Budget Award Winner Loretta Weinberg

by: Rosi Efthim

Sat Jul 03, 2010 at 10:05:34 AM EDT

But here's the first item, and we couldn't agree more with politickernj:

1. Best Use of the Legislative Process Award:
State Sen. Loretta Weinberg

Last seen sinking with the Viking funeral pyre of Jon Corzine, state Sen. (and former Lieutenant Gov. candidate) Loretta Weinberg (D-Teaneck) rebounded from last year's statewide loss with vigor during the budget session. When Gov. Chris Christie chopped family planning out of the budget, Weinberg proved why she is one of the state's most resourceful and effective lawmakers. Not only did she put the women's caucus to work and mobilize Republican senators Diane Allen and Jennifer Beck in support of a bill that would restore the $7.5 million allocation, she even tapped the hardened hearts of several male Republicans to land the required two/thirds majority to effect an override. A version of Weinberg's bill simultaneously passed in the assembly, shepherded by Assemblywoman Linda Stender (D-Fanwood) but is not veto-proof. Weinberg identified her issue and applied every legislative tool at her disposal to drive it forward.