Lawmakers to look at cable competition, tanning beds

TRENTON - The state budget will dominate the next two weeks, with majority Democrats in the Assembly and Senate trying to reconcile splits among themselves on whether to agree to Gov. Jon S. Corzine’s proposed sales tax increase. But lawmakers will also tackle other issues in the week ahead, including whether to let telephone companies offer cable television services, whether to strengthen the state auditor’s ability to investigate state spending, and whether to restrict teenagers from going to tanning facilities. Given that the state constitution requires a balanced budget by July 1, the budget will dominate at the Legislature this week. Front and center will be the debate over the governor’s proposed sales tax increase to help overcome a projected budget deficit. Public employee unions that represent, among others, state, county and municipal workers, teachers, police and firefighters are expected to rally at the Statehouse at noon Monday to support Corzine’s budget, especially his plan to contribute $1.3 billion to the public employee pension fund. While legislative leaders try to reach an agreement that also must be acceptable to Corzine, bills will be considered. The Senate on Monday will again consider whether to allow telephone companies to offer video programming. The Senate and Assembly approved the bill last month, but the Senate has to reconsider it because the Assembly amended it. Also, since the bill increases a cable tax, some argued it had to originate in the Assembly. Sponsors contend the bill will lead to decreased rates and better customer service through enhanced competition. ``As telecomm TV begins to gain a foothold in New Jersey, I predict it will be embraced as one of the best thing to happen to television since cable first debuted in the United States,’’ said Sen. Joseph Doria, D-Hudson, a bill sponsor. Assemblyman Wilfredo Caraballo, D-Essex, predicts the bill will cut cable rates up to 40 percent. ``This is a huge victory for consumers,’’ said Caraballo, another bill sponsor. Verizon is ready to become the first telephone company in the state to offer video programming. The Senate is also ready to consider a bill that would prohibit those under age 14 from using tanning facilities and require those aged 14 to 18 to receive written parental consent to use tanning beds. The bill passed the Assembly earlier this month. Assemblyman Herb Conaway, D-Burlington, a bill sponsor and a doctor, said radiation from tanning beds can cause skin cancer, damage to the immune system and premature skin aging. ``It is important that adults are aware how often their children expose themselves to tanning lamps and beds,’’ Conaway said. The Senate is also slated to vote on a bill that would enhance the state auditor’s authority. The bill, approved by the Assembly in March, would give the auditor more authority to see whether active state programs are achieving goals. The bill also would allow a joint budget committee to require agencies comply with audits before funding requests are approved. Meanwhile, an Assembly committee is expected Monday to vote on eminent domain reforms that would impose new requirements on governments for compensating and notifying New Jersey landowners whose property may be seized for private development.