Deputy Republican Leader Joe Malone, who currently represents the Assembly Republicans on the New Jersey State Legislature Joint Budget Oversight Committee (JBOC), issued the following statement regarding the committee’s meeting Tuesday where a request by the Economic Development Authority (EDA) to expend $13 million in funds derived from the Business Employment Incentive Program to support the technology and life science industries in the state was denied:
“The denial by the Democrats on JBOC to transfer funds within the EDA for worthwhile Business Incentive Programs is another example of the majority party reverting to its true form of anti-business political gamesmanship.
“It is more than an embarrassment to have Caren Franzini (Chief Executive Officer of EDA) be caught in the games played by elected officials. To lecture a woman who is one of the finest stewards of state funds about the need for transparency was a disgrace. Caren has served both Democrat and Republican administrations with the highest degree of integrity. To tie her hands in her efforts to work with the business community in this difficult economic environment is shameful.
“To continually put politics ahead of the need to work with businesses throughout the state only reinforces the mistrust which they and the general public have in their elected officials who serve in Trenton. It is no wonder taxpayers have a jaded view of what takes place in the State House.” TLS.
I have a jaded view of politicians when they sling mud at eachother in an effort to sway public opinion. I don’t know why the democrats didn’t approve this, and I’m sure there are two sides to every story, but this statement left a bad taste in my mouth.
Schwartz?
To #1: The idea that you call this “mud slinging” is funny. I don’t know anything about this but Mr. Malone’s statement is very specific and it addresses specific grievances. “Mud slinging” generally refers to personal attacks, which this isn’t.
There they go again trying to spend taxpayer money.
The money shouldn’t be spent. deficits should be closed, and fiscal sanity should be returned, regardless of political persuasion.
If you meant Leadhead I would understand. These BEIP monies are an economic development grant directly tied to new jobs. Maybe the state should stow your tax payments under the governors mattress for safekeeping too? get an opinion, a new one. Please.