The four legislative leaders of the Senate and Assembly fielded questions on everything from COVID to cannabis during the New Jersey State Bar Association’s (NJSBA) seminar titled “NJ 2021—A Look Ahead,” held last Tuesday.
In a candid two-hour discussion, Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney, Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin, Senate Republican Leader Tom H. Kean Jr. and Assembly Republican Leader Jon M. Bramnick traded opinions on a wide range of topics. Politico’s New Jersey Bureau Chief Katherine Landergan moderated the program and NJSBA Director of Government Affairs Lisa Chapland also participated in the conversation.
On the economy, Sweeney expressed concerns that the worst is not yet over.
“Things are going to get better,” vowed Sweeney, who is focusing on getting the economy ready for a rebound. One of his priorities is setting up infrastructure funding with an eye towards working with the Biden administration.
Kean spoke about looking to predictability in the tax code to drive investments, such as in Massachusetts and North Carolina.
Bramnick raised concerns about the governor’s prior spending habits, and both Kean and Bramnick criticized Governor Phil Murphy’s borrowing of $4.2 billion. “Murphy is not a fiscal conservative,” Bramnick said. “He was spending before and he’s spending now.”
“We need to get a budget that puts us in a position that succeeds in the future,” said Coughlin, who is targeting assistance to business owners who have been “profoundly affected.”
Bramnick repeatedly called for hearings “from the experts” to participate in a global discussion to reopen the state within six to eight months “in a safe way and as quickly as possible” in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. He criticized Murphy for his unilateral decision making by executive order. “Let the public speak,” said Bramnick.
To assist the unemployed, Sweeney announced a bill that would be put directly onto the floor to protect those whose unemployment benefits will cease at the end of this year. The bill was applauded by all of the leaders as a needed measure to protect New Jersey’s economy, and during the discussion Bramnick offered to co-sponsor the legislation.
Regarding cannabis, all of the legislators agree numerous issues will need to be addressed in the new year. Both houses were anticipated to take a vote on the passage of sweeping legislation to regulate adult-use cannabis. “The voters have spoken,” said Sweeney, who anticipates many outstanding issues to be addressed in rules and regulations.
On the governor’s race, Bramnick opened up about his decision not to run in 2021. His comments about President Donald Trump would not bode well in a Republican primary, said Bramnick, who pointed out that conservative Republicans fare better in a primary election. On Murphy, he said, “I think Murphy beats himself. Murphy’s track record will give an opportunity for the three Republican candidates to make a case.”
This is a status report provided by the New Jersey State Bar Association on recently passed and pending legislation, regulations, gubernatorial nominations and/or appointments of interest to lawyers, as well as the involvement of the NJSBA as amicus in appellate court matters. To learn more, visit njsba.com.