Public Affairs; #332 - State of the State

This is a New Jersey public television special report Governor Brendan Byrnes state of the state address. I'm Larry stoupe nag overreporting from the assembly chambers in Scranton. This is Governor Byrnes next to the last State of the state address. The governor is in the final year of his second term and cannot seek re-election to office. Right now we're waiting for the governor to arrive in the assembly chambers. And with me is my colleague Bob here. Bob has covered the State House for a number of years. And Bob what can we look for in this Brendon Burns. Seven state of the state. Yes. Larry. Governor burn in. In the text that we have. Says fighting crime is going to be one of his top priorities. In his last year in office. This morning the Senate began. Action to override the governor's veto recent vetoes. Legislation that would mandate. That. Persons who commit. Crimes and use guns. Get an additional and. Mandatory. Jail sentence. Instead of that. Governor Bush is today going to propose. That. The state passed a far reaching legislation to ban the sale. Of handguns. That would be a first in

the nation. State right now has fairly tight regulation. Over the use of handguns. And but. But no legislation on the sale. And no other state does either. That's going to be a very tough bill for the governor to try to get through as. Many people know the. Anti gun registration lobbies and that's probably mobilized against the governor in this effort. Is. Does the governor have a chance of getting a bill like this through. It's very controversial. I think that he does. I think it remains to be seen how strong the gun lobby is in New Jersey. To my knowledge it's never really been tested here. It's strength in Washington is well known. But there are some other areas that the government will be talking about. From. The governor. One of the interesting things about this speech is that the governor is. Talking about things he'd like to do without really having any money. To do it. And the legislature is in no mood to raise new taxes. The governor is hoping that the

legislature consider. Making the existing state income tax more progressive. The money more money would be raised in that way but it would be used to replace property to. A local level. He's also. Suggested but it's unlikely that he'll be able to enact in his term a statewide property tax. The effect of which would probably be to reduce. Property taxes in the cities and increase them in some suburban areas is just an effort to try to prop up the cities. Yes. I think that's exactly what it does. The idea is that radicals tend to be moving out into the suburbs. Cities are losing business. And under this type of. Statewide property tax system. The suburbs would have to share the wealth of new radicals with the cities. They at this moment I think we should fill people in on what's going on down on the floor. Mr. Jackson is trying to call order. To the assembly here. In preparation for the arrival of Governor Vern. We still haven't received word if the governor is

on his way from his office. What else is there. I think Larry that a. Number of senators are not here yet. And. Before the governor arrives the speaker will send a delegation to work. To go to his office. And. Tell him that. She. Is ready. And I think that's actually what's coming up now. The governor will also talk about Atlantic City. He would like to have this legislature enact legislation. To. Set up a. Regional regulatory agency in Atlanta and the Atlantic City area that would have control over housing. Transportation. Similar public policy the advent of casino gambling in Atlantic City has. Created a lot of problems in the city and the surrounding area and particularly a shortage of housing. The governor is upset. And says so in his speech that Atlantic City officials have not followed a master plan that they themselves love to see.

And so he has proposed. County. Officials. Mostly. A regional commission. With broad oversight powers. He is also proposing a similar commission for the Hudson County riverfront. The governor has used this test several times in the past most recently with the Pinelands Snape on this commission. It's a vast area of South Jersey. What about the. He's also searching on education and business in this address. Governor. One of the chief points that the governor makes in his speeches that. New Jersey's economy has improved dramatically in the seven years since he's been in office and there was some evidence that that's true. It used to be that when we had a recession in this country New Jersey has suffered more than other states. The most recent recession last year in New Jersey suffered a little less than other states and its unemployment rate. In fact now is less than the

national average. Without real money in the budget to invest on his own. The governor was looking for some kind of tax incentive program. He hasn't spelled it out here that would that would attract private capital from banks. The state's major insurance companies particularly in urban areas. He's also going to suggest a statewide conference on small business because as he says more jobs are created by small businesses than big business in the state. And he is proposing also that the legislature put on the ballot a bond issue which if 45 votes would raise the money to be used to attract private capital in particular areas he says for example in the state build an office building it might attract the private capital to build the cultural center. Private route and that kind of magnet. Issue is what he's suggesting here. It's. All about the area of education.

