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Assembly Minority Leader Bramnick suggests even Democratic lawmakers will be hard pressed to back the governors budget plan and call for higher taxes

Scary and extreme are the words Assembly Minority Leader Jon Bramnick (R-Union) repeatedly used yesterday to describe Gov. Phil Murphys plan to hike taxes and increase spending. Talking to reporters, Bramnick said Murphys fiscal policies are putting Democratic lawmakers in a difficult spot with New Jerseys tax-weary voters.

Its just a matter of time before the public goes, You know something, maybe we should give a chance to the other side, Bramnick said, alluding to next years midterm election. Thats how it works.

Its not surprising that Republicans like Bramnick dont see eye to eye with Murphy when it comes to the state budget. But theres also been an unwillingness among Democrats to accept the governors call for higher taxes. Thats given the GOP an opening to draw a more direct a contrast between their approach and the governors.

For example, while Murphy is calling for a significant spending increase, Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean Jr. (R-Union) has proposed a measure that would limit yearly state spending hikes to a modest 2 percent. Meanwhile, Bramnick is backing legislation that would force lawmakers to say whether they agree with Murphys call to break a bipartisan deal from just a few years ago that increased the state gas tax in exchange for a slight reduction of the sales tax. The GOP bills are unlikely to win passage in the Democratic-controlled Legislature, but they do underscore the pressure the Republicans want to put on Democratic lawmakers in the runup to the June 30 deadline for a new state budget.

Its hard for me to understand how the Democrats can come to terms with the extreme and scary, tax-filled agenda of the governor, Bramnick said.

In all, Murphys$37.4 billionbudget plan for fiscal 2019 would increase state spending by nearly 8 percent, compared with the budget for the current fiscal year, which was enacted by former Gov. Chris Christie. A major chunk of the increase would go to the grossly underfunded public-employee pension system. Other increases are planned for K-12 education, public preschool, college-tuition assistance programs, and New Jersey Transit.

Speaking about Murphys budget proposals yesterday, Bramnick said New Jersey residents are already frustrated with the states high cost of living. Adding insult to injury, he suggested, was Murphys recent decision toink a new dealwith the union that represents the largest group of state workers without getting any real concessions from labor leaders. That decision also came as Murphys budget carries on a cut in funding for the states popular Homestead property-tax relief program, though thats something Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin (D-Middlesex) has alreadypromisedwill be reversed.

Its the cumulative impact of Murphys proposals, from the tax hikes to his promise to eventually provide free community college to students across the state, that is leading many of his constituents to say they are ready to leave New Jersey, Bramnick said.

Im just hoping we dont scare everybody out of this state, he said.

While Democratic legislative leaders so far have refused to embrace Murphys call for higher taxes, there is a sense in Trenton that they will eventually acquiesce, at least to some degree. If they do, that will likely prompt Republicans to do everything they can to make sure voters remember who to blame in 2019.

For example, Murphy has called the slight reduction of the sales tax from 7 percent to 6.625 percent a gimmick that was designed to give the Republican Christie a political talking point. But the lower sales tax is now saving taxpayers an estimated $581 million, and the 2016 tax legislation included a poison pill that was designed to protect thebipartisan dealby requiring the gas-tax hike to be repealed if any of the tax cuts that went along with it are eventually reversed.

Bramnick doesnt want this years possible undoing of the 2016 tax deal to get muddied up in obscure budget language, which could be used to get around the poison pill. Hes calling for there to be a separate vote held in the State House that puts every lawmaker on record, giving New Jersey voters a chance to know exactly who reneges on the bipartisan agreement.

You can call it whatever you want, but it did lower taxes, Bramnick said. It may not have had a significant effect, but it was a lowering of some tax, which is never easy in this state.

He also suggested that its Democratic lawmakers who have the most to lose next fall when voters will be casting their ballots in the first midterm election of Murphys tenure.

