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 Platform Update
April 2009
ACTION ITEMS
MONTHLY CONFERENCE CALL SET FOR APRIL 22 at 3:30 pm: Join Coalition members on Tuesday, April 22 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. as we review our agenda and discuss ways to reform government. Coalition members will be receiving an e-mail to register for the call or you can reply to me at jim@njchamber.com.
TOMORROW’S CLEAN ELECTION SEMINAR OPEN TO THE PLATFORM: A few spaces are still available for Platform Coalition partners interested in attending tomorrow’s special clean elections program hosted by the Eagleton Institute of Politics. The program, titled Public Financing of Campaigns: Lessons from New Jersey , New York City and Connecticut is designed to provide a forum for policy leaders and interested parties to learn from previous experiences in public financing.
To RSVP for the program, set for Friday, April 3 from 8:45 am to 1 p.m. at the Eagleton Institute of Politics in New Brunswick , visit here or call 732-932-9384, ext. 331.
LUARCC RELEASES MUNICIPAL EFFICIENCY REPORT: The Local Unit Alignment, Reorganization and Consolidation Commission (LUARCC)) has released its 2009 report, “A Quest for Efficiency in Local Governance,” which meets the group‘s statutory reporting requirement as set forth by the legislature. Members of the Government Reform Coalition actively lobbied for the creation and staffing of the Commission, and will spend the next few days reviewing the recommendations outlined in the report. Initial highlights include findings that “…seem to indicate the potential for savings in a vast array of capital dependent and unique services such as emergency communications and municipal courts.” In addition, the report highlights the difficulty associated with looking for a one-size fits all approach, and suggests a focus on service delivery options “…that might achieve real cost-savings without sacrificing quality.”
If you are interested in seeing a copy of the report, please let me know. The report is not currently available on the LUARCC website.
ITEMS OF INTEREST
COMPTROLLER ISSUES REPORT ON USE OF PUBLIC FUNDS: On March 26, State Comptroller Matt Boxer released a report detailing the use of tax funds by government entities to hire consultants to lobby on their behalf. The report lists the entities that spent the most on lobbying other public bodies, and questions if the expenditures are necessary. To view the entire report click here.
FEDERAL STIMULUS PACKAGE TRANSPARENCY: President Obama and governors throughout the country have added a new level of transparency to the federal stimulus package. With the experience of the Schools Construction Corporation fresh in the minds of many, additional steps are being taken to make sure stimulus funds are spent wisely. In New Jersey , contracts can be tracked by visiting www.recovery.nj.gov.
WEBSITE SHINES LIGHT ON CONGRESSIONAL SALARIES: Until recently, the salaries of Capitol Hill staffers were closely guarded in a town where secrets are the coin of the realm. Enter LegiStorm.com, a website that allows users easy access to financial disclosure information filed by congressional employees. To search for the information visit www.legistorm.com or go to here to read more about the controversy.
MAKE PLANS FOR CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY: Join the Center for Civic Responsibility on April 29th at the Alain Daniel Civic Responsibility Awards Dinner honoring Dennis Bone (Verizon), Ralph Izzo (PSEG), and William Marino (Horizon BCBS). These business leaders are being recognized for their efforts to foster a shared vision for our state. For tickets and more information visit www.jointhecampaign.com
CHAMBER PRESIDENT RECOGNIZED FOR EFFORTS: New Jersey & Company Magazine recognized President Joan Verplanck and Harry Pozycki, founder of the Center for Civic Responsibility, for their efforts to engage the citizenry in the political process. Referring to the Platform for Progress Government Reform Coalition agenda, Verplanck said “It makes sure (the process is) fair, open, and honest, and citizens get what they should expect – good stewardship and clean government.” To read the full article, visit here.
Jim Leonard
Vice President, Government Relations
New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
216 West State Street
Trenton, NJ 08608
Phone: (609)989-7888 Ext. 118
Fax: (609)989-9696
Jim.Leonard@njchamber.com
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