S2928

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Jeff Van Drew to create a task force to conduct a comprehensive review of the state’s seven developmental centers and to develop a plan for the future of developmental centers in this state, which may include recommendations for facility closures, received final approval today in the Senate.

The senator introduced the bill after a provision was included in the FY2012 State budget to close the Vineland Developmental Center. The bill (S-2928) would provide for a thorough review of all of the state’s centers that takes into account the needs of facility residents and the potential economic impact of a closure on the region.

“My number one concern with the proposal to close the Vineland Developmental Center was that it was put forward without a reasonable plan for the future of the residents and no consideration as to how a closure would affect the region economically,” said Senator Van Drew (D-Cape May/Cumberland/Atlantic). “I have always believed that any plan to close a developmental center must be based on a thorough, state-wide review of all of the state’s facilities. This task force allows for that to occur, and most importantly, ensures that Vineland will not close without a full and comprehensive review of the entire state.”

TRENTON – Senator Jeff Van Drew said action taken today by the governor on a bill that will allow for a comprehensive analysis of the state’s seven developmental centers has given a new life to the Vineland Developmental Center, as passage of the legislation will ensure the facility is not arbitrarily closed as initially proposed under the state budget.

The governor today conditionally vetoed legislation (S-2928) sponsored by Van Drew that will create a task force to study the state’s seven developmental centers and issue a recommendation for closures that will be binding. Senator Van Drew said he is encouraged the governor accepted the legislation, and will urge his colleagues to approve changes sought by the administration. The recommended changes will be considered by the full Senate at today’s voting session, scheduled for 1p.m. If approved, the senator said he anticipates the bill will receive a final vote in September.

“The action taken by the governor gives Vineland a new life. Under this bill, all seven developmental centers will be studied comprehensively by a task force which will decide on facility closures. The decision made by this panel after a thorough review will be binding.