Reflects on Assembly Achievements During Pandemic-Dominated Session, Bids Farewell to Departing Members
The 219th New Jersey Legislature convened for its final voting session on Monday, bidding farewell to 16 departing legislators on both sides of the aisle.
Reflecting on Assembly Democrats’ legislative accomplishments of the preceding two years as the body concluded its business, Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin (D-Middlesex) issued the following statement:
“This has been a legislative session like no other in our history. The agility and commitment with which our 80-member body responded to the global Covid-19 pandemic, leading us to formulate the nation’s first remote voting policy, was no small feat.
“We crafted several critically impactful pieces of legislation to keep the residents of New Jersey safe and later to get them back up on their feet. We provided millions of dollars in support to help our food insecure, we meaningfully expanded access to care through telehealth, protected the most vulnerable from losing the roof over their head.
“We had the backs of small business and our working middle class. Furthermore, the taxpayer savings we created became cornerstones of the agenda we advanced.
“Members who leave us today were partners in that work, but now depart to begin exciting new chapters. Whether in public service or not, I am confident each will continue to use their voice in service of the people of our state.
“As we look ahead to the beginning of a new session and a year fresh with opportunity, I look forward to building on the progress we have made to ensure the health and prosperity of all our communities into the future. I am proud to lead this Chamber and look forward to tackling the challenges ahead.”