Former New Jersey governor and congressional Rep. James Florio has died at the age of 85.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy praised Florio in a statement that read:
“Governor Florio was a fighter who never backed down. He was a leader who cared more about the future of New Jersey than his own political fortunes.”
MSN reported that “Florio served four years in the state Assembly and 15 years in the House of Representatives.”
After serving in Congress, Florio made several unsuccessful bids for the governor’s chair, winning on a fourth attempt in 1989 after defeating Republican Jim Courter.
MSN noted that “Florio [a Democrat] drew sharp criticism in 1990 when he pushed a $2.8 billion tax increase through the state legislature that extended a sales tax to, among other things, toilet paper. It spawned massive voter resentment and spurred the formation of Hands Across New Jersey, an anti-tax grassroots group that used rolls of toilet paper as its symbol.”
Florio was a one-term governor—losing in 1994 to Republican Christie Whitman.
In 2000, Florio unsuccessfully ran for a U.S. Senate seat, losing to investment banker Jon Corzine in one of the most expensive Senate primaries in history, according to the Conservative Brief.
Many paid their respects to Florio after his death was announced Monday morning.
The Urban Coast Institute posted:
“We’re saddened to learn of the passing of former N.J. Gov. & Congressman James Florio. The UCI presented its 2018 Champion of the Ocean Award to Florio for his dedication to the environment and ocean during a life of public service that extended well after his time in office.”
The Urban Coast Institute’s post added: “Among his achievements, Florio authored the Superfund Program and was instrumental in the passage of the Medical Waste Tracking Act as a congressman. As gov. he strengthened penalties for industrial water polluters & permanently ended the practice of ocean dumping of sewage sludge.”
Former Gov. Jim McGreevey tweeted:
“Governor Florio was such a good man, mentor, and friend. May he rest in peace.”
Democrat Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. tweeted:
“Governor Florio was a good man, an inspiring leader, and a picture of perseverance. He had a lot of big wins, some tough losses, and always bounced back always to help New Jersey be even better. Jim was my good friend. The whole state is poorer without him today.”
Rep. Donald Norcross, who holds Florio’s former congressional seat, called the former governor one of New Jersey’s greatest friends:
“He was a dedicated public servant who cared deeply for our great state and its people,” Norcross said in a statement. “He was a true environmentalist, a trailblazer long before it was popular to do so.”
New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez also hailed Florio’s efforts, noting that he worked hard to ensure New Jersey was a fine place to live. In a statement, Menendez said:
“His work on issues ranging from education, transportation, and the environment have had meaningful impacts on families and communities across the nation.”
State Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin praised Florio’s commitment to environmental issues. His statement read:
“Whether permanently protecting the Pinelands, driving down auto insurance rates, or enacting stricter gun safety laws, Governor Florio’s legislative record left an indelible mark on New Jerseyans.”
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