Quorum Call
News from the District

From the office of Assemblyman Kevin J. Rooney
May 2019 Newsletter
A Message from the Assemblyman:
Dear Friend,

As we get ready for summer, I would like to recognize our nation's military as we observe Memorial Day. Let us never forget those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedom and keep our men and women serving overseas in our prayers. We are remain grateful for their service.

This past month was certainly busy as I continue to fight Governor Murphy's $38.6 billion budget that relies on multiple tax and fees increases. I had a chance to sit on the Assembly Budget committee earlier this month and I asked the State treasurer on what the State is doing to handle the alarming rates of outmigration and the impact of Governor Murphy's tax and spend policies on our residents. I am disappointed to report that I was not satisfied with her response. I encourage the Murphy Administration to put the interests of our hardworking families first. I will continue to be a loud voice in Trenton to oppose any policies that will make New Jersey even more unaffordable.

In April, our neighbors in New York decided that they want to implement congestion pricing. Let me be clear, I will not stand idly by as New Jersey residents get steamrolled by New York. That is why my office is drafting legislation that will create a commission to study methods to provide credit to New Jersey commuters negatively impacted New York's overreach.

Other news from the District and about my activities this past month are included below.
I've also included a brief section detailing May's Observances as National Teacher Appreciation Week and National Nurses Week . Finally, our Spotlight feature this month highlights Bergen New Bridge Medical Center for their commitment to innovation and community partnerships as they serve patients from Bergen County and beyond.

I hope you enjoy this month's edition of Quorum Call, and stay safe as we get ready for summer.
Sincerely,

Kevin J. Rooney
Assemblyman
Rooney's Recipes
Assemblyman and winner of Food Network's "Chopped" shares his favorite recipes
Pepper Crusted Grilled Salmon
Ingredients:
  • (4) - 6 ounce salmon steaks
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Course Ground black pepper – less if you don’t like the heat
  • 2 cloves of fresh garlic minced
  • Sea salt to taste
  • 2 teaspoons of lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil

Grilling instructions:
  1. Preheat the grill to a high setting
  2. In a small bowl, combine the black pepper, salt, lemon juice, olive oil and garlic together.
  3. Wash the salmon and pat to dry.
  4. Rub the herb mixture all over the salmon steaks to coat. Flip and repeat procedure.
  5. Spray the grill with non – stick spray and place the salmon steaks.
  6. Cover and grill the salmon for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden and tender.
  7. Remove salmon steaks from the grill and let sit for 5 minutes. Serve.

Number of Servings: 4 servings

Lemon Herb Butter:

Ingredients:
  • 1 pound butter (soften)
  • 1 1/2 lemons (zest and juice)
  • 3 tablespoon fresh chopped equal parts parsley & cilantro
 
Instructions:
  1. Combine ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth
  2. Shape into a long roll (a log) in plastic wrap
  3. Twist ends and chill for 1 – 2 hours 

Recent News
Recent Legislation and News from Trenton
Here is some of my recent activity at the State House.
District Events
Bergen County Education Association Dennis Testa Annual Legislative Dinner and Conference
Along with my colleagues, I attended the dinner to reaffirm my support of chapter 78 relief. We also discussed other issues important to our teachers. I am committed to finding bipartisan solutions for our educators.
Alexander Anderson Realty Group Grand Opening
I joined Mayor Mike Serra and Council Members in welcoming Alexander Anderson Realty Group to the town of Pompton Lakes.
Assembly Budget Committee
I sat on the Assembly Budget Committee meeting. We heard from the nonpartisan Office of Legislative Services and State Treasurer Liz Muoio on the upcoming Budget’s impact on our local communities.
Borough of Waldwick's Centennial Ceremony and Celebration
Senator Corrado, Assemblyman DePhillips, and I joined Mayor Tom Giordano, present, and past Mayors in celebrating Waldwick's "Preserving Out Past, Embracing Our Future."
NJ Outdoor Alliance's Wild Game Dinner
Joined former Governor Chris Christie and my legislative colleagues in supporting our State's outdoorsmen.
EPA/NJDEP Information Session on the Cleanup of Passaic River
I remain committed to ensure a safe and clean Passaic River. I spoke with EPA's Administrator for New Jersey and pressed him to hold polluters accountable. I will not allow New Jersey taxpayers to be on the hook for cleaning up their mess.
Budget Meeting with Governor Murphy
Attended a budget meeting with elected officials from Bergen County and Governor Murphy
Joint Senate and Assembly Environment Meeting
Attended the Joint Assembly and Senate Environment Committee on the effects of climate change on our residents and the State.
Fundraiser to support my re-election campaign
I thank my district mate Assemblyman Chris DePhillips, Leader Jon Bramnick, Assemblyman Anthony Bucco, and supporters from all over the State for coming to support my campaign. Chris and I are looking forward to victory in November.
Feature Heading
May Observations


Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service of the United States of America. Over two dozen cities and towns claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day. Memorial Day was borne out of the Civil War and a desire to honor our dead. It was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his  General Order No. 11 . “The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land,” he proclaimed. The date of Decoration Day, as he called it, was chosen because it wasn’t the anniversary of any particular battle.



From May 5 to May 11, the National PTA will be celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week to recognize and celebrate the impact teachers make in classrooms and beyond. Join me in thanking our State's teachers by doing something special for our children's educators.

To learn more about National Teacher Appreciation Week and ways to thank a teacher in your community, visit National PTA's website or by clicking here.



National Nurses Week is a time for everyone – individuals, employers, other health care professionals, community leaders, and nurses – to recognize the vast contributions and positive impact of America’s 4 million registered nurses. Each year, the celebration ends on May 12, Florence Nightingale's birthday, a pioneer in the filed of nursing.

In 1974, President Richard Nixon first designated National Nurses by issuing a proclamation while in 1978 New Jersey Governor Brendan Byrne declared May 6 as Nurses Day through the efforts of Red Bank, NJ native Edward Scanlan. In 1993, the American Nurses Association declared May 6-12 as the national week to celebrate and elevate the nursing profession.

Consumer Tips
Tips, scam alerts, and other advice about every-day situations for consumers
Spotlight: Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
Through their leadership, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center has become a leader on partnership and innovation
I recently toured Bergen New Bridge Medical Center (BNBMC) to learn more about the services they provide to Bergen County residents and beyond.

Formerly known as Bergen Regional Medical Center, BNBMC is the largest hospital in New Jersey and fourth largest public hospital in the nation with 1,070 licensed beds. It also has one of the largest behavioral health programs with 323 dedicated beds and a variety of outpatient programs.
Through partnerships established in 2017 with CarePlus NJ and Integrity House, BNBMC has enhanced its behavioral health and substance use disorder (SUD) service lines. The medical center’s clinical affiliation with Rutgers Medical School has greatly expanded and strengthened its Ambulatory Care Center with more physicians and specialty areas.

One of BNBMC’s newer offerings is the Teen T.H.R.I.V.E. Recovery program that has partnered with at least 19 schools to provide transportation to ensure the teens are in a safe environment. I remain impressed with the continuing development of our healthcare system and look forward to hearing about what BNBMC will do next. You can learn more about BNBMC and its programs, click here.
Office Information
1211 Hamburg Turnpike
Suite 301
Wayne, NJ 07470
Office: (973) 237-1362
Fax: (973) 237-1367
Email: AsmRooney@njleg.org
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