Buono Denounces Christie’s Lottery Privatization Plan
By Mel Fabrikant Thursday, April 25, 2013, 06:20 PM EDT
Democratic gubernatorial candidate and State Senator Barbara Buono panned Governor Christie’s plan to privatize the lottery at a press conference today, calling it a bad deal for New Jersey taxpayers and small businesses.
“Privatizing the lottery is another example of Governor Christie’s fiscal irresponsibility,” Buono said. “Instead of explaining to the people of New Jersey why the lottery should be privatized, the governor has avoided answering questions about the deal and refused to include the legislature in the process. The lottery is our state’s fourth largest source of revenue and funds vital programs for children, veterans and the disabled. The governor’s lack of transparency is inexcusable.
“What the governor doesn’t want New Jerseyans to know is that this deal could eliminate jobs and hurt small businesses. With the economy sputtering and over 400,000 New Jerseyans out of work, now is not the time for the governor to play games with the lottery.”
Seth Hahn, legislative and political director at the Communications Workers of America NJ, and Hiten Patel, manager of Pantry 1 Food Mart in Trenton, joined Senator Buono at the press conference to highlight how privatizing the lottery would adversely affect New Jersey’s economy.
“Not only is Governor Christie's privatization scheme an economic loser, but it reeks of political cronyism,” Hahn said. “Christie's own study showed New Jersey had an award-winning and incredibly efficient lottery, but he didn't let facts get in the way when it came time to hand over valuable taxpayer-owned assets to enrich his buddies. Governor Christie is substituting election-year political deals for leadership. New Jersey workers and taxpayers deserve better.”
Video of Senator Buono's remarks can be found here:
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