John J. Burzichelli
Deputy Speaker
Third Legislative District
AsmBurzichelli@njleg.org
John J. Burzichelli, a lifelong resident of New Jersey, grew up in Paulsboro, GloucesterCounty, where he currently resides. Mr. Burzichelli served as Mayor of Paulsboro from 1996 to 2011 and began his legislative career in January of 2002, serving as State Assemblyman. Assemblyman Burzichelli is currently an Assembly Deputy Speaker.
John Burzichelli is managing partner of Hill Studio and Scenic in Paulsboro which provides studio services and special effects to the motion picture, video and still photography industry. He is one of the founding members of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Paulsboro, and a former President of the Greater Paulsboro Chamber of Commerce.
Currently, Deputy Speaker Burzichelli serves as the Chair to the Assembly Appropriations Committee and as Vice-Chair to the Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee. He also serves on the Assembly Budget Committee and the Legislative Services Commission. In 2010, Governor Christie appointed Burzichelli as a permanent member of the New Jersey Red Tape Review Commission, which continues its ongoing review of New Jersey’s regulatory system.
In October 2007, Deputy Speaker Burzichelli was named to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Intergovernmental Advisory Committee. The Intergovernmental Advisory Committee (“IAC”), formerly known as the Local and State Government Advisory Committee, was created in 1997 to provide guidance to the FCC on issues of importance to state, local, and tribal governments, as well as to the FCC. The IAC spent much time reviewing the crucial digital television transition which occurred on June 12, 2009.
Working to streamline state government by doing away with inactive boards, commissions, committees and task forces, Deputy Speaker Burzichelli sponsored Assembly bill A-2851. This measure, designed to make government more efficient, cut costs, and improve New Jersey’s business climate, was signed into law on November 3, 2010. The boards and panels eliminated were either inactive for many years or no longer served the purpose for which they were created. The dissolution of these entities was among the recommendations included in the April 2010 Red Tape Review Group report, of which Burzichelli participated in as a member of the Red Tape Review Commission.
In his role as the Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee Chair, Deputy Speaker Burzichelli has tackled some of the issues that were affecting the gaming and horseracing industries in New Jersey. In 2010, he introduced A-2507 which reduced the 2010 minimum thoroughbred racing dates at Monmouth Park Racetrack by 71 days and Meadowlands Racetrack would be permitted to schedule zero. This measure allowed MonmouthPark to move from out of the top ten to number one in North America in purse offerings. This measure was signed into law on May 22, 2010. Burzichelli has also introduced A-3620 which would establish the “New Jersey Gaming Industry Study Commission,” a measure that would evaluate impact of enacted gaming and technological reforms and explore future prospects for casino gaming and horseracing in this State.
Burzichelli’s efforts to keep the casino industry in New Jersey flourishing produced three bills that were signed into law. These bills will not only benefit the Atlantic City region, but the state of New Jersey as well. A-3581directs the establishment of the Atlantic City Tourism District and it broadens the powers and duties of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA). This measure transfers the Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority and its functions to CRDA.
Furthering efforts to reduce property taxes, Burzichelli co-sponsored the groundbreaking legislation, S-29/A-3065 introduced by Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney and Assemblyman John McKeon which reduced the school district, county and municipal property tax cap from 4 percent to 2 percent.
In May 2012, Burzichelli introduced groundbreaking legislation that would prohibit employers and colleges from requiring current or prospective employees or students to turn over their login information for social networking websites as a condition of employment or acceptance. In the wake of the social networking boom, it has become routine for employers and colleges to review publicly available Facebook profiles and other such sites. The legislation, A-2878 and A-2879 address this potentially invasive practice. The measures have passed both houses and await concurrence on amendments.
Deputy Speaker Burzichelli introduced provocative legislation which would create the “New Jersey Death with Dignity Act.” The measure, A-3328, would create a process for terminally ill patients the personal choice, under specific circumstances, to be provided medicinal assistance to end their lives with medical supervision. A-3328 does not allow someone to make this choice on impulse. This legislation has opened the dialogue on this very personal, theological, and passionate issue. The measure is awaiting committee consideration.
In May 2011, Burzichelli was presented with the Walter Rand Award by the New Jersey Alliance for Action for his outstanding public service to the citizens of New Jersey. The award is named in honor of the late Senator Walter Rand, who was known for his great leadership and tireless dedication to serving the people of New Jersey. The Sons of Italy New Jersey Foundation presented Burzichelli with the Golden Lion Award in February 2012. Deputy Speaker Burzichelli was recognized for his contributions to the communities in New Jersey and by promoting a positive image of Italians in America. Deputy Speaker Burzichelli was recognized New Jersey State Bar Association and presented the 2013 Robert B. Meyner Award.
Deputy Speaker John J. Burzichelli continues to work hard for the residents of the Third Legislative District, and also for all of New Jersey’s citizens as well.
