(TRENTON) – Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin announced Friday veteran lawmaker Assemblyman Paul Moriarty will take on a new role in Democratic leadership as Assembly Deputy Speaker for the 2018-2019 legislative session.
Moriarty, who is chair of the Consumer Affairs Committee, has been a member of the General Assembly since 2006. In addition to leading the consumer affairs panel, he is also a member of the Assembly Labor Committee and the Assembly Regulated Professions Committee.
“Paul has over a decade’s worth of invaluable experience in the Legislature, which each of his colleagues have come to rely on in the Assembly,” said Coughlin (D-Middlesex). “As we move forward on addressing important issues affecting New Jersey’s economy, we will look to Paul as one whose keen legislative ideas have encouraged growth and strengthened consumer protection laws in this state.”
An Assembly Deputy Speaker may preside over Assembly voting sessions when business takes the Speaker away from the floor. An Assembly member in this position will also play a key role in shaping the Assembly Democrats’ long-term legislative agenda.
“I humbly take on the role of Assembly Deputy Speaker and appreciate the designation by Speaker Coughlin,” said Moriarty (D-Camden, Gloucester), who is a sponsor of numerous bills concerning consumer awareness and protection, including measures to increase product safety.
“We have a full agenda this session which includes many critical issues important to New Jersey residents. Fighting for working- and middle-class residents will always be my top priority in the Assembly. Doing what we can to fuel economic growth and viable job creation will be key to supporting New Jersey families,” added Moriarty.
Assemblyman Moriarty, a media consultant, is currently serving his seventh term in the Assembly. He is also a former Mayor of Washington Township.