We know the schedule, just not what's on the agenda

by: Jason Springer

Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 12:30:00 PM EST

We now know the schedule for the upcoming lame duck Legislative session before the 213th Legislative session comes to a close:

On the Assembly side, committees are scheduled to meet on November 23 and 30, with committees at the call of the speaker scheduled for December 3 and January 4 if needed. Voting sessions are scheduled for December 7, along with January 7 and 11.
The Senate is scheduled to hold committee meetings on November 23, December 3, 7 and 14, with committees at the call of the President scheduled for January 4 if necessary. Voting sessions in the Senate are scheduled for December 10, January 7 and 11. The Senate will swear in new Senators Beach and Doherty on November 23.

Then there is the question of what legislation will be considered. We've heard about Marriage equality and medical marijuana, even mentioned changes to the 1 gun a month law, but more bills have been discussed and received less attention:

Other controversial bills could be added to the lame-duck agenda. One measure would eliminate the politically coveted property-tax rebate checks, instead converting them to credits on homeowners' tax bills. One would cut aid for five years to towns and cities where residents refuse a state recommendation to merge. Another would launch a drivers amnesty from surcharges and fees if they pay for some outstanding infractions. And before the election, Corzine said he would favor providing in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants.

We'll see if any of those bills come to the floor. Speaker Roberts had some comments on the upcoming lame duck session and what he wants to see done including this:

"The post-election session, the so-called lame duck session is generally a time when unfinished business gets finished says Roberts, "For me personally I'd like to see us do a little bit more on regionalization and shared services. I think that's important.........I also would like us to spend a little bit more time on issues that effect the autistic community in New Jersey. We've made tremendous strides, but there are a few things that we have to do there."

Re-organization for the 214th Legislature is scheduled for January 12, so the clock is ticking for Legislators to get the changes they want made before that. Inauguration day will be the following week on January 19.

Jason Springer :: We know the schedule, just not what's on the agenda