Senator Gerald Cardinale (R-Bergen) issued the following comments today upon learning that Hackensack Hospital has applied for a license to operate Pascack Valley Medical Center as a full service facility:

“I am pleased that Hackensack Hospital has applied for a license to reopen and operate Pascack Valley as a full service medical facility.

“I congratulate the many people who worked to clear the regulatory morass and numerous bureaucratic impediments put in our path by the previous administration. We now have a clear path to follow to reopen Pascack in a financially feasible manner.

“This is an early Christmas present for the people of the Northen Bergen County who will have access to a top flight medical facility. The reopening will also create nearly 800 high paying jobs for area residents.”

Exempts Donated Money From State Taxes

Legislation sponsored by Senator Gerald Cardinale (R-Bergen) that would exempt families, who are victims of school violence, from paying state taxes on money received from a memorial fund or other charitable cause was unanimously passed by the Senate yesterday.

“This money was raised by individuals and given to families to assist them in their time of need, ” Cardinale said. “The state should not turn around and add to their hardship by taxing these funds.”

Virginia Tech’s Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund is an example of the type of benevolent cause this bill is meant to address. In response to the shooting that occurred on April 16, 2007 at Virginia Tech’s campus, the university established the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund. This charitable fund accepted public donations for distribution to the victims’ families. The State of Virginia and the federal government have enacted legislation to exempt from taxation payments received from the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund.

Without this legislation, grieving New Jersey families receiving support through the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund or similar charitable causes may have to pay State gross income tax on the receipt of donations made to help such families recover from tragedy.

Legislation Also Requires Drivers License Tests Be Given in English Only

Senator Gerald Cardinale, the ranking Republican Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced legislation this week that would require the Motor Vehicle Commission to conduct driver’s license examinations only in English. The bill would also require that DUI breath test warnings and explanations be given in English only.

“It is indisputable that the common language of the road in New Jersey is English.” Cardinale began. “It is only common sense that drivers licensed to operate vehicles by the State of New Jersey are able to understand the common language that regulates traffic throughout the state.”

The legislation would compel the chief administrator of the MVC to ensure that all applicants for a New Jersey driver’s license demonstrate an ability to read, write and comprehend English in order to understand traffic signals or directions from law enforcement officials.

“This reform is an important piece of ensuring that New Jersey’s traffic woes are lessened over the long term,” Cardinale concluded. “When every licensed driver is able to comprehend the rules of the road it can only help relieve the road safety issues plagues us all. It’s a matter of public safety that everyone who uses our public roadways be able to follow traffic signs or police instructions; that can only be done if they understand English.”

Senator Gerald Cardinale (R-Bergen) expressed his disappointment and frustration today after the State Supreme Court ruled 4-3, that police officers must use a language that individuals understand when informing them of the consequences of refusing a breath test if they are suspected of driving under the influence.

“This is a ridiculous decision that flies in the face of common-sense. I will introduce legislation that reverses this absurd ruling and I will aggressively advocate for its swift passage.

“Furthermore, this decision puts to rest any doubt someone may have had over Governor Chris Christie’s decision not to re-nominate Justice John Wallace to the bench. It also fortifies my decision to vote no on Justice Barry Albin’s nomination. Justice Virginia Long will soon reach the mandatory retirement age, and I now question my support for Chief Justice Stuart Rabner.

“The reality of this is that there are hundreds of different languages and dialects people speak and this ruling puts undue pressure on our police officers to be able to identify or translate all of them if they are to successfully enforce our laws and keep our streets safe. This ruling justifies why everyone who applies for a driver’s license or applies to renew their driver’s license must have a basic understanding of the English language.”

Reverses DEP Ban on Oyster Restoration Projects

Senator Gerald Cardinale (R-39) has introduced legislation that requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to allow for the cultivation of commercial shellfish species in coastal and inner harbor waters for research, educational purposes or ecological restoration. The legislation was introduced in response to the recent announcement that the DEP would halt such projects in restricted shellfish waters. The legislation is co-sponsored by Senator Paul Sarlo.

“The DEP imposed an ill-advised ban on research related oyster cultivation out of fear that oysters illegally poached from research sites in tainted waters could end up in the food supply,” said Cardinale. “I believe the fears expressed by the DEP are unfounded. The oysters grown in these projects are too small for human consumption and are enclosed within special immovable steel and mesh structures that remain underwater at all times. The DEP could alleviate all concerns without banning beneficial research projects by simply increasing safeguards against illegal poaching.”

Cardinale noted that oysters filter pollutants from water, and research projects planted in tainted waters can help support the growth and recovery of damaged ecosystems.