The governor for several years has been trying to get the legislature in the State Board of Education to take a close look at a consolidation of school districts. The idea is that there are a number of small districts in the state that may or may not be cost efficient. And what would burn would like the State Board of Education to do first of all is to eliminate so-called non operating districts districts that exist on paper but don't run any schools. He says no taxes. And. The State Board of Education is studying that question in the area of higher education. The governor talks generally. About the declining enrollments both in secondary schools and now beginning to show up in a state college system. Now the emphasis should be put on quality of education rather than providing an education for everyone who wants it. That's already been achieved. One interesting thing that.

Is in the governor's formal text it is not in his speech. The draft of which we have anyway he talks about what his relations are likely to be with them like Reagan. I mean Reagan takes office. And says that he'll be he'll be happy to work with the ministration to find areas where the federal government can withdraw and leave programs to the States. What he warns against. Is the Reagan administration withdrawing from those programs that are particularly needed by the Northeast and Midwest regions and not so much needed by the southwest the region that's largely elected like. The governor says he has always been an advocate of prudent and cost cutting. And Reagan wants to move in that direction and move or decentralization of government. So he thinks some areas he doesn't spell out that might be a good idea.

Someone of the Reagan task forces one of the Reagan's cabinet appointees I'm sorry last week suggested that cuts might be made in this case and that's an area we they quickly jumped up and said that's the money that you need in the Northeast in this most densely populated state by state where energy costs are so high. We can't afford to have the federal government draw from its commitment to support the operation and the interest of mass transit to cabman's those Kathmandu's and the Reagan administration come from New Jersey Arizmendi be allies of Governor Ridge. I don't know that you could say that Ray Donovan is a conservative Republican. I'm really aware that he has any friendly relationship with Governor Bush. And Mr. Reagan's treasury secretary designate his New York oriented He lives in New Jersey but he's not a factor in politics in New Jersey. I'm sure that the governor's Washington office will be attempting to establish relations with

both Donna and the Labor secretary of the treasury secretary but to my knowledge there are no close relationships there. Now. Of course. Governor Vernice had the closest kind of relationship over the last two years with President Carter. He has been steadfast supporter of Carter and Carter was a supporter of his or G-77 seem to be in trouble running is the second time. Others I don't think there's any question that the governor is going to have to work a little bit harder to establish relations with the White House than he had in the past eight years. Those relations were Carter very very close. Yes there were a couple of things that have been burning administration bills that have been in the legislature for I guess up to five years. The governor says he'd like to have passed finally. He's. One of them that has to do with civil service reform something like.

Civil service regulation that poised to be a little less strict. For a management class to be created similar to the army that was inaccurate at the federal level so that people would give up the protection of the civil service system in time for a higher salary and that prerogative of automobile insurance reform. This is an ongoing fight. The governor is concerned that he says that are too high. And believes that the way to try to hold them in law is to cut down on the number of lawsuits filed as a result of other accidents. And under current no fault insurance law. A person can sue after an accident if he's suffered personal injury amounted to a hundred dollars in medical bills. The governor says two hundred dollars in medical bills is a ridiculous target. Anybody who wants to sue CAN can reach it's not going to the doctor. It's just like an X-ray. He would like to place the so-called monetary threshold with a verbal threshold that describes

serious injuries. So the legislature and the legal lobby in the state have fought to increase but retain a monetary threshold. The latest proposals emanating from the legislature is to increase that $200 billion to $1000. So it's not accepted that it is a thousand dollars is probably just as hard as two hundred dollars. People who are sad about filing frivolous lawsuits would think that the figure is $250000 for five days. The. Another proposal the government is making is in the area water supply. With it's come quite It has become quite a tool and this here to deal with with this drought. The need for interconnections between the states existing whereas reservoir systems has just come to the fore. And apparently there is a shortage of reservoir

space. The governor and the Department of protection have proposed a $345 million bond that should be expand reservoir space and to connect the reservoirs that currently are not collected so that where there is a surplus of water in one area or another the water can be moved. The. It's likely that that proposal will move through the legislature quickly and be on the ballot in the fall. Another piece of legislation that the governor supported and his later is hazardous waste facilities citing the problem of hazardous waste for several years. Toxic chemicals dumped or discarded. Rose state to state needs high technology facilities to dispose of them. In the background here I'm hearing this the floor regarding the

