The Democratic Caucus now includes 57 members

(TRENTON) — Craig J. Coughlin on Tuesday took the oath of office for his historic fifth term as New Jersey’s General Assembly Speaker, calling on the Legislature to build on its previous accomplishments in the new session by focusing on issues that matter most to New Jersey residents.

“The hope of a new Legislature, the promise of new members and the renewed opportunity to do good for the people of New Jersey. It’s something we all get excited about,” said Speaker Coughlin (D-Middlesex) as he addressed those gathered for the Assembly Reorganization Ceremony at the Trenton War Memorial. “Together, we have tackled the state’s toughest challenges, worked to make New Jersey more affordable, and stood up for workers and our shared New Jersey values.”

Speaker Coughlin will preside over the 80-member Assembly. Fifty-seven Assembly Democrats, including 12 new members, were sworn in today into the 222nd Legislative Session. Democrats now hold the largest majority they have had in the Assembly since Watergate and have held the majority since 2002.

“There is truly no greater calling than service to your neighbor and today, we honor your service and your decision to stand for office,” said Speaker Coughlin. “Personally, I am looking forward to working with you and learning from you because New Jersey needs—and I want—to benefit from all the unique life experiences in this room.”

In his speech, Speaker Coughlin reflected on some of the major achievements that have occurred under his leadership, including a focus on making New Jersey more affordable while also meeting financial obligations.

“We created the Stay NJ program, a truly transformative program that will bring property tax relief to our seniors and keep them right here in New Jersey where they belong, we cut taxes 24 times, we expanded family leave, we revised the minimum wage, we passed an equal pay act to ensure women were paid the same as a man,” said Speaker Coughlin. “And we did this while securing nine consecutive credit rating increases, and keeping our promise to teachers, firefighters, police officers, and public workers by making five consecutive full pension payments—something thought to be unachievable.”

He called on Republicans and Democrats to work together to find common ground.

“What makes me most proud of the Assembly is how we operate and who we are as people and advocates,” said Speaker Coughlin. “We’ve made it clear Trenton is not the same as Washington. We can work without insults; we can debate without rancor.”

You can read Speaker Coughlin’s prepared remarks here.

Assembly Democrats also selected Majority Leader Louis D. Greenwald (D-Burlington, Camden) to serve an eighth term in this leadership position. Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (D-Union) returns to her position of Speaker Pro Tempore, and Assemblywoman Linda Carter (D-Somerset, Union) will again serve as Majority Conference Leader.

“As my children look toward starting families of their own, I worry that the opportunities I had are slipping out of reach for their generation. Every parent wants to give their children a future that is brighter and more full of promise than the one we had,” said Majority Leader Greenwald. “We must bring the American Dream back within reach of every single New Jerseyan—not just those at the very top. They’re counting on us, and I know we won’t let them down.”

The following Assembly Democrats were sworn-in today. New members are noted with an asterisk (*).

·    Legislative District 2 – Assemblywoman Maureen Rowan*

·    Legislative District 3 – Assemblyman Dave Bailey, Jr. and Assemblywoman Heather Simmons

·    Legislative District 4 – Assemblymen Dan Hutchison and Cody D. Miller

·    Legislative District 5 - Assemblymen William F. Moen Jr. and William W. Spearman

·    Legislative District 6 – Majority Leader Louis D. Greenwald and Assemblywoman Melinda Kane

·    Legislative District 7 – Assemblywoman Carol A. Murphy and Assemblyman Balvir Singh

·    Legislative District 8 – Assemblywoman Andrea Katz and Assemblyman Anthony Angelozzi*

·    Legislative District 11 – Assemblywomen Margie Donlon and Luanne M. Peterpaul

·    Legislative District 14 – Assemblyman Wayne P. DeAngelo and Assemblywoman Tennille R. McCoy

·    Legislative District 15 – Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson and Assemblyman Anthony S. Verrelli

·    Legislative District 16 – Assemblyman Roy Freiman and Assemblywoman Mitchelle Drulis

·    Legislative District 17 – Assemblymen Joseph Danielsen and Kevin P. Egan

·    Legislative District 18 – Assemblymen Robert J. Karabinchak and Sterley S. Stanley

·    Legislative District 19 – Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin and Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez

·    Legislative District 20 – Speaker Pro Tempore Annette Quijano and Assemblyman Ed Rodriguez*

·    Legislative District 21 – Assemblyman Andrew Macurdy* and Assemblyman Vincent M. Kearney*

·    Legislative District 22 – Majority Conference Leader Linda S. Carter and Assemblyman James J. Kennedy

·    Legislative District 25 – Assemblywoman Marisa Sweeney*

·    Legislative District 27 – Assemblywomen Rosaura “Rosy” Bagolie and Alixon Collazos-Gill

·    Legislative District 28 – Assemblywoman Cleopatra G. Tucker and Assemblyman Chigozie U. Onyema*

·    Legislative District 29 – Assemblywomen Eliana Pintor Marin and Shanique Speight

·    Legislative District 30 – Assemblyman Alexander “Avi” Schnall

·    Legislative District 31 –Assemblyman William B. Sampson, IV and Assemblyman Jerry Walker*

·    Legislative District 32 – Assemblyman Ravi S. Bhalla* and Assemblywoman Katie Brennan*

·    Legislative District 33 – Assemblymen Gabriel Rodriguez and Larry Wainstein*

·    Legislative District 34 – Assemblywoman Carmen T. Morales and Assemblyman Michael Venezia

·    Legislative District 35 – Assemblymen Al Abdelaziz and Kenyatta Stewart*

·    Legislative District 36 – Assemblymen Clinton Calabrese and Gary S. Schaer

·    Legislative District 37 – Assemblywomen Shama A. Haider and Ellen J. Park

·    Legislative District 38 – Assemblywoman Lisa Swain and Assemblyman Chris Tully