“We shouldn’t have to sacrifice efforts to clean tainted harbors and coastal waters because we are afraid of poachers,” added Cardinale. “It’s better to prevent illegal poaching than to live with dirty water.”

Senators Gerald Cardinale and Kevin O’Toole issued the following statement regarding a proposal to invalidate Bergen County’s “Blue Laws” to raise revenue for the fiscal year 2011 budget:

“Bergen County’s ‘Blue Laws’ provide the only day of relative peace and quiet for the more than 880,000 residents of the county,” Cardinale stated. “I believe that any estimated economic gain that will be realized by the elimination of the ‘Blue Laws’ is insignificant when measured against the higher quality of life that the ‘Blue Laws’ provide.”

“It would be a mistake to eliminate Bergen’s ‘Blue Laws’ for a short term monetary gain,” O’Toole continued. “Additionally, I believe that any supplementary tax revenue from retail sales in Bergen, on Sunday, would be partially offset by the losses of revenue in Essex and Passaic counties. The equation is very simple for me; less congestion, cleaner air and quality family time far outweighs a minimal revenue gain through the elimination of the ‘Blue Laws.’”

Any attempt to repeal the Bergen County “Blue Laws” will require legislation separate from any consideration of the State Budget. Senators Cardinale and O’Toole will oppose any legislation that eliminates the “Blue Laws” and urge that their colleagues do so as well.

Chief Justice Poritz’s Opinions Cost NJ Taxpayers Billions

Senator Gerald Cardinale, the ranking Republican member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following comments in response to former New Jersey Supreme Court Chief Justice Deborah Poritz’s defense of judicial activism. Senator Cardinale is a long-time critic of judicial activism.

“The need to bring change to the court has nothing to do with partisanship. Former Chief Justice Poritz is proof of that. She was appointed by a Republican governor and presided over some of the most egregious, unwise and costly opinions ever issued by any court.

“In fact, former Chief Justice Poritz is the best example of an activist judge who legislated from the bench and cost the long-suffering taxpayers of New Jersey billions of dollars.

“I believe that former Chief Justice Poritz is the best argument for bringing balance, common sense and a clear understanding of the constitution and state statute back to the court. Governor Christie’s nominee will help restore the court to that reasonable standard. I hope that the Senate Judiciary Committee and the full Senate act quickly to grant her a full and fair conformation hearing.”

Governor Will Not Reappoint Associate Justice John Wallace

Senator Gerald Cardinale (R-39), the ranking Republican member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, announced his support for Governor Chris Christie’s decision to not reappoint Associate Justice John Wallace to the New Jersey Supreme Court. Cardinale stated:

“I would like to express my support for Governor Christie’s efforts to reform the New Jersey Supreme Court. The people of our state elected Governor Christie to change New Jersey, and that change cannot succeed without making changes in the Supreme Court.

“The Supreme Court was the engineer behind some of the most expensive and misguided policies that now plague our state, resulting in tens of billions of taxpayer dollars being wasted on continually failing Abbott schools and unnecessary COAH developments. This extrajudicial policymaking has resulted in skyrocketing property taxes, without the realization of any discernable benefit.

“Like many of us, I believe that Governor Christie realizes that we cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the Supreme Court any longer. Quite simply, today’s actions are necessary if our efforts to make New Jersey more affordable are to succeed.”

Senator Gerald Cardinale, senior Republican member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, called today for the resignation of Joe Coppola, president of the Bergen County Education Association:

“President Coppola’s remarks are as Governor Christie stated, ‘beyond the pale.’ His comments are an absolute disgrace to the hard working, rank and file teachers of Bergen County and New Jersey. These types of comments have absolutely no place in the political discourse of this state.

“Adding insult to injury are his comments that this is just a joke, and that this wasn’t meant for public consumption. This is not a joke. We may disagree concerning policy but we must remain civil. Slithering around, out of sight, reciting secret prayers for the death of the governor is, I believe, cause for Mr. Coppola to resign. I urge him to do so before he causes more harm to the reputation of the teachers in the classroom.”

Senator Gerald Cardinale, senior Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said he voted to confirm acting Treasurer Andrew Eristoff because of the remarkable knowledge and great character the nominee demonstrated at today’s confirmation hearing.

“This is a nominee who clearly demonstrated he understands the depth of problems faced by our state and is ready to work hard to create a government that is more efficient and competent at doing the people’s business,” Senator Cardinale said.

“He also showed his willing to work with legislators on both sides of the aisle, and is willing to listen to any ideas that will make our state run better,” Senator Cardinale said.

“I voted for his approval in committee, and I urge my Senate colleagues to unanimously back the nomination when it comes before the full Senate,” Senator Cardinale said.