(TRENTON) – Assembly Budget Committee Chairman Lou Greenwald on Wednesday announced residents will have three opportunities in the coming weeks to address the Assembly Budget Committee on Gov. Chris Christie’s proposed state budget for next fiscal year.
“I firmly believe that these public hearings are among the most important sessions this committee holds each year,” said Greenwald (D-Camden). “It’s a chance for lively public discussion with citizens directly impacted by the governor’s proposal. We stay all day long and into the night and listen to every idea and opinion. It’s an invaluable opportunity to hear from constituents and try to match the needs of the communities with fiscal realities.”
This year’s public hearings will be held:
· Tuesday, March 8 at 9:30 a.m. at the State House Annex, Fourth Floor, Committee Room 11 in Trenton. Topics – Health, Human Services, Senior, Family and Children’s Issues.
· Wednesday, March 16 at 9:30 a.m. at the University Hall Conference Center, Montclair State University, 1 Normal Ave. in Montclair. Topics – Education, Higher Education and Local Government Issues.
· Wednesday, March 23 at 9:30 a.m. at Camden County College, Blackwood Campus, 311 College Drive in Blackwood. Topics – Public Safety, Economic Development, Transportation, Environment, Arts, History and Cultural Issues and all other subjects not listed above.
“The governor’s budget proposal is the same-old-same-old, again putting the heaviest property tax burden on working class New Jerseyans and continuing his assault on women’s health care,” Greenwald said. “That’s why it’s more important than ever for everyone to provide potential solutions that ensure true shared sacrifice, create jobs and protect our most vulnerable.”
Persons wishing to testify can register online by visiting www.njleg.state.nj.us and clicking on “online registration” under the “Budget Public Hearings” heading.
Those wishing to testify can also call the Legislative Budget and Finance Office at (609) 292-1170 to register by phone.
Those presenting written testimony are asked to provide 20 copies on the day of the hearing.
For questions or other inquiries call (609) 292-8030.
