ASSEMBLY SPEAKER JOSEPH J. ROBERTS, JR.

FOR RELEASE:
February 1, 2006
CONTACT:
Press office
Joe Donnelly
(609) 292-7065

ROBERTS URGES FISCAL RESTRAINT,
STEPPED UP BUDGET EXAMINATION
Speaker Will Not Post Bills Calling for Increased Spending
So Governor Can Fully Assess State’s Fiscal Situation

(TRENTON) -- Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts, Jr., today released a copy of a letter he has sent to every Assembly member to apprise them of steps he is authorizing to promote heightened fiscal oversight and accountability in anticipation of an estimated $5 billion to $6 billion shortfall for FY2007.

-- A copy of the letter is attached --

January 31, 2006

Dear Assembly member:

As I am sure you are aware, the State of New Jersey continues to face daunting fiscal challenges. Despite a current-year budget that appears to be within striking distance of meeting its $600 million surplus projection, significant spending pressures and revenue concerns are anticipated for the fiscal year beginning this July. Estimates of the shortfall for FY 2007 are in the $5 billion to $6 billion range.

Although there always are issues confronting New Jersey that could be addressed with additional spending, that action should only be a last resort given the current budgetary climate. Cost containments, spending reductions, and improved efficiency must always be our first and primary areas of attention.

As Speaker I want our House to embrace the fiscal discipline that we began in the current fiscal year with our Budget Committee's unprecedented, bipartisan review of State spending.

To that end, please be advised of the following actions:

-- I am asking the Assembly Budget Committee under the leadership of Chairman Lou Greenwald and Minority Budget Officer Joe Malone to immediately resume its work from last year and, beginning next week, hold as many hearings and meetings as necessary to identify cuts, savings and efficiencies in government that can be dedicated toward property tax relief;

-- I will petition the State Auditor to immediately begin work again in trying to identify cuts, savings and efficiencies in government;

-- I am asking the nonpartisan Office of Legislative Services to review the list of recommended cuts that the Assembly Republicans proposed last fiscal year to identify potential cuts for this upcoming fiscal year;

-- I am initiating a process to gather from Assembly members any ideas and suggestions you may have about how we can reduce government spending or improve government performance with existing resources. In addition to this effort, we will establish a Web site that the public and government employees can use anonymously to suggest cuts and efficiencies in government; and

-- Effective immediately, I will not post for an Assembly floor vote any measure that would increase government spending until Governor Corzine fully assesses our budget situation and outlines the extent of our fiscal challenges in his budget proposal.

I know that each of you will make every effort to work with your colleagues and committee chairs and craft workable solutions within these guidelines and to begin the process of immediately identifying ways to cut government spending. New Jersey taxpayers expect nothing less.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Joseph J. Roberts, Jr.
Speaker