RUMANA: LATEST COMPTROLLER TURNPIKE AUDIT A SIGN OF GREAT IMPROVEMENT Assembly Republican Whip Scott Rumana, R-Passaic, Bergen, Essex and Morris, lauded today’s audit report by the State Comptroller indicating substantial progress has been made by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority in instituting reforms since its last audit three years ago. The audit, issued by Matthew Boxer, noted that changes installed by the authority will save millions of dollars. It is estimated that $3 million to $5 million in healthcare savings alone are anticipated over the next three years. “Three years ago, Governor Christie and his administration inherited a legacy of overly generous perks and wasteful spending practices at the authority,” said Rumana. “It is great news that nearly all of the cost saving recommendations were implemented and the report indicates significant progress has been achieved in cutting some of the overly generous perks. “Eliminating sick leave payouts, eliminating the sponsorship of a bowling league and reducing virtually all bonus payments to non-union employees are major components to the savings,” stated Rumana. “It’s good to see the recommendations were taken seriously. The diligent follow-through by the authority deserves recognition for doing more than taking the last audit under advisement, but acting on it as well. It is these kinds of improvements that will allow for the Turnpike Authority to prevent further toll hikes and also free up money to complete the many needed transportation projects and improvements.” The Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) initially issued a report in 2010. Its follow-up report found that the Turnpike Authority has instituted numerous changes to lower the cost of the Authority’s health insurance coverage, reform the Authority’s procurement procedures and eliminate wasteful spending identified in the initial OSC audit. In total, Turnpike officials thus far have implemented 15 of the 17 recommended changes by the OSC. #### On the Net: www.NJAssemblyRepublicans.com NJ Assembly Republicans on Facebook NJ Assembly Republicans on Twitter NJ Assembly Republican Newsletter Signup