N.J. is looking for any leftover money in state agency budgets

In New Jersey, several Democratic lawmakers are pushing for a state identification card for those lacking the personal documents required to get a federally compliant driver’s license. (WHYY file photo)

In New Jersey, several Democratic lawmakers are pushing for a state identification card for those lacking the personal documents required to get a federally compliant driver’s license. (WHYY file photo)

A new law is aimed at making sure New Jersey spends taxpayers’ money efficiently.

Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling said the legislation requires the state auditor to report annually to lawmakers on unspent funds in each agency.

“This really identifies not only that we authorized money to be spent but how the money is being spent and if it’s being spent wisely. And if at the end of the year we have some money that is not spent, the state will be able to use that money for other things.”

Houghtaling isn’t sure how much of the allocated funds might be sitting idle.

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“It’s possible that we might be able to find some money and how tight money is in the state of New Jersey we need every dollar that we can get our hands on.”

The auditor’s report must include recommendations for addressing the accumulation of the unspent balances to avoid waste, fraud, or mismanagement.

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