Tuesday, March 17, 2009

NJ's black lawmakers outline budget priorities

TRENTON, N.J. - New Jersey's Legislative Black Caucus says it will focus on health care, affordable housing and education in the coming fiscal year.

Sen. Ronald Rice, the Newark Democrat who heads the group, says it's also vital that construction companies run by women and minorities receive a fair share of contracts generated by the $2 billion in federal stimulus included in New Jersey's budget.

The caucus wants to make sure funds continue for programs affecting residents of the cities and people of color.

Gov. Jon S. Corzine last week presented a $29.8 billion budget proposal to the Legislature.



The budget increases funding for education, keeps funding for anti-foreclosure programs and food pantry assistance, and adds $25 million to expand preschools in poor school districts.

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