Senator Tom Kean (R-21)

When Will Democrats Allow Complete Ethics Reform?

Senator Tom Kean Jr. (R-21) said this about the Democrats’ decision to block votes today on four crucial ethics reform measures sought by Senate Republicans:

“How much longer will Democrats keep frustrated voters waiting? Senate Republicans offered three bills ranging from modest reforms to tough new restrictions on practitioners of pay-to-play in our state. Yet none of this legislation was deemed worthy of consideration by the majority.

“Among the blocked legislation was S-287, which closes a loophole in rules banning contractors who seek government contracts from making campaign donations. It’s a bill vital to efforts to curb pay to play in our state.

“Today, a contractor who wants to win business with a one branch of state or local government can’t legally give a political contribution to an official in that branch of government. But he can still attempt to buy influence by giving money to a local or state committee that steers a contribution to that official.

“I sponsored S-287 because it would close that loophole. It was one of four bills Democrats refused to bring up for a vote today.

“This measure was part of a reform package first introduced in the 2004-2005 session. It’s been blocked by Democrats for more than three years. New Jersey voters have waited long enough. I call on Senate President Codey to put our ethics bills up for a full vote immediately.”



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