Robert Schroeder's Blog

Today is the six-month anniversary of the day I was sworn into office as a member of the 214th Legislature. Since that day, I have done my best to keep the oath that I took, to always put the needs of my constituents first, and to always do what is best for the state of New Jersey. Today’s vote to pass the Governor’s proposed 2.0% cap was a fitting way to mark this day. Although it is just the beginning–we do have more work to do, and must put the full “toolkit” in place in order to ensure real reform and tax relief–I could not have been prouder of the way legislators on both sides of the aisle worked together today in a respectful, productive manner.

It’s funny, but when I encounter constituents on the street or in the grocery store, the question I am asked most often is: How are you liking it so far in Trenton? Even with all of the troubles facing our state–or perhaps because of them–the residents of District 39 still feel the need to watch out for the “new guy.” I can’t even begin to tell you how much that means to me. My answer is simple: I love it. I really do. Yes, it’s a lot of work, and the trips down to Trenton from Bergen County can be time-consuming for a business owner like me, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. And while it’s true that the Christie administration inherited a tremendous amount of problems, and this legislature certainly has its work cut out for it, I am so honored to be a part of the solution. I’m grateful to all of you who have taken the time to email me and share your views on the issues facing our state. I love hearing from you, so keep those calls, letters, postcards and emails coming.

After the voting session, I attended a short meeting at the Governor’s residence, Drumthwacket. My fellow GOP legislators and I talked about the extraordinary progress we have made over the past several months, under the strong leadership of Governor Chris Christie and his Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno. They have spent their time in office making good on the promise to streamline our government, cut wasteful spending and bring New Jersey back on sound financial footing without raising taxes. Chris has also kept the lines of communication open with us, always willing to hear our concerns and work to find solutions. The hours are long, and the task before us is great, but with a leader like Chris who is always ready to roll up his sleeves and work hard, you can’t help but get caught up in the excitement. I know that some of the choices we’ve had to make have been difficult ones, but I truly believe that New Jersey is finally headed in the right direction for a prosperous future.

Here’s to the next 6 months!

Congratulations are in order for my daughter Brittany, who received confirmation this weekend that she will be receiving her Girl Scout Gold Award. She put in many hours of service volunteering to feed the hungry and help the community, displaying a level of dedication and commitment that deserves a special shout-out here on the blog. I will never forget that chilly early morning back in December when she joined me at the Teaneck Armory to assist with the Holiday Food Drive for our troops and their families. She stood out in the cold for hours, distributing caseloads of donated turkeys and hams, and kept a smile on her face the entire time.

Great job, Brittany. I hope you know that Mom and I are very proud of you and what you have accomplished. I look forward to attending your Girl Scout Gold Award ceremony this fall.

I had the pleasure of meeting a true legend today: Art Shamsky, a key member of the 1969 World Championship New York Mets baseball team. Art was in Bergen County visiting a mutual friend, and they took a moment to stop by my business office for a quick visit.  In addition to his impressive baseball career, Art was also a broadcaster on radio and television for WFAN, ESPN, WNYW and WNEW, and provided color commentary and play-by-play for the New York Mets.  Here I am with Art and my company’s Vice President James Cipolla.

Although his talent and accomplishments on the basefield field will always be impressive, for me, what makes Art stand out as a cut above the rest was the one day that he didn’t take the field.  During that incredible 1969 season, in the midst of their division title run, the Mets had a double header scheduled on Yom Kippur, the most solemn holiday on the Jewish calendar.  With the support of his coach Gil Hodges, Art did not play that day, and stayed true to his faith.  I admire Art greatly for that decision, and respect him for having the courage to stand by his convictions. 

The Mets won both games that day, so it would appear I wasn’t the only one pleased by Art’s choice. The “Amazin’ Mets” went on to win the World Series that season, but in my opinion, Art Shamsky was already a champion.

One week ago today, my Assembly colleagues and I spent a marathon day in Trenton, where we met to discuss and vote on nearly 4 dozen bills, including Governor Christie’s cost-saving, revenue-generating budget proposals.

The session lasted over 11 hours.

It was hailed as a momentous day, because the Republican minority was able to successfully secure bi-partisan support for the Governor’s sweeping reforms, finally putting an end to years of irresponsible borrowing and wasteful spending practices enacted by our Democratic counterparts.