tragedy of Monmouth County where the tragic murder of a nursing home perhaps this time we should go down to join the debate with undercounts tragedy. Their lives were being pointed out. Are the people that the government and that's what the government ought to do is provide for people I can't provide for themselves the protections that they need. And we last seven months and we lost 30 some people because I think that we were neglecting our duty. And I hope now with the dedication and the work of the people that Mr. Van Wagner has mentioned along with people on this side of the aisle we can do what's right for the people of the state of New Jersey that we are charged with to take care. Thank you. Mr. Laski.

Mr. Wagner pointed out that the committee of course in the Senate and the assembly is already geared up to conduct the hearings. I would just like to just for the record. And I'm reluctant to do this because I don't think that this is the time to do it but yet I think that it has to be done in. The legislation that Assemblyman Valene spoke about much of that legislation has been passed. In addition to that the committee of course the joint committee is still continuing their hearings in their investigations and waiting for reports so that there there has been activity in that direction. And again for the record this is a tremendous problem with many ramifications. It's not going to be solved. Assemblyman Van Wagoner pointed out

by inact here or there there has to be comprehensive legislation both by the federal government and the states. I rise as I said Mr. Speaker just to make the record clear. I know I think everyone in the room agrees that it was an unnecessary tragedy. Let's hope gratefully that it won't happen again. And then as a memorial I think I've answered all of my colleagues that kindly stand in just one moment of silent prayer. Connelly writes about me please. Thank you very much. All in favor of the resolution will signify by saying I don't suppose the ayes have it. I mean I'm just a little brief analysis. You know the Senate is going to come into the chambers. I

think it's incumbent upon some of my colleagues who represent senatorial districts to make sure you got to see that it looked kind of odd. Have you read sitting down and you said standing up. So I just want to get bring that to your attention. So. Why. Pretty attentive in the house. Sitting up in a back to me immediately to my right. The first rule of course is the governor's cabinet were very pleased and very proud to have with us today their young song heroes that do most of the work that got this combat cabinet. And of course the first lady of our great state. The woman behind the man I should say in most cases maybe in front

of my good friend Mrs. Burton. Well the committee for playing it to wait on the governor. Can we leave some Roman Catholic Assemblywoman Golvin. I assume that the government don't want to wait too long. When. He. Was governor Brendon Burns should be joining us very shortly. His message I think right now before we go on with this body the state of the state message is for a long time. Have you ever seen anything. Like the memorial that was just given us 30 people that died. Monmouth County on the devastated to. No I don't. I don't recall anything like that. This was a tragic car and I think the worst nursing home

fire in the state's history. And. Then somebody took time out where normally I think they would have moved right to the governor's address. To. Have a moment of silence. A couple of short speeches about the fire. Thirty people died at this beach the rest home in Keansburg. The speaker has just sent a delegation of women legislators to get Governor Barbour and tell him that they're ready to hear the State of the state message I'm told this is the second I don't recall this last year. I'm told this is the second time. That the speaker has sent just women to get the governor. I'm not really sure what the significance of that is frankly. So I think. Most of us. Our senators are just starting to come in I guess really they haven't come in. Maybe several more minutes to wait until we hear Governor burn regarding that Monmouth County Fire. Do you think the legislature in response to this fire. I'm not

I'm not sure if they will. The. The legislature last year enacted boarding home. Reform Law. That was. Meant to introduce tighter regulation of warning homes residential health care facilities. Places where. Older disabled people live that are. Providing a lower level of service than nursing home. Pardon me I've just been informed that the governor has left his office and he is on his way. To the assembly chambers to deliver. His. Seventh state of the state address. We should be hearing very shortly. Some. More senators and. Friends of friends of theirs entering the chamber this time. Filling out that is literally standing. State of the state address. This. Will be Governor Burns next to last. State of the state he will have one more opportunity after the. 1981 election. He'll give his last

State of the state address a week before the new governor is sworn in. Next. We can probably gauge. Response. State. Of the. Stable. Estimates. Looking that he might encounter from the legislature to his will be as well. As the governor is already being called the lame duck governor. He doesn't like it. And. He says this should be a year when action is taken not avoided. But it is difficult to get the legislature to address difficult issues. In an election. Getting. The signal down on the floor that the governor is on the chamber's. Staff is starting. And the governor's entourage will

start to come through the door. Some. One woman Barbara Caillat some one woman Marie Mueller in front. Of his bodyguards. Were. Late for confirming that there is a quorum here. This is the hall was packed. Ladies and.

