TRENTON, N.J. – Marcus Rayner, executive director of the New Jersey Lawsuit Reform Alliance (NJLRA), released the following statement in support of the newly formed Congressional Civil Justice Caucus:

“I applaud Congressmen Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) and Dan Boren (D-OK) for spearheading a bipartisan Congressional Civil Justice Caucus to focus on advancing a civil justice system that is conducive to the United States’ global economic competitiveness. 

“In a state where consumers have neither an obligation to ask for a refund before taking a business to court, nor to have encountered actual fraud in order to sue under the state Consumer Fraud Act, the Caucus carries a special significance for us here in New Jersey.  It shows the hardworking men and women of our state that members of Congress are willing to carry our fight against lawsuit abuse to the highest levels of government.  Knowing that we have support as we try to stop the hemorrhaging of our key industries is invaluable. 

“The Congressional Civil Justice Caucus gives us the opportunity to expose the target that the pharmaceutical industry has on its back in our state.  In the last year New Jersey shed 7.6 percent of its pharmaceutical jobs, due in part to litigation tourism by the trial bar.  Instead of the nation’s “Medicine Chest,” we are becoming a national leader in pharmaceutical job exportation. 

Ninety-three percent (93%) of the mass tort plaintiffs in New Jersey suing our pharmaceutical companies are out-of-state residents seeking the use of our plaintiff-friendly laws.  This is an unacceptable situation we must correct in order to achieve solid economic growth.  I am hopeful that the Caucus will push for reforms similar to A-3333, sponsored by Assemblyman John McKeon (D-Essex) in states where the Consumer Fraud Act encourages abuse. 

“New Jersey is quickly losing ground to other states which have enacted common sense tort reform measures.  I encourage all members of New Jersey’s congressional delegation to support the Civil Justice Caucus and participate in this bipartisan forum. 

Additional information about the Congressional Civil Justice Caucus can be found on their website.