The newest member of the New Jersey Assembly is the wife of its former minority leader.

BettyLou DeCroce was greeted with cheers and applause from fellow lawmakers as she took her oath of office in the Assembly chamber.

She was deputy commissioner of the state Department of Community Affairs when her husband Alex died at the statehouse after a lengthy Assembly session in January.
She also has experience at the local level as a councilwoman and municipal clerk.

“I think I have a lot to offer with regards to property tax relief, cutting back regulations, so many different issues that are troubling the state today.”

DeCroce says she also plans to continue her husband’s efforts on victims’ rights issues.

“I’ve always given a lot of my time with Alex working on that issue, and I look forward to working in greater deal with regards to protecting victims of crime.”

She’ll fill the Assembly seat for the rest of the year and plans to run in the June primary for the remainder of the two-year term.