NJ Assembly raises concern over corruption and stimulus

By: Tom MacDonald

The state of New Jersey stands poised to receive millions in federal stimulus money. Members of the Assembly Budget Committee, which met today, want to make sure the money is spent right.

By: Tom MacDonald
tmacdonald@whyy.org

The state of New Jersey stands poised to receive millions in federal stimulus money. Members of the Assembly Budget Committee, which met today, want to make sure the money is spent right.

Transcript:
State Comptroller Matthew Boxer, the governor’s point man on the stimulus program, came before the Assembly Budget Committee to explain how the federal funds would be spent. Assemblyman Joseph Malone says the process needs to be transparent, because residents want to make sure the money is spent properly.

Malone: “I am very concerned that we are going to see the same kinds of situations that we’ve seen Camden school construction and any other major expenditure we’ve had, and I’m very concerned that if we fail the people this time there are going to be riots.”

Boxer says the state is setting up a website to provide transparency about where the funds are going. He says projects were chosen based on how quickly they can stimulate the state economy.

Listen:
Click on the play button below or right click on this link and choose “Save Link As” to download. [audio: reports20090309njstim.mp3]