Dear Editor:
As your State Assemblyman, I feel obligated to take this opportunity to update you on some important legislation I’ve been working on during this legislative session.
In January, I was appointed Chair of the Assembly Regulatory Oversight & Gaming Committee. This position has given me the opportunity to be at the helm of alleviating some of the regulatory burden on small businesses and create an optimal climate for economic growth. Through this Chairmanship, I’ve also played a major role in revitalizing and expanding the gaming industry in New Jersey, by making Atlantic City more competitive relative to our neighboring states.
Over the past few months, I’ve been a vocal opponent of waste and abuses at the Port Authority of NY/NJ, sponsoring several measures enforcing accountability on the Port Authority. In May, the legislature passed the “PANYNJ Transparency and Accountability Act,” which was a huge step towards shedding light on the waste and abuse within this chronically mismanaged Authority. New Jersey taxpayers and commuters who have provided the Port Authority funding have a right to know that their money is being spent on projects that are inherently beneficial and fiscally sound, not on patronage, excess overtime and lavish bonuses.
Another one of my top priorities has been to create incentives for green construction projects. Specifically, I have been advocating for the advance of bills to encourage the use of green and blue roofs in new construction. These types of roofs not only reduce energy costs in buildings through absorbing sunlight and stabilizing indoor temperatures, but also mediate storm-water runoff and help to control flooding.
In an effort to save taxpayer money, I introduced a bill that would modernize the state’s payroll system by requiring all state employees to enroll in direct deposit. This proposal has received widespread and unanimous support, and is slated to save taxpayers $500,000 each year.
Moving forward, I will continue to support initiatives that are important to the people of the 33rd District and will help make New Jersey a better place for everyone. I would like to encourage you to contact my office if you have any ideas for how we can improve the quality of life for people in this state.
Sincerely,
Ruben Ramos Jr.
Assemblyman, 33rd District