Quorum Call
News from the District
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From the office of Assemblyman Kevin J. Rooney
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A Message from the Assemblyman:
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Dear Friend,
As we begin the month of July, there is one thing that is on everyone's mind - the New Jersey State Budget for fiscal year 2019. There are many questions and comments I've received i
n my office, so before anything else I wanted to outline the realities of our state's spending and how we will fund it.
After a long weekend down in Trenton, the Governor and Legislature finally came to an agreement on a $37.4 billion budget.
NorthJersey.com
summarizes it well. The main reason budget talks had stalled was that the Democratic controlled legislature and Democrat Governor Murphy couldn't agree on what taxes to raise. Murphy called for a millionaires tax and increase in the sales tax. The Democrats in the legislature wanted to raise the corporate tax. They settled for a “multimillionaires” tax on income over $5 million, which is expected to bring in $280 million this year. They both supported several new taxes that they expect will raise $1 billion- on home-sharing services like Airbnb; ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft; and tobacco products and electronic cigarettes. In addition, the Democrats in the legislature passed a new 5-cent fee on single-use paper and plastic bags that could take effect this fall, but the Governor did not include this in the budget.
The temporary revenue includes $425 million from a four-year increase on the top-end corporate business tax, $200 million from a tax amnesty program, allowing delinquent tax filers to pay penalties at a reduced rate, and $200 million from a tax on repatriated corporate assets, which will decrease to $40 million in future years. The revised millionaires tax creates a new tax bracket of 10.75 percent on income over $5 million, which will affect about 1,760 residents. The state’s personal income tax rate currently tops out at 8.97 percent on income over $500,000. Corporations earning more than $1 million in income will see their tax rate increase to 11.5 percent, up from the current 9 percent. That will decline to 10.5 percent after two years and return to 9 percent after four.
Murphy and democrat lawmakers are also leaning on corporations via the tax on repatriated assets and the combined reporting standard. Those taxes are proposed to pay for increased spending on education, mass transit and public worker pensions.
In other news from Trenton, I have introduced several pieces of legislation to address problems with voting locations, protecting animals, and opioid abuse. My bill to hold polluters accountable also passed the Assembly for the second time and sits on the Governor's desk. Another piece of legislation prohibiting the sale of candy tainted with lead and chemicals passed the Assembly this past month as well.
Other news from the District is included below. I've also included a brief section detailing July's observance as National Culinary Arts Month! It's a fun, often overlooked observance that you can enjoy this month along with celebrating Independence Day. Finally, our
Spotlight
feature this month focuses on three young women who received scholarships to Mary Help Christian Academy from Oasis, a nonprofit in Paterson.
I hope you enjoy this month's
Quorum Call
, and enjoy your Fourth of July.
Sincerely,
Kevin J. Rooney
Assemblyman
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Rooney's Recipes
Assemblyman and winner of Food Network's
"Chopped"
shares his favorite recipes
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Greek Grilled Lamb Chops
Two Servings
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Ingredients:
- 1½ cups fresh lemon juice
- 1 lemon
- 1 cup Green virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ cup chopped parsley
- 8 New Zealand baby lamb chops (1½ - 2 inches thick)
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
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Preparation:
To create the marinade, place lemon juice in a medium non-reactive bowl, gradually whisk in oil. Add oregano and parsley. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Place lamb chops in a resealable plastic bag. Add half of the marinade. Reserve remaining half for serving. Refrigerate and marinate chops overnight.
Prepare a grill to medium high heat. Remove lamb chops from marinade, discard marinade. Grill chops about 3-5 minutes per side for medium doneness. Transfer to serving plate and drizzle with ¼ cup reserved marinade. Serve remaining sauce and sliced lemon on the side.
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Recent Legislation and News from Trenton
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Here is some of my recent activity at the State House.
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I wanted to share with you some important responses and action that I took in response to the proposed budget.
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At the beginning of this month, I welcome the community to my District Office Open House. We had a great turn out of over 100 attendees including constituents, elected officials, and community organizations. We had great discussions on everything in New Jersey - the budget, my legislation, and local issues. It was great to see everyone and welcome them to our new location!
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The large soccer field closest to the parking lot was named after Ben. A
s part of the dedication,
Girl Scout Troop 94298 created a garden and bench for their Silver Award Project. As their advisor for the project, I was honored to help honor and celebrate Ben's life and make sure legacy continues.
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Dedication of Ben Landel Memorial Field at the Pulis Field Complex
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Earlier this month, I was honored to be a part of the cer
emony in Wyckoff Township held to rededicate a portion of the Pulis Field Athletic Complex in Wyckoff in memory of Ben Landel. Ben Landel was a township teenager who
died of cancer earlier this year
. He was diagnosed last spring with an aggressive cancer known as NUT Carcinoma. He passed away at the age of 18 on January 25. Ben was a star on the soccer pitch as well as a talented distance focused athlete on the track. He qualified for the NJSIAA Group Track and Field Championships four times individually during his time at Ramapo High School.
