Weinberg said it was 'strong-arming' — not the budget — that led 6 of 7 Republicans to 'flip-flop'
Clik here to view.
The joint statement from six of the seven Republicans who voted with the Democrats in June to restore the funds made it clear they would not buck their governor in an override. Democrats would have needed four of the seven Republicans to reach the two-thirds majority necessary to overturn Christie’s veto. And if they can’t get that in the Senate, their effort will die before making it to the Assembly.
"Initially, we supported (the bill), which redirects $7.5 million from the State Employees’ Prescription Drug Program towards further women’s health initiatives. However, upon further review by the State Treasurer, it is now clear that this transfer would place the state prescription fund into a $5.6 million deficit," read the statement. "If Senate President Sweeney calls for a veto override of S-2139, we will vote to support maintaining a balanced budget and ensure there is continued access to prescription medicines for families."
The statement was attributed to state Sens. Diane Allen (R-Burlington), Christopher "Kip" Bateman (R-Somerset), Andrew Ciesla (R-Ocean), Christopher Connors (R-Ocean), Sean Kean (R-Monmouth) and Robert Singer (R-Ocean). The only other Republican who voted yes, Jennifer Beck (R-Monmouth), could not be reached by other Republicans because she is in China, Senate Republican spokesman Bill Murray said.
Weinberg said she was suspicious that none of the six Republicans called her before issuing the statement, or took into account the opinion of the nonpartisan Office of Legislative Services, which identified the potential funds.
"I have to believe it was strong-arming," said Weinberg. "This is summer, and it is the flip-flop season. So there’s a lot of flip-flopping going on here, and I can’t believe that this was done on the merits of the budget."
The $7.5 million would partially fund 58 clinics across the state that served 136,000 patients last year, 29 of which are run by Planned Parenthood. The group says some clinics would have to close, while others would pare down hours, and estimates that 40,000 patients would no longer have access.
Stender said with less women getting birth control, there would be more unwanted pregnancies and abortions.
"By voting against this, they will be increasing abortions in the state of New Jersey. So if they’re going to have to reconcile that fact with their consciences as well," she said.
Christie spokesman Michael Drewniak strongly denied the governor’s office twisted the senators’ arms, and said the governor stands by his reason for the veto.
"(Democrats) would want to create a deficit. That’s just a simple fact," he said.
Clik here to view.
Gov. Chris Christie arrives at the Assembly Chambers at the Trenton Statehouse in this February file photo.Previous coverage:
• N.J. Sen. Weinberg, Assemblywoman Stender jab Gov. Chris Christie in mock diary
• N.J. Democrats to launch campaign to override Christie's veto of $7.5M family planning funds
• Gov. Christie vetoes bill restoring $7.5M grant for family planning
• N.J. health chief is questioned about Christie's $7.5M grant cut for family planning clinics
• N.J. lawmakers encourage Gov. Christie to restore $7.5M for women's health, family planning clinics
• N.J. legislators push to restore family planning funds in budget