Save Rutgers: Bill Hits Budget Committee, Amendments Being Added, Lautenberg Reemerges

Today is June 25th, we are officially 6 days away from the supposed deadline for the Rutgers Camden Rowan Merger deal to be signed into law.

Over the last six months this plan has faced tremendous hurdles, and to be honest, the proponents of the plan, while the continue to press on, have stumbled over every single one. I have said it before, and I will say it again, the likelihood of this deal going through before July 1 is slim to none.

The Assembly Budget Committee meets today, which is not unlike any other Monday or Thursday in June. However, today they will be hearing testimony and discussion on the Rut-Row bill. Keep in mind, this is the budget committee. The committee that deals with how much money the state is going to spend on things in the coming year. Also keep in mind that this bill, unlike most that come before the budget committee, does not have the slightest estimate attached for how much it will cost.

In other words: The Rut-Row bill should be a non-starter for the Assembly Budget Committee.

And actually, I think it was. Today the committee hearing was pushed back a full two hours, and according to PolitickerNJ, it is specifically because the Rut-Row bill is undergoing some much needed amendments. Could that possibly have something to do with the fact that at least ten Assembly Democrats are withholding budget support unless the bill is pushed back until November or their concerns are met?

Or could it possibly be the other thing that happened this morning. US Senator Frank Lautenberg, who came down south with fists swinging at the Norcross Machine as he tried to slow this thing down, suddenly reemerged in the debate after weeks of silence.

Lautenberg said,

This bill contains fatal flaws that threaten students already dealing with rising tuition, taxpayers, and our higher education system in New Jersey . . . It may be good for politically connected special interests, but it’s horrible for our state. With these problems, so many unanswered questions and an unknown price tag, the state Legislature should do the right thing and vote it down.

No kidding.

So what are these amendments that are reportedly being slapped onto the bill today? I have no idea. The whole thing is shrouded in secrecy, which should surprise no one considering the way this has gone for the last six months. However, one thing remains obvious, someone is being appeased in exchange for support. Look forward to some interesting testimony during today’s hearing.

 

Brian McGovern
About Brian McGovern 748 Articles
Brian McGovern wears many hats these days including Voorhees Township GOP Municipal Chairman, South Jersey attorney, and co-owner of the Republican campaign consulting firm Exit 3 Strategies, Inc.