Assemblyman Says Initiative Would Create Jobs, Save Taxpayers Money, Enhance Environment

REDD RESPONSE TO GOVERNOR CORZINE’S ECONOMIC STIMULUS PROPOSAL

TRENTON – Senator Dana Redd, D-Camden and Gloucester, a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee and Chairwoman of the School Facilities Subcommittee of the Joint Legislative Committee on Public Schools, issued the following statement today regarding Governor Corzine’s economic stimulus proposals, which were delivered in a joint legislative hearing in the Statehouse this afternoon:

“Particularly when State residents are worried about the nation’s long-term and short-term economic health, Governor Corzine today outlined a bold plan which will help New Jersey weather the worst of these uncertain times.

Senator Anthony Bucco (R-25) issued the following statement today:

"Today is a historic day – the Abu Dhabi Investment Council has purchased the Chrysler Building in Manhattan and Governor Corzine has signed legislation allowing for nearly $4 billion to be borrowed for new school construction in New Jersey.

"The Chrysler Building was one of the engineering marvels of the 20th century and remains one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. It sold today for $800 million.

"For $200 million, New Jersey taxpayers have bought a single school in Union City. I'm pretty sure Abu Dhabi got the better deal."

"This borrowing scheme is equivalent to asking elementary school children to take out loans to pay for their own education."

Senator Gerald Cardinale (R-39) criticized Governor Jon Corzine today after he signed legislation authorizing $3.9 billion to be borrowed for school construction without voter approval.

Corzine Set to Give Abbot Districts $2.9 Billion for Full Cost of Projects

Senator Robert Singer (R-30) issued the following statement in response to Governor Corzine's approval of legislation today that will borrow another $3.9 billion for school construction projects, including $2.9 billion for projects in Abbott districts:

TRENTON – Senator Shirley K. Turner welcomed news today that Governor Jon S. Corzine signed bill her S-1457, which provides $3.9 billion in funds for school construction projects across the State.

            “We need to keep moving forward in revitalizing the aging school infrastructure in many of our urban centers,” said Senator Turner, D-Mercer and Chair of the Senate Education Committee.  “No child should have to go to school in a building that is crumbling or is overcrowded to a point that it threatens their health and safety and distracts them from learning.  We will use these funds efficiently and effectively to build schools that will make kids excited about going to school.”

            Under the measure, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) is authorized to borrow up to an additional $3.9 billion under the terms of the “Educational Facilities Construction and Financing Act.”  The funds will be used by the Schools Development Authority (SDA) to finance the construction of schools across the State.

            Senator Turner added, “We are not writing the SDA a blank check this time around.  The Legislature will remain engaged and vigilant as these schools are built .  We cannot afford to squander another opportunity to provide our kids with the schools they deserve.”

            “These funds will meet a critical need for countless New Jersey students who are forced to learn in ancient and often crumbling school buildings,” explained Senator Turner.  “It’s our duty to make sure that not a single penny is wasted as we strive to provide a safe and modern educational environment for all students.”

            Senator Turner noted that the SDA announced 53 school construction projects Tuesday in the former Abbott districts.  The list includes three new schools in Trenton that will receive more than $246 million.

            “The mismanagement of the $8.6 billion originally allocated to school construction led to these three schools being put on hold.  We are now coming through on the commitment we made to Trenton residents years ago to provide schools that will prepare Trenton students to thrive in the 21st century economy,” Senator Turner said.

            Accord to the SDA financing plan, the three news schools that will be built in Trenton include Trenton Central High School, the Roebling School and a new Early Childhood Center.

Senator Christopher "Kip" Bateman (R-16) said this after reading reports that 50 new school projects will be started, including a $127 million school in Trenton, because the Legislature passed a bill that authorizes $3.9 billion in borrowing without voter approval:

RUIZ STATEMENT ON APPROVAL OF FY 2009 BUDGET

TRENTON – Senator Teresa Ruiz, D-Essex and Union, and a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement regarding the approval today of the FY 2009 Budget:

“Today, the Senate approved the FY 2009 Budget, and made a strong statement about the State’s priorities, even in tough economic times.

Red Bank, NJ- 12th District legislative candidates Assemblywoman Jennifer Beck, Declan O’Scanlon and Caroline Casagrande today expressed serious concern over Governor Corzine’s actions in re-authorizing billions of taxpayer dollars to be wasted on a new version of the Schools Construction Corporation (SCC).