newjerseynewsroom.com

Assembly Democratic majority leery of proposal

BY TOM HESTER SR.

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco (R-Morris) Friday said he has introduced two bills that are part of Gov. Chris Christie's 33-bill package that Republicans believe would lead to less government spending at the county and municipal level.

On measure (A-2954), would permit a municipal or county government to withdraw from participating in the state-mandated civil service system.

A second bill (A-2958), would allow a gross state income tax refund received by a homeowner to be credited against that taxpayer's delinquent property taxes.

A provision in A-2954 provides that in order for a municipal or county government to opt out of participating in the civil service system, a petition must be filed and a referendum on such a proposal placed before the voters. If approved, a government may not readopt civil service provisions for at least 10 years. The state Civil Service Commission would be responsible for promulgating the regulations in order to provide for an orderly transition in the personnel system in any county, municipality or school district.

Bucco's proposal to allow the elimination of civil service standards for public workers faces an uphill fight in the Assembly where the majority Democrats are leery of the idea.

"Both of these proposals are important parts of the reforms local government needs in order to provide relief to taxpayers and make New Jersey affordable," Bucco said. "Too often municipalities and counties are constrained by restrictive rules that increase their costs which eventually lead to increased property taxes. When enacted, these laws will be valuable tools in controlling expenses and assisting homeowners who already shoulder too much of the burden."

Bucco said he has also has proposed a measure that would redirect $22 million within the state Economic Development Authority from its InvestNJ capital program to the Main Street program, a move intended to make additional funding available to help spur economic development projects and assist small business.

Regarding the proposal to reallocate funds to the Main Street Initiative program, Bucco said, "A key to revitalizing our economy is making capital available to small and medium sized businesses. By redirecting funds to the Main Street program, this capital can be used by lending institutions to provide the necessary credit to these companies as well as to provide limited subordinate financing. This change will result in a more efficient use of the EDA's financial resources."