Gentlemen. Thank you. Mr. President Mr. Speaker members of the legislature. Members of my. Cabinet. Any candidates for governor or not covered by the above. And. And ladies and gentlemen I I've. Placed on your desks a copy of my state of the state message including some highlights of what we've done. And what we need to do. I will not

read the entire message to you this afternoon. I urge you to read it and my not covering some of the points in the message does not detract from the importance of all of the legislative proposals that. I've asked you to consider in the coming year. The message again talks about what we've done and what we need to do. While we have is considerable is considerable and we can justifiably proud of it. Park meadowland Sports Complex better our economy. Completion of missing highway links revitalization of Atlantic City and educational system is beginning to work. Commitment to our urban areas. A comprehensive program for the protection of our pipeline it's always

well before we speak of our problems to remind ourselves of our accomplishments working together. We began seven years ago to open our government to more people with post card voter registration and public campaign financing. To the lowest bidder by reforming Treasury practices to our schoolchildren play a greater commitment to a thorough and efficient education to our senior citizens by a panoply of programs committing hundreds of millions of dollars in state resources to business by creating an economic development authority and by eliminating taxes having nothing to do with profitability. Creating half million new jobs through cultural enrichment by public

and private commitment to the arts to the consumer by strengthening professional regulatory boards and broadening their membership to include public members. To those who breathe our air and drink our water. By developing and enforcing quality standards. We also enjoy our new role as leaders in this nation. We created an oil spill fund. The nation followed a chemical cleanup program the nation followed budget gaps the nation followed. Hospital cost containment the nation follow a public advocate which the nation ought to follow. As you read legislative programs proposed for other states you will note.

That many of those proposals are already accomplished in New Jersey and we accomplish them by working together Democrats and Republicans. Major accomplishments like Pinelands preservation and property tax relief would not have been possible. Without bipartisan support. Enough laurels for anyone to rest. But that's not our style. There's still much to do. We can look at the problems facing New Jersey with an attitude that we're tough enough to tackle tough problems but perhaps with the realization that we save some of the toughest for last. My recommendations this afternoon are made in the light of your resolve

against new taxes. That means that government cannot solve all the problems we would like to give the money we raised this year. A penny increase in gasoline tax to. Improve transportation overpacked as a dollar without blinking. And just as your dollar has eroded in value so has that of government. We have disciplined ourselves with budget caps but those caps must give way to human needs when those needs are clearly demonstrated as the serious situation of our state and our region. The fact is we are running

out of water. When I signed emergency executive order number 98 on September 27 reservoir levels four major water systems stood at forty two point four percent. Today they are at twenty seven. Point two percent. It would take twenty five inches of rain now to bring these reservoirs up to capacity in my special message on water in November I outlined a complete proposal to deal with the patchwork water system. We've made progress in building pipelines and into communications. But we need a revised water regulatory system more businesslike management of state owned water facilities and

a bond issue to complete essential long term storage and transmission facilities. I ask your action on this situation not only for today but the next generation in New Jersey must be assured sufficient water for new homes and businesses we seek an urgent response to an urgent problem. Ironically we have a flood control problem. In this state. And we have been trying for 80 years to develop a consensus solution. So if you don't like my water plan at least promptly devise an alternative one which will pass and one which will work the state's pioneering fight against toxic waste has been regarded as unmatched anywhere else in the

nation. The spill compensation and Control Act approved in 1976 was the first strongest and most comprehensive state legislation. To deal with this threat to our health the environment and economy. Your subsequent actions to further broaden this legislation to provide for the hazardous dumpsite cleanup. Have kept us leading the nation in our response to this problem. We also succeeded in 1980. After much effort by our congressional delegation and ourselves in finally passing federal legislation known as Superfund to supplement our waste dump cleanup efforts in the coming years we'll see an intense effort to identify and clean up the hazardous waste sites which threaten our environment.

