Under The Dome: To Act Or Not To Act

by: Bill Orr

Tue Sep 27, 2011 at 11:47:22 AM EDT

To act or not to act, that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles
And by opposing end them.
Whether tis better to stick to one's convictions
Or work with others to gain passage of bills.
To spend time in the fields of constituents
or in the halls of the legislature.
To promote ethics and education reform
Or jobs and the economy.
To tax the poor or tax the wealthy.
And thus the native hue of resolution
Is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought,
And enterprise of great pitch and moment
With this regard their currents turn awry
And lose the name of action.

After a lengthy summer recess, our legislature is back in session. We are getting close to the November election with all seats in play, although only a handful appear heavily contested. Governor Christie has been promoting his bills for education and ethics reform. Democratic legislators are talking more about jobs and the economy. Below is an update on selected bills which have seen some action.

Moves NJ's February presidential primary back to June. Signed into law. (A3777)

Permits the conversion of high-performing nonpublic schools located in failing school district into charter schools. Passed both Houses. (A2806)

Provides a green job certification program for community colleges. Passed in both Houses. (A-1098)

Protects business trade secrets, important for NJ firms in innovation. Passed in the Senate and returned to the Assembly for legislative action. (A921)

Allows tax credits to businesses providing employment to certain National Guard or reservists. Passed Senate. (S1015)

Establishes Small Business Loan Program in EDA allowing certain small businesses to be eligible for low interest rate loans. Passed Senate. (S3052)

Bill Orr :: Under The Dome: To Act Or Not To Act