For me, it was momentous for another reason: my first piece of legislation was passed into law.  And although I had hoped it would be A-2650 (my decal-repeal bill), the bill that did pass was not without drama.

Bill A-3009 creates a new program whereby drivers in New Jersey can purchase license plates featuring the logos of their favorite national sports teams. Similar programs in other states have been very successful (Florida has raised over $250,000, and they only sell plates for local teams). The New Jersey program is projected to raise $1 million or even more, depending on the final licensing fees negotiated.  The program will be structured such that our initial cost outlay would be minimal and covered by the pricing model. The fact that the plates would be “print on demand” will eliminate storage costs and ensure a positive return on our investment. A sound business plan, which is why I was proud to sign on as the prime sponsor of this initiative.

Although there was some disagreement over exactly how much revenue the program will produce in its first year, no one could refute the fact that this sports plate program will ultimately be profitable for our state, and the bill passed with bi-partisan support.

Nevertheless, it’s been noted that several Assembly Democrats first decided to engage in a lengthy discussion about this straightforward, money-making bill. That’s true. For more than an hour, I fielded questions from the other side of the aisle—often the same question over and over and over again.

Assemblyman Wisniewski—someone that I have taken to task over his unresponsiveness to the public outcry over Kyleigh’s Law—was the first to rise and ask questions, seeking clarity on simple aspects of the bill that somehow eluded him. I answered his questions, but he ultimately voted against the bill. Perhaps the idea of generating revenue without raising taxes is too foreign a concept.

The lengthy discussion over such straightforward legislation has lead to speculation that the barrage of questions posed about A-3009 were actually intended to be some form of payback: retribution directed towards me for my ongoing efforts to repeal Kyleigh’s Law.

Interesting theory.

For me, it makes no difference what the Democrats’ motives were, because I am not afraid to engage in open discussion and debate. If only the Transportation Committee Chairman felt the same way. Instead, he continues to block public debate on Kyleigh’s Law. Backed by his Democrat majority during the budget discussion, he was happy to debate…yet he continually ignores the public’s demand to debate the shortcomings of the decals imposed on graduated drivers license holders.

The governor’s budget has passed, and with the 2.0% cap agreement pending, New Jersey is finally on a path to recovery.  Open debate, discussion, and civil discourse are the reasons we were able to reach this level of accord.  Democrats and Republicans MUST work together if we are to make progress on behalf of the citizens of our state. The people of New Jersey deserve representatives who are not afraid to set aside partisan politics and do what is best for everyone.  Whenever the Transportation Committee Chairman finally recognizes the public demand for honest dialogue about Kyleigh’s Law, I’m ready. The time has come for an open discussion about these ill-advised decals.  Put A-2650 through to your Committee, Mr. Chairman, and let’s talk.

In a few minutes I’ll be leaving for the trip down to Trenton for a Special Legislative Session requested by Governor Christie.  This will be the second such session held in as many days, and we have one on the agenda for Saturday as well.  In fact, there’s speculation that we will be called to the Statehouse daily throughout the summer until we have come to an agreement on the governor’s proposed tax reforms.

I say: bring it on.

As a business owner, I typically work 7 days a week, 18 hours a day.  I’m always careful to make time for my family–attending my son’s basketball games, taking my daughter to cheer practice, dinners out with my wife–but you have to be willing to work hard and make sacrifices in order to be successful.

New Jersey is in crisis, thanks to years of wasteful spending practices, careless borrowing, and overtaxation imposed by the Democrat-controlled legislature.   Enough is enough.  Drastic times call for drastic measures, and we’re all going to have to roll up our sleeves and work together if we’re going to get our state back on track.

The budget voting session this past Monday was an 11-hour marathon of bluster and shameful political posturing from my colleagues on the other side of the aisle.  There’s a difference between spirited debate and filibustering. I hope that these Special Sessions we’re holding to discuss the 2.5% cap reforms and the Governor’s toolkit proposal will be conducted in respectful, productive way that yields real progress. The people of New Jersey deserve leadership that is willing to set aside partisan bickering and get down to the business of saving our state from financial disaster.

I’m ready.

Three more legislators have signed on as co-sponsors to A-2650: Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande (R – District 12), Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon (R – District 12), and Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini (R – District  11).