We know from all the polling that the pocketbook issues are the most important, he said.

Assembly Pro Tem Green remembered by colleagues We began our government service in Plainfield. Jerry was Chairman of the Democrats and I was a Republican Councilman. During our 35 years we always had a strong friendship -Jon Bramnick

UNION COUNTY, NJ Jerry Green, the third-highest ranking member in the state Assembly who died April 18, was remembered by his colleagues in the state Legislature as a leader, friend and mentor. He was 79.

Green, a Democrat, served in the Assembly since 1992 and resigned in January as chairman of the Union County Democratic Committee. He left his position in the county Democratic Party to focus his energy on recovering from an illness, a January press release from the UCDC said.

State Sen. Nicholas Scutari who represents the parts of parts of Middlesex, Somerset and Union counties recalled the former assemblyman as a champion of progressive policies. Green represented the 22nd Legislative District, which includes Clark, Fanwood, Linden and Plainfield, same as Scutari.

He was so much more than just a colleague and mentor to succeeding generations of politicians he was a true gentleman legislator who should be remembered for championing progressive policies aimed at helping those in need, Scutari said in an April 19 statement.

Funeral services were private, according to release from the Union County Democratic Party, but a public memorial was being planned. No details were available. Green served as a county freeholder for two non-consecutive terms. In the Assembly, he chaired the Housing and Community Development Committee and was a member of the Health and Senior Services Committee.

Legislators on both sides of the aisle, including Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick, sent condolences to Green and his family.Bramnick represents the 21st Legislative District, which includes parts of Morris, Somerset and Union counties.

Jerry Green was a friend for 30 years, Bramnick said in an April 19 statement. We understood that talking to each other and treating each other with respect was very important. I will miss Jerry and thank him for his service to our state. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.LocalSource previously reported that Green had not attended any legislative or voting sessions since at least November, when he was re-elected to serve another term.

Other local lawmakers, including state Sen. Joseph Cryan and Assemblyman Jamel Holley also remembered Green. Both represent parts of Elizabeth, Hillside, Union and Roselle in the 20th Legislative District.

Jerry Green was a champion of civil rights and was on the frontlines in our state in the fight to provide an affordable and accessible education for all of our children and to provide affordable housing for everyone, Cryan said in a statement.

Holley, meanwhile, called the late assemblyman an inspiration in an April 19 statement. Jerry was a hard-working man his entire life; he never retired, Holley said. He never stopped trying to help others get ahead. I will never forget his service to New Jersey, as he was focused on creating better policy and inspiring conversation on the issues that truly matter in our state.I will miss my friend, my mentor and the reason why I am committed to serving others.

https://comcastnewsmakers.com/Videos/2018/3/19/NJ180314-14

Please visit the Union County YAM Exhibit from March 1st to March 23rd at The Plaza @ Liberty Hall Center,1085 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ

For more information click here

The team getting ready to hit the streets for Saturday campaigning

Legislative Panel BreakfastwithJon Bramnick, Richard Codey,Tom Kean, and Vincent Prieto

November 21 | 8:30 10:30 am

8:30 9 breakfast & networking | 9 10:30 program

Shackamaxon Country Club | 100 Tillinghast Turn | Scotch Plains

Join us for a panel discussion with the top legislators in New Jersey. Be prepared with questions! Our panelists will talk about the current issues our NJ legislators are working on to help businesses and residents. Time will be set aside for networking and Q & A.

Includes full buffet breakfast

$20 members; $30 general admission. Preregistration ends on 11/20 at 2 pm.Limited seating. Additional cost at the door.

Open to the general public!

This program is sponsored by the GWACC Legislative Committee

https://www.tapinto.net/towns/plainfield/sections/government/articles/bramnick-holds-q-and-a-advises-cranford-residents-9

TRENTON, N.J. Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick (R-Union) released the following statement today after Gov. Christie signed the Stephen Komninos Law to strengthen protections for people with developmental disabilities. The legislation is named for the 22-year-old who died as a result of abuse and neglect in a local group home for individuals with developmental disabilities:

No one, especially the vulnerable, should be subjected to the abusive treatment this young man endured. This law will strengthen protections for people with developmental disabilities by requiring more state oversight and transparency.

