BY SALVATORE PIZZURO

COMMENTARY

New Jersey State Assemblyman Gary Schaer (D-36th Legislative District) has spent a career fighting for the rights and needs of averages citizens, including the middle class, as well as the vulnerable and downtrodden individuals of our state.

Although he represents the 36th Legislative District, his initiatives have benefitted all New Jerseyans. Schaer has been a champion of the needs of children and adults with Autism since he was first elected in 2005. He has asserted that programs that better prepare children with special needs during their school years will make them more independent adults, less likely to subsist on public welfare. In addition, the Assemblyman has fought for homeowners who are in danger of foreclosure during these dire economic times. Such homeowners, who are in despair, have been prey to scam artists who covertly try to steal what little resources the family has left. Schaer has fought to protect these individuals, who are desperate for help, from such abuses.

Furthermore, Gary Schaer has worked hard to end fraud and abuse in the Insurance Industry. Currently, the Assemblyman serves as the Chair of the Committee on Financial Institutions and Insurance, as Vice-Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, and as a member of the Special Committee on Economic Development and the Committee on State Government.

Schaer has been a tireless worker for his constituents. In fact, meeting the needs of the people in his District has been largely bi-partisan. At least one Republican Mayor in District 36 recently told me about the excellent professional relationship that he has with the assemblyman, and cited Gary Schaer’s commitment to everyone in his District and to all New Jerseyans, regardless of party affiliation.

Beyond question, Assemblyman Schaer has the support of those who recognize his contribution to District 36 and the State of New Jersey.

Dr. Salvatore Pizzuro, a Disability Policy Specialist, holds a doctorate in Developmental Disabilities from Columbia University and an advanced degree in Disability Law from New York Law School.

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