Joseph M. Kyrillos

, from 1988 to 1991.

Biography

Kyrillos served as Chairman of the New Jersey Republican State Committee from 2001 to 2004. He served as Majority Conference Leader from 1997-2002, Chairman of the Senate Economic Growth Committee from 1994-1997, Chairman of the Senate Coastal Resources and Tourism Committee from 1992-1993, and Chairman of the Senate Natural Resources and Economic Development from 1994-1997. He currently sits in the Senate on the Economic Growth Committee, the Judiciary Committee and the Legislative Oversight Committee.

Kyrillos was New Jersey Chairman of the Mitt Romney for President Campaign. [Johnson, Glen. [http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gtqQl7m3D0wspStvURvpDGPWf2OAD8VVAEF80 "Romney Still in the Political Hunt"] , "Associated Press", April 10, 2008. "New Jersey state Sen. Joseph Kyrillos, who served as Romney's New Jersey campaign chairman, said he has received four thank-you phone messages from Romney, which is more telling than the buttoned-down persona of the campaign."]

Some of Senator Kyrillos' major legislative accomplishments during his tenure in the Legislature include sponsorship of the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Planning Act, ensuring a smooth transition as Fort Monmouth prepares to close under Base Realignment and Closure recommendations. [ [http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2006/Bills/S1500/1472_I1.PDF SENATE, No. 1472 ] , New Jersey Legislature. Accessed April 24, 2008.]

On the business front, the Senator sponsored the Business Employment Incentive Program to stimulate job creation and cover the costs for businesses moving to the Garden State and utility reform to help keep costs down for businesses and individuals by increasing competition. Lawsuit, or tort, reform to curb frivolous and wasteful lawsuits that tie up the courts and waste taxpayer money.

Additionally, he is the primary senate sponsor of the Environmental Infrastructure Trust, legislation promoting eco-tourism in New Jersey, and has fought for a stable source of shore protection funding as well as closing CAFRA loopholes permitting inappropriate coastal development. He also sponsored the Green Acres Bond Act of 1995 for open space and clean lakes, including for the first time Blue Acres funding for coastal land preservation, beach access and storm protection.

Senator Kyrillos was a major force behind the College Savings Plan that will help New Jersey families save for college by offering tax incentives, investment alternatives and tax-exempt trusts. Senator Kyrillos also helped establish the New Jersey School Report Card to enhance accountability in New Jersey's schools and the High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA) to ensure that students graduate with basic skills and knowledge.

In addition to his legislative duties, the Senator is employed as Director of GVA Williams Real Estate, a commercial real estate services firm based in Parsippany, New Jersey. His past professional experiences include serving as a Special Assistant to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Donald Hodel and with Vice President George H. W. Bush’s staff for the 1984 Reagan-Bush campaign.

Senator Kyrillos hosts a statewide cable television program, "Tour of New Jersey", and serves on numerous boards and commissions. They include the American Council of Young Political Leaders, National Conference of State Legislatures Foundation, Bayshore Senior Day Center, Count Basie Theatre, Garden State Arts Center Foundation, Monmouth County Historical Association, New Jersey Historical Society, Prevention First, Rainbow Foundation, and the Two River Theatre Company.

Education and personal

Kyrillos attended Rumson Country Day School and the Lawrenceville School. [ [http://www2.lawrenceville.org/alumni/welcome/detail.asp?newsid=179298&bhcp=1 Independence Day Honors] , Lawrenceville School, July 4, 2005. Accessed September 21, 2007.] He received a B.A. degree from Hobart College in Political Science and was awarded an M.S. from Boston University in Communications. [http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/members/BIO.asp?Leg=40 Senator Kyrillos' legislative web page] , New Jersey Legislature. Accessed February 21, 2008.] Kyrillos was born in Kearny, New Jersey, and currently resides in Middletown Township. [ [http://www.vote-smart.org/bio.php?can_id=1330 Senator Joseph M. 'Joe' Kyrillos Jr.] , Project Vote Smart. Accessed September 20, 2007.]

District 13

Each of the forty districts in the New Jersey Legislature has one representative in the New Jersey Senate and two members in the New Jersey General Assembly. The other representatives from the 13th District for the 2008-2009 Legislative Session are:
*Assemblywoman Amy Handlin, and
*Assemblyman Samuel D. Thompson

References

External links

* [http://kyrillos.senatenj.com Senator Kyrillos's Official Site]
* [http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/members/BIO.asp?Leg=40 Senator Kyrillos' legislative web page] , New Jersey Legislature
*"New Jersey Legislature financial disclosure forms"
** [http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/ethics/FinancialDisclosure/KyrillosJ2007.pdf 2007] [http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/ethics/FinancialDisclosure/KyrillosJ2006.pdf 2006] [http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/ethics/FinancialDisclosure/KyrillosJ2005.pdf 2005] [http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/ethics/FinancialDisclosure/KyrillosJ2004.pdf 2004]
* [http://www.vote-smart.org/bio.php?can_id=1330 Senator Joseph M. 'Joe' Kyrillos Jr.] , Project Vote Smart