We will come to you this year to significantly augment our resources to deal with hazardous waste and garbage control to ensure that we do not repeat past mistakes. I urge you to enact legislation to establish a process for the siting of modern hazardous waste disposal and recovery facilities. This legislation is essential to both our environmental and our economic needs. Today the inequities in the auto insurance rates are worse than they were in 1977 when I first talked about this issue. For example an 18 year old male. In North uses a car to

drive to work. Is paying two thousand two hundred nineteen dollars for insurance and increase from two thousand 051 three years ago. An estimated almost four hundred thousand motorists are driving around New Jersey without any insurance at all in violation of the law. People priced right out of the market. Some argue that no fault reform undermines the right to a jury trial in automobile accident cases. We've preserved that right for serious injury. But what is happening to the Segre right of jury trial when four hundred thousand citizens are priced right out of the market. How much worse must it get before we are willing to act in the area of law enforcement. Our resources must be

directed to prevent and punish those who violate our law and the rights of others. That is an essential role of government. Nothing threatens our freedom so directly has the fear of violent crime in the sense of helplessness of society. I have asked the Attorney General John Degnan that the state police efforts be directed toward preventing violent crime. We already have a number of local requests for state police help to stem violent crime. We are not looking to go into any municipality where their citizens feel that their local law enforcement is adequate. Or whether the municipality feels self sufficient. We've

also toughened our laws on crime and criminals are consequently receiving longer sentences. In New Jersey we're justified. I also believe that we should develop a proposal which illustrates our concern with the proliferation of handguns in it which will serve to provoke regional and national action on this problem. New Jersey has been the first to do a lot of thing and I urge you to enact legislation to bar the sale of handguns in New Jersey. Many guns now in the hands of criminals were

stolen in the first place from people who had them legitimate. If we take the lead in adopting the toughest gun law in this nation we can set a standard for our neighboring states. Sportsmen do not need handguns nor does it make sense to encourage gun fights between good guys and bad guys as a response to crime. The OK Corral is not in New Jersey. I'm informed that the Senate overrode my veto on a gun bill this morning. Some have admitted privately that that was a political expedience in the long run. Crime cannot be solved by political expediency.

As part of our obligation to protect the safety of our citizens we must have secure prisons for convicted criminals. No judge should be prevented from sentencing a convicted criminal because of lack of space. While we admit failure to attack all of the root causes of crime whether poverty or urban decay decay inadequate housing. And while that attack goes on we will not tolerate growing violent crime rates. The trend growing faster in the suburbs than in the cities we will build a new prison authorized by the voters last November and we will put people in it no belong in it. Atlantic City is making a dramatic comeback

as a convention and entertainment Mecca. But there are still problems to solve. There is no way that one city government alone. Can solve the regional problems of transportation housing and cross the Atlantic City's future is not in bringing down bus loads of senior citizens and handing them rolls of quarters. Its future is as a convention city and a convention center. We are not looking to take over Atlantic City. The citizens of New Jersey gave Atlantic City a unique status and a set of privileges but evidence of the ability of the city to meet its obligations has been disappointing

for those reasons. I have proposed an Atlantic Regional Commission to help deal with these problems and help ensure the long term future of this revitalized resort community. Unless we can do this or we will have done in Atlantic City is to provide a troublesome alternative to church bingo games. This state has taken important actions to ensure that South Jersey develops in a balanced and careful manner and avoids some of the planning mistakes of the rest of the state. South Jersey is a beautiful part of the state and we aim to keep it that way for future generations. Farm land preservation is an essential part of that program. I am confident

that the future will confirm the wisdom of these choices. It may turn out that the administrative aspects of assuring a thorough and efficient education may be more significant than attempts to equalize education financing and improve the quality of education. My goal. Is to give every high school graduate diploma he can read. Our requirements for educational accountability have shown that we can improve educational ability and performance and they also may prove that the correlation between dollars and

progress is not as direct as we thought it might be though we've been able to improve performance and accountability in public schools. There remain inequities in school finance. Further there are inequities in property tax affecting municipalities as well as school districts. The state income tax was a significant breakthrough in eliminating those inequities but the present income tax structure does not provide the electricity to meet funding standards set by the wind from court and the news court and there is no reason to believe that the present court. Will retreat from those standards. Another contributing factor to fairness is the continued use of the utilities gross receipts

tax to provide some municipal revenue. For example lower alwayz creek and I bring you up to date on this every year. I received three thousand dollars per person per year from that one tax. I repeat my recommendation that we correct those in equity. We are now aware of a presidential commission for a national agenda report which suggests that we write off our cities and that we literally supply bus tickets for workers to move to the Sun Belt. This administration in this state is not ready to do that. My colleague Governor Kerry of New York several years ago as head

of the Northeastern governors coalition developed a series of regional proposals and an energy corporation tax incentives which if fully implemented would have improved our competitive position. We have aggressively saw jobs for New Jersey workers and have created over 100000 new jobs per year for the last five years. The revival of our cities however is dependent upon fair treatment of those cities. The Department of Community Affairs has just responded to my request for an analysis of the fairness of local property tax. That study shows many state wide problems are being imposed for a financial solution on a few mostly urban taxpayers. Our local property

tax is in many ways unfair irrational and a catalyst for bad development patterns in the state. I will make that study available to you and I submit that our programs are worthy of serious consideration before we resort to handing out bus tickets. I believe New Jersey should design its own priorities for the 80s. Government in New Jersey also operates under the irony that we put somebody in charge of a program and ask him or her to do a job but don't permit that manager to reorganize the state. There has been some success at the federal level in reforming the civil service and the time has long since passed to end the debate and take

action in New Jersey. We ought to give the next governor the options and a managerial tool to achieve some of the things that will be promised in the upcoming campaign. Let me add further with regard to the upcoming campaign that we do not have the resources to finance every Tom Dick and Mary. Who wants to enter the race. Maybe I've made the job look too easy and. Maybe we've made the financing law the primary financing law

too broad. I ask your immediate attention to the question of the dollar threshold of $200000 or $150000 and that providing a runoff. In the event of the failure of any candidate to marshal at least a significant plurality of the primary votes. I'd suggest maybe thirty two point three. So these are some of the highlights of the issues that remain before us and call for action. Nineteen eighty one. There are those who say that the political process has changed dramatically in recent years. Party discipline has

disappeared. Party organizations have lost their clout. Legislators are becoming television personalities who is expensive campaigns must be financed by special interests. And since these often conflicting special interests can't be offended paralyses results and nothing can be accomplished. The danger is real. And the danger of demagoguing issues in 30 second television spots is real. But this administration and this legislature have not. In the past shied away from difficulty from controversy from contention. We have achieved a great deal together not by

taking the easy road but by taking risks and breaking new ground as shown Casey wrote let the timid tiptoe through the way where the paler blossoms grow. My feet shall be where the red roses grow. Though they bear long thorns sharp and piercing thick among them. In the coming year let us follow. The more difficult. But ultimately more rewarding path. Let us take New Jersey where the red roses grow. Thank you. Have the benediction by father.

Lord God created us and placed us in this world he has sent us over the work of your hands to use it and enjoy. We praise your partners. We have established human institutions to enable us to live in harmony and make the benefits of your creation available for all. Today this legislature gathers to start a new session of the day and lawmaking in order to assist the people of New Jersey in working together and sharing in the good things you give us. We ask for your help as did your servant Solomon when he took up the task of leading your people give us wisdom we pray to see the needs of the people and just solutions to those needs. Give us the courage to act as we ought. Regardless of the pressures brought to bear on us give us the integrity we need to inspire confidence in our actions and work with your help and blessing. We know Lord that our

efforts will not be in vain and that your people will come closer to that happiness for which you have created us. Amen. Thank you Father. Senator. You mean that this joint session legislature due now arrived. Sam Karcher. All those in favor signify by saying. This joint session stands adjourned. Only sentiment can we remain in you seat 3. I'd like to do. And. That's Governor BRENDAN BYRNE And 270 next to the last State of the state address. Governor I've covered a wide range of topics in his with