Yesterday, in an attempt to stand up for the safety and well-being of our young drivers in New Jersey, I put forth a motion during the Assembly Voting Session to amend A-2740 to include an immediate decal repeal. Although 35 other legislators joined me in supporting the effort to have my motion move forward, 43 of my colleagues voted to table the motion, thereby ensuring that the Kyleigh’s Law decals remain in effect.

As you know, the fight to repeal the decal requirements stipulated by Kyleigh’s Law has not been an easy one. Despite the fact that there are now SEVEN bills calling for the immediate repeal of the decals, the Transportation Committee has not heard or released a single one of them.  Now that the Committees will be on a break until the Fall, it looks like the decals are here to stay throughout the summer.

How do you feel about that?  If you’d like to let them know, here is a complete list of the 43 members of the Assembly who voted to block the decal repeal yesterday:

Assemblyman Peter Barnes (D) District 18 (732) 548-1406

Assemblyman John Burzichelli (D) District 3 (856) 251-9801

Assemblyman Ralph Caputo (D) District 28 (973) 450-0484

Assemblyman Anthony Chiappone (D) District 31 (201) 436-0473

Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula (D) District 17 (732) 247-3999

Assemblyman Herb Conaway (D) District 7 (856) 461-3997

Assemblyman Jack Conners (D) District 7 (856) 461-3997

Assemblyman Craig Coughlin (D) District 19 (732) 855-7441

Assemblyman Albert Coutinho (D) District 29 (973) 589-0713

Assemblyman Joseph Cryan (D) District 20 (908) 624-0880

Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo (D) District 14 (609) 631-7501

Assemblyman Patrick Diegnan (D) District 18 (908) 757-1677

Assemblyman Joseph Egan (D) District 17 (732) 249-4550

Assemblywoman Elease Evans (D) District 35 (973) 247-1521

Assemblyman Angel Fuentes (D) District 5 (865) 742-7600

Assemblyman Thomas Giblin (D) District 34 (973) 779-3125

Assemblyman Jerry Green (D) District 22 (908) 561-5757

Assemblyman Louis Greenwald (D) District 6 (856) 435-1247

Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D) District 15 (609) 292-0500

Assemblywoman Mila Jasey (D) District 27 (973) 762-1886

Assemblyman Gordon Johnson (D) District 37 (201) 541-1118

Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt (D) District 6 (856) 435-1247

Assemblyman Charles Mainor (D) District 31 (201) 536-7851

Assemblyman John McKeon (D) District 27 (973) 275-1113

Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver (D) District 34 (973) 395-1166

Assemblywoman Nellie Pou (D) District 35 (973) 247-1555

Assemblyman Vincent Prieto (D) District 32 (201) 770-1303

Assemblywoman Joan Quigley (D) District 32 (201) 217-4614

Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (D) District 20 (908) 624-0880

Assemblyman Ruben Ramos (D) District 33 (201) 714-4960

Assemblywoman Celeste Riley (D) District 3 (856) 455-1011

Assemblywoman Caridad Rodriguez (D) District 33 (201) 854-0900

Assemblyman Frederick Scalera (D) District 36 (973) 667-4431

Assemblyman Gary Schaer (D) District 36 (973) 249-3665

Assemblywoman Grace Spencer (D) District 29 (973) 624-1730

Assemblywoman Linda Stender (D) District 22 (908) 668-1900

Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker (D) District 28 (973) 926-4320

Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D) District 37 (201) 541-1118

Assemblywoman Joan Voss (D) District 38 (201) 346-6400

Assemblywoman Connie Wagner (D) District 38 (201) 576-9199

Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D) District 15 (609) 292-0500

Assemblyman Gilbert Wilson (D) District 5 (856) 742-7600

Assemblyman John Wisniewski* (D) District 19 (732) 432-8460

*Chairman of the Transportation Committee

Or, if you would like to contact them via email:

AsmBarnes@njleg.org; AsmBurzichelli@njleg.org; AsmCaputo@njleg.org; AsmChiappone@njleg.org; AsmChivukula@njleg.org; AsmConaway@njleg.org; AsmConners@njleg.org; AsmCoughlin@njleg.org; AsmCoutinho@njleg.org; AsmCryan@njleg.org; AsmDeAngelo@njleg.org; AsmDiegnan@njleg.org; AsmEgan@njleg.org; AswEvans@njleg.org; AsmFuentes@njleg.org; AsmGiblin@njleg.org; AsmGreen@njleg.org; AsmGreenwald@njleg.org; AsmGusciora@njleg.org; AswJasey@njleg.org; AsmJohnson@njleg.org; AswLampitt@njleg.org;  AsmMainor@njleg.org; AsmMcKeon@njleg.org; AswOliver@njleg.org; AswPou@njleg.org;  AsmPrieto@njleg.org; AswQuigley@njleg.org; AswQuijano@njleg.org; AsmRamos@njleg.org; AswRiley@njleg.org; AswRodriguez@njleg.org; AsmScalera@njleg.org; AsmSchaer@njleg.org; AswSpencer@njleg.org; AswStender@njleg.org; AswTucker@njleg.org; AswHuttle@njleg.org; AswVoss@njleg.org; AswWagner@njleg.org; AswWatsonColeman@njleg.org; AsmWilson@njleg.org; AsmWisniewski@njleg.org

Last week, I held a press conference where two mothers from different towns both shared the same experience: their daughters were followed and harassed after they starting using the decals. Their stories were harrowing and compelling, but not enough to sway the 43 legislators listed above.
A newspaper columnist who supports the decals recently wrote that he would like to see some “evidence” that the decals are dangerous. He pointed out that no one has been killed yet.

Nine people were killed in Florida due to a well-intentioned license plate law that led to unintended consequences.  How many deaths will it take here in New Jersey before the legislature takes action? Is there a “magic number” I don’t know about? As far as I’m concerned, even one would be one death too many.

Another question: if seven isn’t enough, then just how many decal repeal bills need to be filed before Transportation Committee Chairman Wisniewski will allow his committee to hear one of them?  Ten bills? Twenty?  He seems to prefer name-calling to engaging in actual discussion, but the people of New Jersey deserve better. They deserve answers.

I want to assure all of the residents across the state who have reached out to me on this issue that I will not stop fighting to repeal the decals. They’re a bad idea, they need to go, and I am confident that we will be successful in the end.  Please email me at AsmSchroeder@njleg.org or call my office (201-391-3673) if you’d like to be added to my “Call to Action” email list for news and updates on our fight to repeal the decals. Thank you for supporting my efforts.

Yesterday, Assemblyman Wisniewski finally managed to respond to my inquiries regarding Kyleigh’s Law. The Chairman of the Transportation Committee chose to respond to me via press release…one in which he took me to task for issuing press releases.  

Sounding agitated, he complained that I didn’t discuss Kyleigh’s Law with him at our committee meeting on Thursday morning.  For the record, I fully intended to speak with him about Kyleigh’s Law, but only after the meeting was over—I was under the impression that when you attend a meeting about Financial Institutions and Insurance, you’re supposed to stay focused on public policies that are relevant to that Committee. No?

What Asm. Wisniewski neglected to mention is that he got up and left our Committee meeting about 45 minutes before it ended, and did not return. Was I supposed to address my concerns about the teen driver decals to his empty chair?

There are six bills currently on file (A2650/S1908, A2703/S1991, A2815/S2034) that call for the immediate repeal of the Kyleigh’s Law decals. Assemblyman Wisniewski has declared those of us who support a repeal of this law to be “ineffective” and “panic-stricken” people who are “building hysteria.”  

I was born and raised in New Jersey:  I do not give up easily. And when people start resorting to name-calling, I know that I must be doing something right.

It also helps to know that I am in very good company. Below, a list of the other sponsors of anti-decal legislation, whom Assemblyman Wisniewski must also consider ineffective, panic-stricken and hysterical:   

Asw. Charlotte Vandervalk

Asm. Michael Patrick Carroll

Asw. Joan Voss

Asm. Domenick DiCicco, Jr.

Asw. Nancy Munoz

Asm. Scott Rumana

Asm. Jon Bramnick

Asm. Vincent Polistina

Asm. John DiMaio

Asw. Denise Coyle

Asm. Scott Rudder

Asm. Alex DeCroce

Asm. Jay Webber

Sen. Thomas Goodwin

Sen. Kevin O’Toole

Sen. Sean Kean

Sen. Michael Doherty

Sen. Christopher Bateman

Sen. Joseph Pennacchio

Asm. Matthew Milam

Asm Nelson Albano

Sen. Jeff Van Drew

Asw. Linda Greenstein

Asm. Wayne DeAngelo

Of course, these legislators are merely representatives of the people they serve. So, if you reside in a district represented by one of the people listed above, congratulations—you’re hysterical and panic-stricken, too, according to the Chairman.

