Lawmaker has Not Agreed to Amendments;
Says Quality-of-Life & Care for Most Vulnerable Residents Must be the Priority
(TRENTON) – Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen) released the following statement Monday after the Assembly Appropriations Committee released legislation (A-3975) she sponsored to ensure that individuals with disabilities living in out-of-state facilities are not transferred to the detriment of their well-being under the “Return Home New Jersey” program.
Vainieri Huttle has not agreed to amendments made to the bill in the Senate:
“I cannot in good conscience support the amendments advanced in the Senate. That’s why I am pleased the Assembly Appropriations Committee advanced an unchanged bill today, upon my request.
“This legislation is about doing all we can to ensure the best quality of life and care possible for our most vulnerable residents, but the proposed changes fall far short of that goal.
“I am open to amendments, but only if they prioritize the care of our residents and the concerns of their families and guardians. Any changes to this bill must be made in good faith and with those priorities in mind.”