Bramnick Endorsed by non-partisan NEW JOBS PAC for his work to create jobs in New Jersey

WESTFIELD, N.J. NEW JOBS PAC has announced its endorsement of Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick for reelection in the 21st legislative district.

I am deeply honored to receive the endorsement of NEW JOBS PAC, said Bramnick (R-Union). Only by getting the government out of the way can we get the economy back on track and allow the private sector to create jobs. I look forward to working with NEW JOBS in the next year to create an environment where New Jersey businesses can thrive.

The non-partisan NEW JOBS PAC, New Jerseys largest business political action committee, promotes a pro-business climate in New Jersey by endorsing and supporting legislative candidates who actively support economic growth, the creation of private-sector jobs, and lowering the cost of doing business.

TRENTON, N.J. Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick said yesterdays announcement that Democrat and Republican leaders in the Assembly and Senate are joining together with the governor to attract Amazon to New Jersey demonstrates that when all the leaders in government work together the state benefits.

Joint efforts on both sides of the aisle are extremely important to the success of government, said Bramnick (R-Union). Our united effort on Amazon is an example of government at its best. We are working together to help provide the shot in the arm our economy needs.

That is why I previously introduced a bill requiring quarterly meetings with the four legislative leaders and the governor, Bramnick continued. Corporations are required to hold board of director meetings. The state should also be required to report to the people. I encourage the public to contact their representatives urging them to support the legislation.

Bramnicks bill (A3691) specifically calls for the Senate president and minority leader and the Assembly speaker and minority leader to meet with the governor at least once a quarter of each calendar year to discuss the state of the state, pending legislation, ideas for legislation, public policy issues, and any matter of interest to residents. Following a private session, the meeting will be open to the public where people can ask questions. The leaders will also issue a joint statement highlighting their progress.

New Jersey is a natural fit for Amazon. We have the real-estate options and competitive incentives to build HQ2, and the talent to fill every job Amazon has to offer. This is a proposal lawmakers on both sides of the aisle can come together on, show unity and help provide the shot in the arm our economy needs. Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick

Legislative Leaders Pledge Bipartisan Commitment to Bring Amazons HQ2 Corporate Headquarters to New Jersey

WESTFIELD, N.J. The National Federation of Independent Business has announced its endorsement of Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick for reelection in the 21st legislative district.

I appreciate NFIBs support and endorsement, said Bramnick (R-Union). We need to get our economy back on track and the best way to do that is by getting the government out of the way so small businesses can create jobs. I look forward to working with NFIB next year to bring relief to small businesses across New Jersey and to create an environment where those businesses can thrive.

NFIB is the nations leading advocate for small business owners representing nearly 7,000 members in New Jersey. The group endorses candidates based on their voting record on key small-business issues identified by its members such as health care, taxes, labor and regulatory issues.

Assemblyman Bramnick joined with former Senator Bagger to support United Fund

https://www.insidernj.com/bramnick-americans-must-stand-together-racists/

All Americans must speak out against these racist groups in Charlottesville. We must stand together against hate and prejudice.

The speaker of the General Assembly rejected my request to vote on this important issue on procedural grounds. I will continue to fight to sustain home rule on housing issues as opposed to the courts determining our housing needs.

I am aggressively moving forward to protect towns and help mayors and councils stop court-mandated high-density housing by urging my colleagues to pass Assemblywoman Holly Schepisis legislative solution, said Bramnick (R-Union). With every passing day municipalities are incurring unrecoverable expense from these unnecessary lawsuits. This is a bi-partisan issue that has dire consequences. The legislature should take action now.

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Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick