Dear Mayor:

Yesterday, the Assembly took action on several major issues.

I.    Constitutional Dedication of Full Sales Tax Penny
ACR-20, a resolution that would ask the voters if they approve of a constitutional dedication of another half-penny of the sales tax to property tax relief and reform, was approved by the General Assembly by a lot more than the Constitutionally required three-fifths majority needed for the question to appear on this November’s ballot. The vote was 79-1. The resolution and its companion, S-137, will be considered by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on Monday, June 18.

For more information on this initiative see our letters of June 1 and May 11 or call Jon Moran at 609-695-3481, ext. 121.

II.  Dual Office Holding Ban Advances
A-4326, a bill that would allow current dual elective office holders to retain more than one office but ban the practice, prospectively, easily passed the General Assembly. The issue brings two important democratic values into conflict. Supporters of the ban want to prohibit the placement of too much power in too few hands. Opponents want to uphold the right of the people to decide if and when they want to be represented in the State Legislature by a local elected official and   the right of local elected officials to seek State office.

A number of bills before the Legislature contain provisions designed to ban local officials from serving in the State Legislature. In March, the League Legislative Committee voted to take ‘no action’ on one such bill. This was a major change from our long-standing opposition to a ban. When it became apparent that Legislative leadership was getting behind A-4326, which would prospectively ban ‘dual office holding’, we polled the Executive Board and found some division of sentiment on this. Accordingly, we endeavored to make certain that Legislative Leadership was aware of the League’s ‘no action’ position, and that the leaders were aware of arguments on both sides of the matter.

III. Sexually Oriented Business Regulation Bill Moves Forward
A-3692, which we oppose in its current form, was approved by the Assembly. This well-intentioned bill is intended to require municipal regulation of sexually oriented businesses. We must oppose A-3692 as currently drafted. We had met with the sponsor to discuss our concerns and were under the impression that the bill would not move, absent amendments. For more onthis, see our letter of June 8, or call Jon Moran at 609-695-3481, ext. 121.

The bill now moves to the Senate. Please contact your State Senator, urging opposition to A-3692, in its current form.

IV. Senate Ethics Package Goes to Governor
The League enthusiastically supports S-222, which prohibits political contributions by all State and local agencies; S-1192, which establishes the crime of corruption of   public resources; and S-1318, which establishes the “Public Corruption Profiteering Penalty Act.”  The sponsors are to be commended and thanked for their attention to real abuses of the public’s trust. For more on these bills, which now go to the Governor, contact Jon Moran at 609-695-3481, ext. 121.

                                                                        Very truly yours,

                                                                        William G. Dressel, Jr.
                                                                        Executive Director