NJ.com - Buono Outlines Plan for N.J. Cities in Race for Governor

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State Sen. Barbara Buono, the Democratic candidate for governor, released a 27-point plan today aimed at improving life in New Jersey's struggling cities, ranging from tightening gun laws -- already among the strictest in the nation -- to barring employers from asking applicants about criminal histories until a conditional job offer is made.

"Our urban communities are essential drivers of economic development and the epicenter of our diverse culture that bonds us all as New Jerseyans," Buono said in a statement. "This plan affirms my commitment to urban areas by taking advantage of their strengths and addressing difficult problems head on to strengthen the workers and families who live there."

The Middlesex County Democrat plans to expand on her proposals at a news conference later today in Irvington, where she will be joined by state and local elected officials.

Buono also called for lifting the minimum wage and tying automatic future increases to the Consumer Price Index, even though a question to do exactly that will be on the same ballot she is on in November.

Buono said the state needs to restore the Earned Income Tax Credit for the working poor from 20 percent to 25 percent. Efforts to do so have been vetoed by Gov. Chris Christie, the Republican whom she is trying to unseat, although he has offered to restore it in conjunction with an income tax cut.

The senator's plan calls for requiring companies allow workers to have access to earned sick days, creating more "set-aside" programs for women and minority owned businesses, and expanding background checks to all gun sales.

Although she did not get into specifics, Buono also called for a "limit" on the use of for-profit halfway house and expanding rehabilitation, job training and drug treatment programs for nonviolent offenders. She also said she wants to convert foreclosed homes into affordable housing and to "promote loan modification, principal reduction, and housing counseling" for homeowners facing foreclosure.

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