Springsteen License Plate will help Poor

[Kire]

Politicians aren't only ones in Legislature 'born to run'
Friday, December 16, 2005

For a minute yesterday, the state Senate took on the air of a karaoke bar.

Sen. Ray Lesniak (D-Union), wearing a pointy red Santa hat, stepped to the microphone at his desk to lead debate on a resolution honoring New Jersey rock icon Bruce Springsteen and promote a measure to create a special "Born to Run" license plate.

Somewhere in the chamber, a boom box began playing The Boss' rendition of "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town."

Lesniak sheepishly started singing along, but then stopped and asked for more volume.

With the recording still too soft, Lesniak eyed acting Gov. Richard Codey laughing at the dais, where he was presiding as Senate president.

"You've been trying to embarrass me for 20 years," Lesniak kidded.

The resolution was passed unanimously on a voice vote, atoning somewhat for a snub last month in the Republican-led U.S. Senate, which rejected a resolution honoring the Freehold native on the 30th anniversary of his seminal hit, "Born to Run."

More: http://www.nj.com/statehouse/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1134713330120340.xml&coll=1

Springsteen gets nod in Senate votes
Friday, December 16, 2005
By TOM HESTER JR.
Staff Writer, Trenton Times

Amending charitable immunity, Bruce Springsteen, animal dissection and bounty hunters were among other items considered by state senators yesterday.

-- In a largely perfunctory but necessary vote, the state Senate voted 34-1 yesterday to approve a measure that allows victims of childhood sex abuse to sue churches, schools and other nonprofit organizations for employees' misconduct.

The Senate approved the bill in May 2004, only to see it wait 18 months for Assembly action. The Assembly approved the bill 63-5 on Monday, but it was a slightly different version, requiring the Senate to vote again.

Acting Gov. Richard J. Codey, who also is Senate president, supports the measure.

More: http://www.nj.com/statehouse/times/index.ssf?/base/news-0/113472429454900.xml&coll=5

Lawmaker drives 'Born to Run' license plate bill; resolution honors Springsteen
By ANGELA DELLI SANTI
Associated Press Writer

December 15, 2005, 5:46 PM EST

TRENTON, N.J. -- A New Jersey lawmaker is hoping to get mileage from Bruce Springsteen's classic album, "Born to Run."

State Sen. Raymond Lesniak, D-Union, is driving a proposal introduced Thursday to create specialty "Born to Run" license tags for Garden State drivers. Proceeds from sale of the plates would go to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, a Springsteen-supported charity.

To become law, the bill must be approved by both houses of the Legislature by Jan. 9, the last day of the current session, then signed by the governor. The tags would cost $50, plus a $10 annual contribution.

Causes promoted through special-interest plates include wildlife conservation, the Battleship New Jersey and cancer awareness, among others.

More: http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newjersey/ny-bc-nj--springsteenhonore1215dec15,0,2795230.story?coll=ny-region-apnewjersey