“Twenty-four days ago, Senator Stephen Sweeney made a public vow unprecedented in modern American government to explicitly ban legislation sponsored by Senators who represent some 3.5 million New Jerseyans,” said Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean Jr. “His partisanship is delaying solutions to stop a landfill from polluting children’s athletic fields and neighborhoods, as well as reforms to prevent sexual assault of children and the public safety of motorists. Sweeney must be held accountable each day that his irrational attack on democracy continues.”

What They Have Said:

“…Senate President Stephen Sweeney, D-3, has basically declared that his house won’t consider any bill sponsored by a Republican, even local measures that any good lawmaker would sponsor for his or her district.” (Editorial, “Pettiness Aplenty Plaguing Trenton,” South Jersey Times, 5/28/13)

Read the rest of DAY 24 of Sweeney’s Attack on Democracy; Are Those Represented by Assembly Members Next? (861 words)

Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean Jr. (R-Union, Morris) issued the following statement regarding Gov. Chris Christie’s announcement today that Jeffrey Chiesa will temporarily fill the late Frank Lautenberg’s U.S. Senate seat.

“Gov. Christie’s swift action assures that the people of New Jersey will not be without a voice in the U.S. Senate, as Congress is set to take significant action that directly impacts New Jersey families. As state Attorney General, Chiesa has served admirably and honorably to protect children and stop public corruption. He is the right man for the job and will be a dignified voice in Washington to serve the people of New Jersey.”

Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean Jr. issued the following statement on the passing of U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg:

“America has lost a true New Jerseyan who dedicated his life to public service. Until his last days, the resolute Senator served New Jersey honorably, fighting to bring home Superstorm Sandy recovery funding for families and small business owners. Senator Lautenberg was a consistent leader and a man of his convictions. May Frank Lautenberg rest in peace. Let his family know we are praying for them.”

Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean appeared on NJTV’s NJ Today with Mike Schneider tonight to discuss important Republican-sponsored legislation that has been blocked by Senate President Stephen Sweeney. Sweeney has said that he will not post any Republican-sponsored bills for a vote.

Kean said that Sweeney has blocked important legislation that impact many people, including a bill sponsored by Senator Tony Bucco (R-25) to close Fenimore Landfill, important to the residents of Morris County.

Click here to view the video.

Speaking of the need for sick leave reform, Kean noted it was reported today that 25 retiring police officers in Jersey City could cost property taxpayers $5 million when their accumulated sick leave is paid out, and taxpayers statewide are on the hook for $880 million in accumulated sick leave that may need to be paid.

Read the rest of Video: Tom Kean Says Senate Republican Caucus Doesn’t Care About Taking Credit, Just Wants Senate to Pass Necessary Reforms (105 words)

Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean discussed important legislative initiatives and other unfinished business that majority Democrats in the Legislature have failed to act upon at a New Jersey State House press conference on May 20, 2013.

Click here to view the video.

Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean Jr. and Senate Budget Committee Member Joe Pennacchio stated the following in response to today’s announcement of New Jersey’s continued private-sector job growth and state revenue gains:

“Each month we are welcoming the good news for New Jersey families that we’re continuing to add private-sector jobs and the state’s revenues are rallying now beyond projections,” Kean said. “Members of this legislature should be inspired to act on more Republican reforms that can enhance jobs and revenue growth. Those who want to get things done should join Senate Republicans to enact more bipartisan reforms to improve the quality of life for New Jerseyans.”

Read the rest of Kean, Pennacchio: Jobs, Revenue Gains Should Inspire More Reforms (89 words)

Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean Jr. and Senator Steven Oroho, who both represent portions of Morris County, joined today hundreds of local residents and officials who are urging Democratic leaders not to cancel Monday’s vote to close the dangerous Fenimore Landfill in Roxbury Township, Morris County.

Hundreds of families and school children near the landfill face serious health risks due to the improper, overdue closure by the site’s private ownership group. Kean and Oroho sent a letter today to Senator Richard Codey, urging him to support legislative remedy S2617, sponsored by fellow Morris County Senators Anthony Bucco and Joe Pennacchio.

Read the rest of Kean, Oroho Join Hundreds Who Urge Democrats Not to Prevent Proper Closure of Dangerous Fenimore Landfill (76 words)

Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean Jr. (R-Union, Morris, Somerset) applauded Gov. Christie for signing into law today the “Human Trafficking Prevention, Protection, and Treatment Act,” of which he is first co-sponsor.

“Millions of human trafficking victims are tortured in New Jersey and the world over via a growing, underground enterprise,” Kean said. “In this state, people of all ages and backgrounds are now better protected from this form of modern-day slavery. Law enforcement officers and prosecutors are more empowered to prevent criminals from physically and emotionally destroying lives in New Jersey.”

Read the rest of Kean Applauds Signing of Anti-Human Trafficking Act, Awareness Day (79 words)

The following editorial by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean Jr. (R-Union) to urge action on accountability, ethics and campaign finance reforms was published in Sunday’s Press of Atlantic City:

“Regarding the April 26 editorial, “Campaign-finance reform/Yeah, right …”:

You are correct that there is too much finger-pointing and not enough action in Trenton to make government accountable. So why don’t you join us in demanding answers from those who aren’t getting the job done?

The Democratic majority in this Legislature has total control over what bills are posted for votes, starting at the committee level. Despite our repeated public calls for action, Senate committee chairmen Jeff Van Drew, D-Cape May, Cumberland, Atlantic, and James Whelan, D-Atlantic, continue to ignore Republican measures to provide a pure, transparent government to New Jersey residents. Senate President Stephen Sweeney, D-Salem, Gloucester, Cumberland, who can force legislation through committees, has also neglected our bills to make government accountable at all levels in this state.

Read the rest of Democrats Obstruct GOP Ethics Measures (185 words)

Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean Jr. (R-Union) lauded today ‘s announcement of approved upgrades to colleges and universities in New Jersey.

“Last November, New Jersey voters made the right decision to invest $750 million in improvements for colleges and universities around this state,” said Kean, a member of the Senate Higher Education Committee. “Today, the public’s investment is honored by the approval of dozens of projects all over the state that will make colleges more competitive and attractive. These colleges are now charged to offer the most innovative tools for the success of their students, who will ultimately be leaders in New Jersey’s workforce.”

Read the rest of Colleges Charged to Improve via Kean’s ‘Building Our Future Bond Act’ (64 words)