TRENTON — Leaders of the Democrat-controlled state Legislature were quick to criticize a report to Gov. Chris Christie’s administration recommending privatizing several government functions. ”Certainly state government needs to operate in a more cost-effective way, but our history with privatization is dotted with instances where we’ve had to go back and spend more just to clean up mistakes,” said...
Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester) is congratulated in the Senate Chamber at the Statehouse Thursday. TRENTON — Leaders of the Democrat-controlled state Legislature were quick to criticize a report to Gov. Chris Christie’s administration recommending privatizing several government functions.
”Certainly state government needs to operate in a more cost-effective way, but our history with privatization is dotted with instances where we’ve had to go back and spend more just to clean up mistakes,” said Senate President Stephen Sweeney. “We cannot rush into privatizing just for privatization’s sake.”
The report estimates the state could save up to $210 million a year by letting private contractors run certain operations, including car emission inspections, Turnpike toll booth collections, pre-schools and state parks.
An effort a decade ago to privatize emission testing hit computer malfunctions that resulted in long lines and short tempers.
Democrats jumped on the fact that New Jerseyans would have to pay fees to have their emissions tested, as they only currently have to pay for repairs if they fail inspection.
“It’s becoming clear this governor hasn’t met a fee hike on average New Jerseyans that he couldn’t embrace, and fee is just another three-letter word for tax,” said Assembly Budget Committee Chairman Lou Greenwald.
Christie called the report a “path for change that will benefit New Jersey’s taxpayers.”
More coverage:
• Christie administration recommends massive privatization of N.J. services
• N.J. government watchdogs say privatization can still lead to waste, abuse
• Privatization panel to begin hearings tomorrow under tight deadline for report