansion at Union County College. $1 million for "Female Secure Care Program" in Department of Human Services. $623,000 for maintenance at the Department of Corrections' training academy. $500,000 for Opera Music Theater International.

$500,000 for an Emergency Medical Services Program for children. $450,000 for veterans' homes in Menlo Park, Paramus and Vineland. $280,000 for pharmaceutical services for adults with cystic fibrosis. $250,000 for the 1994 gubernatorial transition. $250,000 to remove dead deer carcasses from roadways.

$200,000 for regional child-abuse treatment centers. Associated Press photo Assemblyman Louis Romano, D-Union City, uses a Christmas tree to make a point during debate on the budget on Monday. $150,000 grant, Puerto Rican Action Board. $100,000 grant, St. Joseph's Seniors Residence in Woodbridge.

$100,000 for Airport Noise Abatement Study. $100,000 for Early Childhood Learning Center. $100,000 for weed control at Lake Hopatcong. $100,000 grant, Paterson Interfaith Community Organization. $50,000 grant, Bayshore Senior Day Care Center.

$50,000 grant, Mercy Center in Asbury Park. $50,000, High Bridge Borough. $25,000 for "Focus on Literacy" program. $25,000 for civil air patrol. 1 i SPENDING ELIMINATIONS $15 million for community policing programs; money is to be redirected and used for Republican Legislature's anti-crime initiative.

$8.4 million for construction in Department of Higher Education. $6 million to build modular units at New Jersey Training School for Boys. $6 million for construction by Department of Corrections. $3 million Water Pollution Control Program at Department of Environmental Protection and Energy. $623,000 for maintenance at Lloyd McCorkle Training School for Boys and Girls.

(The school has closed). $570,000 for design work on regional DMV service center in Randolph. $500,000 for expanded AIDS testing and treatment in the Department Hiring 2,000 officers would cost $40 million Continuing its attack on crime, the state Assembly approved a bill Monday to provide municipal police forces with 2,000 new officers over two years. Cost is estimated at $40 million, to be paid for with $15 million in the proposed state budget approved Monday, as well as revenue from a new $75 "crime fine." "This legislation will help our residents begin to once again feel safe and secure in their homes and in their communities," said the sponsor, Assemblyman Lee Solomon, R-Camden. Additional police officers would be awarded to qualified municipalities based on need and their desire to establish new methods of community policing.

Proposal for school to close prompts bill Residents of a regional high school district would have a say in whether the district should be dissolved if a bill the state Assembly approved Monday becomes law. The measure would establish the legal procedures needed to dissolve such a district. It was sponsored by Assemblyman Richard Bagger, R-Westfield. The bill was prompted by the proposed closing of David Brearley Regional High School in Kenilworth, in the Union County Regional High School District. Pupils and their families were annoyed at being excluded from the decision.

The bill was approved 75-2 and advances to the state Senate. Compiled from Associated Press reports. fthe tw All Entrees $3.00 Vp-jU of Corrections. i I rji Wednesday Homemade S-jt Menu specials: 71 Spaghetti Turkey Sauce or XjS rg Penne Goat Cheese it 722-8782 JfC IJa to reserve yours Vjv 1 $300,000 for New Jersey Institute for Collegiate Teaching and Learning. $250,000 for legal assistance to Medicare patients.

$237,000 for a Department of Corrections program that helps people visit jailed relatives. $201,000 for 'College Choice' program. Bill targets finances of candidates THURSDAY GET OUT! Every Thursday in The Courier-News TRENTON (AP) The Assembly on Monday passed a bill sponsors say would set a clear policy on blind trusts for public officials. Meanwhile, Assembly Democratic Leader Joseph Doria introduced a bill fa Why Do Smart THE COURIER-NEWS Vol. 109, No.

20 (USPS 564-520) ISSN 0895-8785 Tuesday, June 22, 1993 The Courier-News Kids Fail? Your child may be smarter than his grades show. Our certified teachers help students of all ages gain the Educational Edged and see how much fun learning is. incurs 'rhfc A 1 1.1 Hours: M-F Sat. A IfK jjpV If 1 1 14 Rt. 28.

North Branch I jr- uL X-4 that would force gubernatorial candidates to disclose the state of their finances. The bill seemed aimed at Republican candidate Christie Whitman. The Assembly bill, which passed 79-0, would prohibit state officers and top-level employees from leasing property to the state unless there is an open bidding process. It also would clarify terms of blind trusts, an issue that has dogged several members of the Florio administration. Doria, meanwhile, wants to prohibit candidates for governor from maintaining blind trusts to "hide" financial information.

Whitman, who reported $3.7 million in family earnings last year, filed an extension on her income tax in April. A spokesman said she plans to release her 1992 return in August. WILLIAM A. SPELLICY Director of Finance CAROL A. HUNTER Editor JOHN WARTINGER Production Director HENRY M.

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