Call for more facilities funding at NJ colleges

Leaders of New Jersey’s colleges and universities are hoping the state will invest more in higher education.

Rutgers President Richard McCormick told the Senate Budget Committee that the state’s colleges are pleased Governor Christie’s budget plan does not cut their funding and increases student aid.

But, he says the universities are concerned about the lack of adequate funding for long-term capital needs.

“Our campuses are overcrowded. Too many residents who aspire to attend college in New Jersey are forced to leave our state to attend institutions that can guarantee them places in programs with superior facilities,” said McCormick.

Senate Budget Committee Chairman Paul Sarlo says he supports putting a referendum on the ballot for voters to decide whether the state’s public colleges should be able to borrow money for needed renovations.

“To be able to go out and bond and invest in their institutions to expand their facilities. I would hope that in the near future we would be able to put a question on the ballot, as soon as the 2012 elections,” said Sarlo.