Senate Judiciary Committee to Consider Governor’s Nominee

By Michael Aron 

Mary O’Dowd, Governor Christie’s nominee to replace the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, had her Senate confirmation hearing today. 

State Judiciary Faces Salary Shortfall

By Dari Mandell

The Judiciary faces flat funding in this year’s budget, and as a result, the department has to identify 25 million dollars to cover its salary commitments. 

Community Affairs Commissioner Pushes for Tool Kit Measures

By Jerry Henry

Senate Budget Committee Chairman Paul Sarlo wasted no time in addressing what has been a recurring theme at Governor Christie’s town hall meetings – the tool kit.   

Senate Budget Committee Conducts Higher Education Hearing

By Desiree Taylor

Former Governor Tom Kean, Sr. spelled out the ramifications of underfunding New Jersey’s institutions of higher education before the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. 

Assembly Budget Panel Examines Health & Senior Services Budget Plans

By Jerry Henry

When asked to give a snap shot of the state ofNew Jersey’s 72 hospitals Acting Health and Senior Services Commissioner Mary O’Dowd gave numbers that some lawmakers found alarming. 

Assembly Budget Hearing on Education Spending Plans

By Michael Aron

According to Acting Commissioner of Education Chris Cerf there are approximately 200 schools in New Jersey where children are failing at alarming levels. 

Senate Budget Hearing on Higher Educational Services

By Michael Aron

In his testimony before the Senate Budget Committee, Rutgers President Richard McCormick said the Governor’s budget plan for higher education is acceptable. 

Democrats Oppose Human Services Cuts

By Briana Vannozzi

Some key committee Democrats offered harsh criticism over tens of millions of dollars in proposed cuts to the Department of Human Services budget. 

Assembly Budget Committee Holds Hearing on Medicaid Cuts

By Jerry Henry

 In testimony before the Assembly Budget Committee a panel of 13 health care professionals, mainly those who provide for the elderly in nursing homes, warned a proposed 140 million dollar cut in Medicaid funding would be devastating – not only to those who reside in nursing homes but to those who provide their care. 

Treasurer Testifies Before Senate Budget Committee

By Marie DeNoia Aronsohn

The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee hit State Treasurer Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff with tough questions about the Governor’s proposed 29.4 billion dollar state budget proposal for fiscal 2011.