(TRENTON) – Assembly Higher Education Chairwoman Pamela R. Lampitt (D-Camden) released the following statement Tuesday on the release of the findings of Gov. Chris Christie’s Higher Education Task Force:
“I’m pleased to see this report finally has been released.
“Hopefully this signals that Gov. Christie is at last ready to show a commitment to higher education and making it more affordable for working class New Jerseyans.
“Our colleges and universities not only create stronger futures for our youth, but serve as economic engines that drive our economy, create jobs and spark research and development. They cannot continue to be an afterthought, as they were in the governor’s first budget.
“Obviously, any plan to merge Rutgers University and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey will require an extensive analysis to gauge its impact not only on higher education, but on health care in our state.
“I look forward to reviewing the recommendations, meeting with Gov. Kean to discuss the findings and having the Assembly Higher Education Committee give the recommendations a full public debate.”