Archer & Greiner's Government Affairs e-Newsletter: Frenetic End to 2-Year N.J. Legislative Session; New Philadelphia Lobbying Rules; and More...

Government Affairs e-Newsletter January 2012

Dear ,

Welcome to the leadoff edition of the Archer & Greiner Government Affairs Group e-Newsletter. We created this newsletter to keep you apprised of issues that affect your business, and to inform you about opportunities to help your enterprise grow and thrive. The attorneys and specialists of the Government Affairs Group pride themselves on being problem solvers with the knowledge and network of contacts to guide companies and individuals through obstacles that can impede business development. The Group is composed of highly skilled professionals with experience at all levels of government and the full range of private business and industry sectors. These professionals provide full-service government and regulatory affairs advice and advocacy to help ensure that our clients achieve their business objectives.

For more information about the Government Affairs Group, click here. For individual profiles and contact information, click on any of the names below:

Lynne M. Abraham, Albert Burstein, Nilufer O. DeScherer, Andrew T. Fede, John H. "Jack" Fisher III, Robert J. Fogg, Steven B. Harz, Thomas J. Herten, William P. Isele, Carlton L. Johnson, Jeffrey M. Kolansky, Richard S. Mroz, Patrick Papalia, Linda D. Perkins, Vincent P. Sarubbi, Lisa Schulman Desantis, Jeffrey M. Scott, Jason T. Shafron, Stella M.Tsai

Flurry of Activity, Death of Longtime GOP Leader
Mark End of Two-Year N.J. Legislative Session

Alex DeCroce, 1936-2012

The New Jersey Legislature considered more than 100 bills in a single day this week during the last voting session of the two-year legislative session. The last day of the session also marked the deadline for Gov. Chris Christie to act on legislation sent to him late last year; the Governor signed 25 bills and either vetoed or conditionally vetoed another 16.

In a tragic development that delayed the Governor's annual State of the State address, Assembly Minority Leader Alex DeCroce, a Republican from Morris County, collapsed and died at the Statehouse at the end of the marathon session. Gov. Christie postponed his address until next week.

Alex DeCroce, Assembly Minority Leader, Dies at Statehouse(Asbury Park Press)

New Philadelphia Lobbying Law Now in Effect: Registration & Reporting Required

This month marks the beginning of a new era for governmental lobbying in the City of Philadelphia. As of January 3, 2012, most individuals and firms who receive compensation to lobby for legislative or administrative action in Philadelphia need to register under a new law, Philadelphia City Code Sections 20-1201 et seq., which also requires periodic reporting of lobbying activity. The new law and implementing regulations also cover most companies and organizations that retain lobbyists. For a summary of key provisions, including who is covered and who is not, click here.

Gov. Christie's Strategic Plan: Give Businesses Input on Land Use, Economic Incentives
A&G's Government Affairs Group Helps Businesses Capitalize on Opportunities

Gov. Chris Christie has unveiled the State Strategic Plan, his administration's proposed blueprint for economic development, job growth and improved quality of life in the years to come. Under the plan, the State will "work with the private sector...and all levels of government to ensure that State assets are leveraged in strategic locations." Archer & Greiner's Government Affairs Group has the experience, knowledge and contacts to facilitate strategic alliances between private enterprise and government. As the proposed Plan moves toward adoption, we will monitor the process to help our clients in a variety of industries identify and capitalize on opportunities, assisting these clients in gaining an influential voice.

State Strategic Plan - Proposed Final Draft

Recent Additions to A&G's Government Affairs Practice

John H. "Jack" Fisher's

Longtime Experience Benefits Clients

"Smart Growth" development and redevelopment. Public health and safety. Education. Environmental regulation.

Jack Fisher has dealt with all these issues and more during a 40-year career that includes leadership positions with major state and county government agencies as well as private enterprise. Jack recently joined Archer & Greiner as Government Affairs Specialist. The former longtime County Administrator of Gloucester County, Jack currently serves as Chairman of two key New Jersey State agencies: the New Jersey Building Authority (NJBA) and the New Jersey Local Unit Alignment, Reorganization and Consolidation Commission (LUARCC). His extensive network of contacts and wide-ranging knowledge help his clients get major projects accomplished.

Richard S. "Rick" Mroz

Brings Distinguished Record of Service

Rick Mroz knows firsthand the excitement and challenge of working at the highest levels of state government. Rick joined Archer & Greiner last year, bringing a distinguished record of accomplishment that includes serving as Chief Counsel to former New Jersey Gov. Christie Whitman.

Rick provides clients with strategic counsel on financing, project development, corporate external affairs and related business law matters, informed by more than 20 years' experience in government and industry. Among his myriad responsibilities in the Whitman administration, he served as primary legislative advisor, negotiated the state budget and provided oversight for major state agencies such as the Economic Development Authority and Casino Control Commission.

New Law Allows N.J. Public Agencies to Deposit Funds with Credit Unions

Option Seen as a Way to Boost Competition, Returns

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie recently signed a law that removes the state's ban on public entities depositing funds with credit unions. The legislation amends prior law to allow municipalities, counties, school boards and other public entities to deposit public funds in credit unions as an alternative to banks. Credit unions are not-for-profit, member-owned cooperatives that provide financial services. They serve specific communities defined by occupation, geography, or other affinities.

If you are interested in learning more about credit unions as public fund depositories, please contact Vincent P. Sarubbi, Esquire, Co-Chair of Archer & Greiner's Government Affairs Group, at (856) 616-2606 or vsarubbi@archerlaw.com.