In face of changes, N.J. lawmaker moves to keep women’s programs funded

A New Jersey lawmaker is introducing legislation to protect a variety of state services that provide help for women.

A reorganization proposed by Gov. Chris Christie would move the Division on Women from the Department of Community Affairs to the Department of Children and Families. The goal is to improve efficiency.

A bill sponsored by Sen. Barbara Buono, D-Middlesex, would ensure that change does not result in cuts to existing programs.

“We need to have language in the budget that would actually restore all the line items for all the services that were taken care of under the current Division on Women to make sure that those services are preserved,” Buono said.

Children and Families Commissioner Allison Blake says services will be maintained. Buono said she wants the budget provisions to back up that claim.