Senator Buono received her B.A from Montclair State University and her J.D. from Rutgers University. She began her career as a criminal trial attorney for the New Jersey State Department of the Public Advocate and later entered private practice. Before entering the Senate in 2002, Buono served in the General Assembly from 1994 to 2001 and on the Metuchen Borough Council from 1993 to 1994. Buono represents the 18th Legislative District, which includes East Brunswick, Edison, Helmetta, Metuchen, South Plainfield, South River and Spotswood. Senator Buono replaces outgoing Senator Bernard Kenny who retired after his term and was the first Chairwoman of the Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee.  In addition to being Majority Leader, Senator Buono serves as Chair of the Legislative Oversight Committee, Democratic Conference Chair, and member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.