If he wasn't at home or school, he could be found at the Pulis sports fields.
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Local Street Fairs and Festivals
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There were several municipal festivals and street festivals this month. These events are a great opportunity to bring the community together to get to know each other, to learn about what the town has to offer, and - most importantly - have fun! I was excited to be a part of these events in Wayne, Totowa, Wyckoff, Pequannock.
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Independence Day
The Fourth of July – also known as Independence Day or July 4th – has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.
John Adams, an American Founding Father, and the second President of the United States, predicted how Americans would spend our future Independence Days when he wrote to his wife, Abigail, on July 3, 1776, the day after the Second Continental Congress made its decree for freedom: " I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more." The next day, Congress formally adopted the Declaration, sounding the bell at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Pen would not actually be put to paper until August 2, but six long years of struggle for independence had begun.
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After the Revolutionary War, Americans continued to commemorate Independence Day every year, in celebrations that allowed the new nation’s emerging political leaders to address citizens and create a feeling of unity. The tradition of patriotic celebration became even more widespread after the
War of 1812
, in which the United States again faced Great Britain. In 1870, the U.S. Congress made July 4th a federal holiday; in 1941, the provision was expanded to grant a paid holiday to all federal employees.
July the 4th has become a huge national holiday with parties, parades, family reunions and other events taking place across America. The day is associated with patriotic displays, barbecues, picnics and baseball games. Fireworks and parades are the most common ways to celebrate Independence Day, with displays often held in every major city. This year, I hope you join me at the Ridgewood Parade to celebrate the birth of our nation.
God Bless America!
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National Culinary Arts Month
National Culinary Arts month is a time to celebrate all the chefs and cooks in your world, and to recognize all for members of the culinary community. This month is set aside to honor the chefs, bakers, and cooks who create delicious meals and treats for hungry diners. It promotes awareness of professional cooks, chefs and their contributions to the culinary world of excellence and dining trends.
When it comes to culinary arts, the first thing that comes to mind is cooking. These days, however, culinary arts is not just confined to working in the kitchen or restaurant. The world of culinary arts not only consists of creating delicious dishes, but also the use of kitchen utensils, tools, and equipment that must be associated with preparation of the recipes.
Many of today’s culinary artists are involved in using organic and locally sourced foods, reducing waste, and bringing fresh foods and eating establishments to undeserved communities. Through their knowledge, talents, experimentation, and love of offering good food for body and soul, those involved in the culinary arts make the world a better place for all.
If you’re not a pro when it comes to the kitchen, this month is the perfect time to try your hand at cooking. I hope you get a chance to try one of the recipes that I've shared with you. If you dine out or dine in,
be sure to let the chef know you appreciate their hard work in making delightful foods.
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Consumer Tips
Tips, scam alerts, and other advice about every-day situations for consumers
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Sp
otlight:
Linda, Leidy, and Yomilka
Oasis Scholarship Receipients
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This month's
Spotlight
highlights the recipients of Oasis's Educational Advancement Initiaitve Scholarship Program - Leidy, Linda, and Yomilka. The three students now attend Mary Help of Christians Academy.
When high schools are underfunded, students face large classroom sizes, antiquated technology, and an environment of older buildings. These challenges result in poor academics and lead to an outcome common in urban school districts across the country - lower graduation rates. Through the Educational Advancement Initiative, Oasis creates a path for Paterson students to succeed by providing focused college and career opportunities through the Oasis Teen Program as well as resources and support to attend private high schools.
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"Since the first day I stepped in that door, it felt like home. My teachers have taught me to be more confident and not to be afraid of what I have to say," said Yomilka.
This holistic program includes financial support for tuition, transportation, club/sport fees, uniforms, and more in partnership with local private high schools College and career planning through the Oasis Teen Program Social-emotional support through Oasis Social Workers Mentorship to see students "to and through" high school and college/trade school.
"At Mary Help, I have learned true friendship, leadership, and more about my relationship with God. I have embraced many of the hidden talents I didn't know I had, like singing. The teachers at MHCA have taught me beyond my school subjects; they have taught me many valuable lessons. I expect to walk out ready and prepared to face college and my upcoming challenges," said Linda.
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"I am on Student Council and I feel like it has made me responsible and proud that other students look up to me," said Leidy
Congratulations, Leidy, Linda, and Yomilka, and best wishes as you continue your success!
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To read more about their scholarship program, and to see how you can help students like Leidy, Linda, or Yomilka, check out
their website here.
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Spotlight
highlights accomplishments of people throughout District 40. Each month, this section will recognize a person or persons for their achievement, and will be chosen at random. Do you have someone you would like to nominate to be in the next month's
Spotlight
? Click the button below to fill out a submission form.
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1211 Hamburg Turnpike
Suite 301
Wayne, NJ 07470
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Office: (973) 237-1362
Fax: (973) 237-1367
Email: AsmRooney@njleg.org
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Appropriations
Consumer Affairs
Environment and Solid Waste
Statewide Public Safety Communications Commission
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