S2676

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Ellen Karcher which would make fiscal information on legislation available to lawmakers and the public in a more timely manner was approved today by the Senate by a vote of 37-0, receiving final legislative approval.

“It’s become a sad Trenton tradition, in which expenditures of State funds are often voted on without full knowledge of the impact of the bill,” said Senator Karcher, D-Monmouth and Mercer. “All too often, the frantic pace of the New Jersey Legislature is at odds with the thorough scrutiny needed to safeguard public funds. This bill will ensure more time to review bills with a fiscal impact, allowing for greater openness and transparency in government.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Ellen Karcher which make fiscal information on legislation available to lawmakers and the public in a more timely manner was unanimously approved by the Senate State Government Committee today.

“As we saw during last year’s budget crisis, the Legislature is sometimes called upon to vote on bills with minimal review and public scrutiny,” said Senator Karcher, D-Monmouth and Mercer. “While we need to have the flexibility to respond in extreme situations, that sort of legislating is contrary to the concept of open, accountable government. By ensuring that budget documents get in the hands of policymakers and public watchdogs quickly, we can act quickly on expenditures without sacrificing necessary review.”