Republican Senators Refuse to Vote for S1711

New Jersey Nurse, Jan/Feb 2004 by Rainer, Sharon R

Except for Senate President John Bennett, every Republican Senator refused to vote for S1711, amended, on Monday Dec.15. Flexing their muscle during the lame duck session, the Senate Republicans, who will be in the minority come Jan. 13th, were reported to be paying back the Medical Society of NJ for their help in the November election. "They have to help them now while they can", was the explanation given to the nursing lobbyists who were lingering outside of the Republican caucus room before the session.

Newspaper reports have put the direct donations of organized medicine to the Republicans at $750,000 and indirect contributions in the form of advertising at $2 million dollars. Whatever the exact amount, it was certainly more than the entire budget of the NJSNA.

The sponsor, Senator Joe Vitale, Democrat from the 19th District, had lined up the Democratic votes but in an evenly divided Senate at least two Republicans would be needed to secure a passing vote. Co-sponsor Senator Robert Singer refused to vote for the bill adhering to party discipline.

It is a puzzle why the Senators are so grateful to the MSNJ. If the doctors had been at all effective, they would have beaten off the assault on John Bennett's seat and saved George Geist who lost by very small margin. Instead, to this day they brag about going door to door in District 14 to reelect Peter Inverse. Senator Inverso was never in trouble. He is one of the most admired Senators in Trenton, (even if he did refuse to vote for S1711). In the next Legislative session, we will again ask the NJ Legislature to consider our request to allow APN's to initiate pain medication orders for our patients.

From CEO Agenda 12/17/03

www.njsna.org

By Sharon R. Rainer, RN