Mayors & Councilmembers from towns across the state have begun passing official resolutions supporting A-2650 & S1908. Nearly 4,000 people have signed Senator Tom Goodwin’s online petition. 

There are thousands of active Facebook supporters, including:

 Kyleigh’s Law is Dangerous For Our Children  11,219 members

NJ Teens Against Kyleigh’s Law Restrictions   33,202 members

NJ Revoke the New Kyleigh’s Law  12,763 members

Parents Against Kyleigh’s Law Red Stickers  4,595 members

Kyleigh’s Law Lets Creepers Know I’m Young and Alone  14,782 members

Residents throughout the state continue to contact me with their concerns over Kyleigh’s Law.  These are the people I swore an oath to represent when I joined the Assembly, and they are the reason I will not be silent on this issue, regardless of the slings and arrows that come my way.

Thousands of us, speaking out in support of the same issue.

And one man with the power to effect change, hurling insults and supressing open debate.

We now know that he hears us. But what will it take to get him to listen?

Since Kyleigh’s Law took effect on May 1, the opposition to the teen driver decals continues to grow. Today, I received copies of two more resolutions that were passed by towns in NJ (Little Ferry and Peapack & Gladstone) supporting A-2650, my legislation calling for the immediate repeal of the decals.

I also continue to receive calls, letters and emails from concerned constituents across the state, demanding that the decals be eliminated. Of the hundreds of communications we’ve gotten, not a single one has been in favor of keeping Kyleigh’s Law.

And yet, the agenda for next week’s Transportation Committee meeting has just been released, and despite having several anti-decal bills to choose from, Chairman Wisniewski did not put any of them on the agenda for discussion. 

Enough is enough.  I am calling upon Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver to intercede on behalf of the thousands of residents across our state, and use her discretionary powers to call for another Transportation Committee meeting on June 17.  We owe it to our teen drivers to have this debate as soon as possible, and release A-2650 for a vote before the  Assembly goes into summer recess.

Here’s the text from a press release  I issued a little awhile ago:

PROTECTING OUR TEENS IS NOT A PART OF
ASSEMBLYMAN WISNIEWSKI’S AGENDA

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN CONTINUES TO IGNORE OUTCRY OVER DANGEROUS TEEN-DRIVING DECALS, REJECTS GROWING CONCERN

Assemblyman Bob Schroeder repeated his call today for the Assembly Transportation, Public Works & Independent Authorities Committee to consider legislation repealing dangerous teen driving decals, after the committee’s chairman once again neglected to place any measure on the agenda for its last regularly-scheduled meeting before the summer.

“People throughout New Jersey have legitimate concerns that these red stickers are targeting our teens for criminal predators. The decals are dangerous, discriminatory and should be taken off license plates immediately,” Schroeder, R-Bergen, said. “Unfortunately, Chairman Wisniewski refuses to listen to the tremendous outcry from the public and legislators representing both political parties.”

Schroeder is the prime sponsor for A-2650, which would immediately repeal the new red sticker requirement for teenage drivers. It is one of several anti-decal bills awaiting release from committee, and the only Assembly measure that has secured bipartisan support. Schroeder said there is still time for Transportation committee Chairman John Wisniewski, D-Middlesex, to add the bill to the committee’s June 14 agenda, or for the committee to meet again on June 17.

“Repeated requests for Chairman Wisniewski to do the right thing and address this public safety concern continue to be ignored,” Schroeder said. “I’ve heard from constituents whose emails to his office have gone unanswered. The time has come for Speaker Sheila Oliver to be a voice of reason, and schedule this committee to meet again on June 17 so that this important public policy issue can be corrected this month.”

Schroeder pointed out that municipalities across the State have begun passing resolutions in support of A-2650, asking the Legislature to repeal the decals as soon as possible. He also pointed to several similar decal repeal bills filed in addition to his A-2650, sponsored by members of both parties in both the Senate and Assembly such as A-2703, A-2815, S-1908 and S-2034.

“This is clearly an issue that cuts across political affiliation,” Schroeder said, “but Chairman Wisniewski refuses to post legislation that would immediately take our youth out of harm’s way. It is a matter of legitimate public concern that requires leaders to be proactive. A ‘wait and see’ approach only endangers young drivers and keeps them at risk. Must we wait until a tragedy occurs to address the concerns of our citizens?”