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"It is disingenuous for the Governor and his administration to claim that they are appearing in these advertisements simply as a public service for our state," said Assemblyman Pennacchio, R-Morris and Passaic. "These ads are nothing more than self-promotion. The most recent mailer, which touts his recent budget initiatives, looks more like a piece of campaign literature than a public-service announcement,"

Pennacchio noted that McGreevey has vowed not to appear in such taxpayer-funded ads during lean budget years and that he has broken that promise by appearing in close to $17 million worth of such ads and promotional materials this year. Such materials include a glossy promotional mailer recently distributed by the Treasury Department.

"Obviously when you are proposing to borrow more than $1.5 billion and are considering raising the income tax that qualifies as a lean budget year," added Pennacchio. "The Governor is once again exhibiting his lack fiscal discipline."

Pennacchio also noted that there are more effective means of informing the public about topics such as the anti-insurance fraud measures being taken by the State and the recent addition of Saturday hours to the Division of Motor Vehicles.

"These ad campaigns need to devote more time to educating the public and less time trying to reestablish Governor McGreevey's credibility," Pennacchio concluded. "He should not be using taxpayer dollars in an attempt to raise his abysmal approval ratings.

"If anyone doubts that these advertisements intend to convey a political message, I would refer them to the public relations firm that handled Governor McGreevey's gubernatorial campaign and to the political consultants he has commissioned to design these materials."

"I can also think of several other things that money could be spent on to better New Jersey." Including:

• Improving Homeland Security

• 600 new police cars

• 350 new State Troopers

• 360 new full-time teachers

• Building a new high school

• Covering 70% of a Senior Property Tax Freeze for ALL senior citizens