(TRENTON) — Assembly Speaker Sheila Y. Oliver on Wednesday announced the Assembly Budget Committee will meet on Monday to get an update on New Jersey’s budget situation.
The unusually early budget hearing will feature an update from David Rosen, the Legislature’s budget officer, on the status of this fiscal year’s budget and the outlook for the fiscal year that starts July 1.
The committee has also invited local government officials to discuss the impact of the national economy on their budgets and taxpayers.
The hearing will begin at 10 a.m. in Room 11 in the State House Annex. It will be streamed live at http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/media/live_audio.asp.
“We know we have many difficult decisions ahead, including some that people may not like, so we’re going to get to work,” said Oliver (D-Essex). “As we move forward, we’ll look to work in partnership with the administration to put New Jersey on a sound fiscal footing and in the best position to create jobs and reinvigorate our economy. Our residents deserve no less.”
“We know people are frustrated with the continued stories of wasteful spending and lack confidence in their leaders to solve problems, but we’re going to get this job done and Monday’s hearing is the beginning of that effort,” said Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Cryan (D-Union.)
Gov. Chris Christie is slated to give his budget address on March 16. The state constitution requires a balanced budget be adopted by July 1.
“There’s no reason we should sit idle for almost two months when we know difficult decisions are ahead,” said Assembly Budget Chairman Lou Greenwald (D-Camden). “I can tell you this — these hearings are going to be substantive hearings to update our situation, find ways to save money and ensure money is being spent wisely.”
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