It's His Way or..........

You have to go to detention and get a lecture!

Yes, the Governor has called a special joint session of the legislature today at 1 p.m. to tell us ("lecture") us on what he really,,,,,yes...... really wanted.....in the budget we passed and he signed. He wanted that income tax cut, but vetoed the earned income tax credit which would have been an income tax cut for the working poor. He wanted an income tax cut for everyone, but vetoed the "more than millionaires" tax which would have given an improved homestead rebate for many. He vetoed the gross receipts energy dollars which actually returned to municipalities what rightfully belonged to their local taxpayers. He again vetoed $7.5million for family planning centers to make sure he is recognized as a proud member of the national republican "war on women" club and reducing poor women's access to reproductive freedom. Mr. Christie also cut a portion of the dollars needed for adequate nursing home reimbursement. He vetoed the language we inserted requiring oversight of the infamous Half-way houses run by a couple of his friends and contributors.  That red pen was sharpened and ready to go!

Restructuring of higher education in New Jersey is still being reviewed by many. Lots of amendments - which in my opinion made the bill better - were on line as we were voting. Rutgers-Camden Law remains with Rutgers University. The Medical Sciences School will be operated with a joint  board. Lots to do and watch over during the next year before the bill is actually implemented. When it was all over, the employee unions generally signed off; Essex County representatives seemed satisfied that Newark was kept whole; and we do have the potential of a great research university in New Jersey.

I'm looking forward to a little break in the Trenton travel; I'm looking forward to catching up with all the paperwork on my desk; I'm planning on catching up on some of those constituent meetings; I'm looking forward the 4th of July celebration - a fun and proud holiday.

So I'll try to behave myself in detention today.

Happy 4th to everyone and wishing our BJ family a great holiday!