Senator Jon Bramnick (R-Middlesex, Morris, Somerset, Union) ) is calling on the Legislature to take immediate action on his legislation aimed at making New Jersey government more responsive and ensuring residents can get the help they need when they contact a government office.

“I know my fellow New Jerseyans are as frustrated as I am when they call a government office and can’t speak to a live person or get help in a reasonable amount of time,” said Senator Bramnick. “Whether you’re calling the Board of Public Utilities about your utility bills, the Department of Labor about unemployment benefits, or seeking guidance on the new ABC rules, you deserve answers. It is unacceptable that taxpayers cannot get the timely assistance they need from their own government.”

Bramnick has been pushing for greater government accountability and responsiveness for years. He is urging action on two bills, S-965 and S-1008, to address these concerns and improve the public’s ability to obtain assistance from state government.

“Government exists to serve the people, not leave them stuck in automated phone systems, waiting indefinitely for a response,” Bramnick said. “When people have a problem with their utilities, their unemployment benefits, or a government regulation, they need help from someone who can answer their questions and address their concerns.”

Senate Bill S-965 would require covered state and local government offices that use automated telephone answering services to give callers the option of pressing zero to speak with a human operator or leave a recorded message during normal business hours.

Senate Bill S-1008 would create a Consumer Czar (State Office of Consumer), who will be responsible for conducting routine, periodic, and random phone call assessments of local government, school district, and State offices and the offices of regulated health insurance companies by calling those offices to determine the responsiveness and accessibility of the office.

“New Jersey residents should not have to fight their way through a phone tree just to get basic information or assistance,” Bramnick added. “I have been fighting for government responsiveness for years, and it is time to move these bills forward. We need action on S965 and S1008 immediately. Taxpayers deserve a government that answers the phone, responds to their concerns, and treats their time with respect.”