| Who Do You Stand With New Jersey?
Today the Senate convenes and we will take up the first of the overrides of the Governor's mean-spirited, vindictive and downright cruel line item vetoes.
Each line item will be voted one at a time. We need 27 votes to override a Governor's veto. We will be considering overrides on family planning funds (sound familiar?); legal services for the poor; funds for the Wynona Lipman Child Advocacy Center; teachers for blind and visually impaired children; AIDS treatment distribution program; an internship program at Rutgers University run by the respected Professor Alan Rosenthal; eliminating funds for postpartum education campaign. You get the idea!
As you follow the Senate's deliberations, you'll be able to find out Senator by Senator who will stand up for middle class New Jerseyans; who will stand for our families and for abused children and for the poor?
I know we all understand the reality of Chris Christie's ideas about "shared sacrifice". I know the reality of the iron fist "discipline" in the Republican caucus. But I still will watch with some shock if there are not three Republicans willing to "buck" the big boss on at least a few of these compelling issues.
We need to talk about these issues to all who will listen and speak louder to those who have trouble hearing us. It is too important for so many of our residents to give up.
Even though I was part of the Corzine ticket, I have a confession to make: When Christie came in to office, I thought - you know what? Maybe we need an "in-your-face" blunt talking Jersey guy to get us all focused on the really important fiscal problems ahead of us. It didn't take too long to start noticing his excesses. But now we all know the depth of his vindictive and downright cruel behavior. There is no other way to say it!
And so today will be a day of "standing up" or "sitting down" for New Jersey. A day when everyone should be examining their own individual conscience.
And to add a little ironic touch to the day, Governor Jon Corzine's official portrait will be unveiled at a reception at Morven in Princeton this evening. Certainly
a ceremonial occasion! It just brings to mind some of those useless "would'ves and could'ves".
Make sure you let each of your own Senators know how you feel about whatever happens today.
Keep you voices heard!
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