Debate over subpoena power in N.J.

The budget committee in the New Jersey Assembly has advanced a measure in a party line vote to give itself subpoena powers.

Budget Committee Chairman Vinnie Prieto says Democrats have been frustrated that the treasurer did not appear before the committee on four occasions to answer questions about state revenue collections, Sandy relief funding, and plans to privatize lottery sales.

“We don’t know about any contracts, what’s going on. So there’s answers that we would want to directly ask and get some answers back,” said Prieto.

Meanwhile, Republican Assemblyman Anthony Bucco does not believe subpoena power is necessary.”The Treasurer will be in here in a few weeks. We’re going to hear from the governor next week and then the budget process will start. So all of these issues will be addressed,” he said.

If the Treasurer shows up and answers their questions, Democrats say the subpoena authorization will be a moot issue.