proximately. Almost. 30 minutes today. The issue. Of water supplies. Is. Sure. The drought. He said. Literally we are running out of water. All. Of the. Water regulatory system business and state water facilities and the bond issue to complete long term storage and transmission facilities. Publish your reaction to the. Call is a long time. I think that it's a good bet that the legislature will put that on the ballot. I think the seriousness of the water problem this is pretty well known. I was struck by the. Excuse me by the fact that. The governor. In effect. Agreed with the legislature that it would not be. Possible this year to enact any new. Taxes so that the state spending can't be increased. But the governor in the last several years has had a lot of success. Passing bond issues to raise. Long term capital. And he's going to go that route on the. On. The water problem.

Here are dealing with what is quite a serious subject here in New Jersey the issue of toxic waste. The governor said New Jersey's efforts to clean up the problem are unmatched elsewhere in the nation. Call for the legislature to act legislation to establish a process for the siting of modern hazardous waste disposal and recovery facilities. What about the chances. That. They appear to be good. The bill is just coming out today from the Senate Environmental. And energy committee. It's a very controversial provision in the bill for the actual citing that the state commission could override a local veto. And select. Select a site where a recycling plant a landfill would go. Local officials and. Not be able to stop it. Home-Rule is a. Strong tradition in the state. In the 70s. It's been. Winnow down regulation with Coast. Financial regulation. And oversight in a number of areas. This is the first time that the state would step in and rather than say you can't do something. Say that you have to do something.

And that's. Except. The garbage and the recycling plant. And then. Governor I would also like to see a reformation of the no fault insurance laws. Here in New Jersey. What's going to happen with. That. It's been around for so long Larry. I think everybody would fall over is. Exactly what the governor has not stopped trying to change the so-called monetary threshold whereby people who are injured in an automobile accident can sustain $200 in. Medical bills. Can Sue. For damages. Party who. Wants to change that. Verbal threshold. Substitute language. The $200 target that he says is ridiculously easy to meet. The lawyers in the state are against it. Critics of lawyers say they're against it because they'll lose. Business in the courts. There will be less lawsuits. The lawyers say the insurance companies aren't promising that rates will come down. If this so-called reform is enacted. It's been in a stalemate for three years. I don't see any.

Great. Degree of law enforcement the governor said crime violent crime is a serious problem here in New Jersey called for the state police to be. Dealing with violent crime. I would also like to see the buying of the sale of handguns in New Jersey he said. OK Corral is not in New Jersey and he also wants to have that new prison bill that was authorized by voters last November in regards to Atlantic City. So there's a problem with housing and crime. And he is proposing an Atlantic City Regional Commission to deal with that problem. And that's got some opposition in Atlantic City itself. Yes it does. The city and Atlantic County officials have been closing the gap. And at some of the Old Home Rule or tradition versus state oversight. The governor says the problem is that there are serious. He joked that unless some. Action was taken instead of becoming a first class convention city. Atlantic City would. Become just a troublesome. County. For church bingo.

But the prospects for that kind of legislation in the lame duck session. I don't think. I think they're doubtful. Move on to some of the other topics that the governor talked about today. He called the call for South Jersey the plan for the future. And he said farmland preservation was an essential part of that planning. In regards to education. He said his goal was to give every high school graduate a diploma he can read. And he said there are funding inequities between the various school districts like what you see. In regards to the cities. He says. He's going to get that national commission recommendation that food literally supplies bus tickets for workers to go to the Sunbelt. He says New Jersey is not ready to do that. And he wants an equity and property tax move up the chances for that. I think that. What. Governor Bush is doing here is raising a subject he knows he can't. Enact in this term but as governor Hughes did with the Texas governor Cahill. They pushed it. Pushed. It. Three years without any success. Finally Governor.

Actually now. We have to wrap it up we're running out of time. Tomorrow night at 10:30 you will have a special presentation on New Jersey from television giving the Republicans their time to respond to this message. My colleague Bob Kerrey special presentation. And. I will. Tell. You we got your vote. Q. Can. I. Tell. You. I recall