Mount Laurel, NJ - October 12, 2021 – The Associated Builders and Contractors New Jersey Chapter (ABC-NJ) were proud to recognize Republican State Senator Declan J. O’Scanlon, Jr., from the 13th District, and Republican Assemblyman John Catalano, from the 10th District, as their 2021 “Legislators of The Year.” Both officials were presented with championship belts bearing the “title” at the group’s 7th Annual Crabfest event held this year at the Taildragger Inn in Hammonton. The event brings together New Jersey’s merit shops and those that support what ABC members do for a day of networking, fun and games, food, and drink.

“These awards are all about honoring leaders who get up every day and fight for legislation that helps create good jobs and build a strong economy for New Jersey’s working families,” said Samantha DeAlmeida, ABC-NJ President. “Both men have established strong voting records in support of free enterprise and the merit shop philosophy, and have advocated for policies that support economic growth, the creation of private-sector jobs, and the lowering of business costs.”

“Now, more than ever, New Jersey needs voices in Trenton that will support fair and open competition which includes non-discrimination in public contracting and construction,” said Derek DeLuca, ABC-NJ Deputy Director of Government Affairs. “As members of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee and the Assembly Labor Committee respectively, both legislators have a thorough understanding of the correlation between having a qualified and skilled workforce and the future economic development and long-term success of our state, and have consistently voted to support a pro-jobs agenda.”

“I’m grateful and humbled to be recognized by such a hardworking group of NJ residents,” said Senator Declan J. O’Scanlon, Jr. “These folks are out on the ground every day and employ thousands. We do our best to fight tirelessly for good, sensible policies that enhance and protect this industry. That’s exactly what I’ll continue to fight for.”

“I am extremely honored for being recognized by the Associated Builders and Contractors,” said Assemblyman John Catalano. “I will always fight for building a stronger economy and creating as many jobs as possible. Economic growth is needed now more than ever in the State of New Jersey.”

As part of the event, the ABC-NJ Board also announced an additional eleven “2021 Legislators of Merit” who will each be presented with Golden Hard Hats at their individual district offices. These officials include:

Senator Chris Connors (R) 9th District Assemblyman Greg McGuckin (R) 10th District

Senator Michael Doherty (R) 23rd District Assemblyman Ryan Peters (R) 8th District

Senator James Holzapfel (R) 10th District Assemblyman Erik Peterson (R) 23rd District

Assemblyman Robert Auth (R) 39th District Assemblyman Brian Rumpf (R) 9th District

Assemblywoman Serena DiMaso (R) 13th District Assemblyman Jay Webber (R) 26th District

Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove (R) 9th District

“New Jersey’s construction workforce deserves leaders who will defend freedom in the marketplace, promote fair and open competition, and help foster an environment where our communities can thrive. We are pleased to honor these dedicated public servants for the important work they are doing on our behalf,” DeAlmeida concluded.

ABOUT ABC-NJ

ABC is a national association representing 21,000 merit shop construction and construction-related firms in 69 Chapters across the United States. Our membership represents all specialties within the U.S. construction industry, and is comprised primarily of firms that perform work in the industrial and commercial sectors of the industry. ABC-NJ is the industry's liaison to federal, state, and local governments and the public at large. For more information, please visit our website at www.abcnjc.org.