Jim Florio, a former New Jersey congressman and governor credited with a key role in passage of 1980’s Staggers Act, which partially deregulated railroads, has died. He was 85.
Florio’s death on Sunday, Sept. 25, was announced on Twitter by law partner Doug Steinhardt. No cause or place of death was given.
While the bill was named for long-time U.S. Rep. Harley O. Staggers (D.-W.Va.), it was Florio who introduced and sponsored it in the house and is cited as a primary author. When he signed the bill into law on Oct. 14, 1980, President Jimmy Carter cited “the leadership of Chairman Jim Florio” first in noting members of the house who were critical to the passage of the bill.
Florio represented New Jersey’s 1st District from 1975 to 1990, then served as New Jersey Governor from 1990 to 1994. His authoring of the federal Superfund law is being cited as a key legislative legacy.
“His work on issues ranging from education, transportation, and the environment has had meaningful impacts on families and communities across the nation,” current New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez said in a statement. “And it’s because of his Superfund Law, which he authored as a Congressman, that we are able to clean up hazardous waste sites here in New Jersey and throughout America.”
To mis-parphrase Andrew Carnegie “And to think he was a liberal.” (see quotes about JP Morgan)
R.I.P Governor Florio. He was a good friend of railroads– freight and passenger