(TRENTON) – Legislation Assembly Democrats John Burzichelli, Annette Quijano, Ralph Caputo, Wayne DeAngelo and Linda Greenstein sponsored to help streamline state government by getting rid of inactive boards, commissions, committees and task forces is closer to becoming law.
The bill (A-2851) is part of Burzichelli’s ongoing efforts to make government more efficient to cut costs and improve New Jersey’s business climate.
It was approved 78-0 recently by the Assembly and is set for Thursday consideration by the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee.
“These boards and panels litter state government but no longer serve any purpose,” said Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Cumberland/Salem). “They’ve either served their purpose, been inactive for years, no longer have a role to fulfill, completed their work, not been convened for a long period of time or were never organized. It’s time to say farewell to these unneeded state agencies as we look to streamline our government and make it more efficient for the benefit of taxpayers and businesses.”
Getting rid of the boards was among the recommendations included in the April Red Tape Review Group report. Burzichelli participated in that group’s efforts.
“This is common sense,” said Quijano (D-Union). “State government shouldn’t be littered with unnecessary boards and commissions.”
“These commissions have served their purpose and now just take up space on government directories,” said Caputo (D-Essex). “They’re not serving any public good, so let’s get rid of them.”
“Streamlining government and making our state friendlier to businesses and taxpayers is always a good thing,” said DeAngelo (D-Mercer/Middlesex). “If these boards no longer serve any purpose, then I see no reason to keep them around.”
“We can do better than allowing dozens of unneeded state commissions and panels to exist endlessly for no reason,” said Greenstein (D-Middlesex/Mercer). “This is step toward a leaner, more efficient government.”
The bill eliminates the:
· Agent Orange Commission;
· Camden Financial Review Board;
· Christopher Columbus Quincentennial Observance Commission;
· Commission on Early Childhood Education;
· Commission to Study Sex Discrimination in the Statutes;
· Committee to Review the State Commission of Investigation;
· Corporation Business Tax Study Commission;
· Crime Prevention Advisory Committee;
· Delaware and Raritan Canal Transportation Safety Study Commission;
· Drug Utilization Review Council;
· Environment Advisory Task Force;
· Ergonomics in Education Study Commission;
· Fisheries Information and Development Center Coordinating Board;
· Governor’s Air and Space Medal Nominating Committee;
· Hospital Care Payment Commission;
· Jewish Heritage Trail Study Commission;
· Managed Care Task Force;
· New Jersey Citizens’ Clean Elections Commission;
· New Jersey Commemorative Coin Design Commission;
· New Jersey Health Data Commission;
· New Jersey Obesity Prevention Task Force;
· New Jersey Railroad and Transportation Museum Commission;
· New Jersey Uniform Securities Law Study Commission;
· Parents’ Education Program Advisory Committee;
· Police Paperwork Reduction Task Force;
· Pollution Prevention Advisory Board;
· Prepaid Higher Education Expense Board and associated program in its entirety;
· Property Tax Convention Task Force;
· Recreational Sports and Leisure Activities Liability Study Commission;
· Regional Intergovernmental Transportation Coordinating Study Commission;
· Right to Know Advisory Council, including its duties and powers;
· School Construction Review Commission;
· State Board of Public Movers and Warehousemen;
· State Commission on Drunk Driving;
· State Revenue Forecasting Advisory Commission;
· State Review Board on Driver Education;
· Task Force on New Jersey History;
· Task Force on Workplace Violence;
· Task Force to Study Attendance in Public Schools;
· The Trustees of the New Jersey School of the Arts; and the
· World Language Instruction Committee.
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