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Prieto: Christie Putting Ideology over Fiscal Common Sense with Lottery Privatization

Plans Puts Small Businesses and Valued Programs at Risk

(TRENTON) – Assembly Budget Chairman Vincent Prieto (D-Hudson/Bergen) released the following statement on Friday on the Christie administration announcement that it plans to award a 15-year lottery privatization contract.

“It’s disappointing to see Gov. Christie moving forward with a plan that has never been explained publicly, despite our invitations to do so.
“The Christie administration is now set to forfeit substantial long-term revenue for a one-shot payment while also hurting small business owners and risking vital programs for our students, veterans senior citizens and the disabled.
“The fact that Gov. Christie plans to give the contract to the only bid that was submitted only increases my concern. This casts further doubt on whether this is a smart move. How do we know we are getting the best deal if we have nothing to compare it to?
“I fear this is a poorly thought out move that puts ideology over fiscal common sense.”