State Assembly-elects for the 32nd Legislative District Ravi Bhalla and Katie Brennan are celebrating the bill that would’ve stripped the New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller of their investigatory powers being withdrawn.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“This shows that when we speak out, we can really make a difference. I want to thank the Senate President for hearing everyone’s concerns and pulling the bill. This is democracy at work,” Bhalla, who testified against the bill last week, said in a statement.
“This is a win for good government and a win for the people of New Jersey. If you testified, called your representatives, and made your voice heard, you made this happen. Pulling this bill was the right decision. We need more independent oversight in New Jersey, not less,” added Brennan.
They came out against the bill at the beginning of the month, applauding Acting Comptroller for exposing waste, fraud, and abuse throughout the state.
Coincidentally, on the same day that Bhalla and Brennan opposed the bill, Hudson County lost an appeal in a case filed by the comptroller’s office, with the appellate court upholding that the county board of commissioners improperly issued a $13.5 million jail contract, as HCV first reported.
State Senate President Nick Scutari (D-22) introduced Bill S-4924 on Thanksgiving Eve and Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill (D) came out against it, though also noted she would not get involved in the legislative process.
She released another statement yesterday indicating that she would not have supported the bill if it reached her desk.
“I ran on accountability and transparency and was clear that I would not support any effort to weaken oversight. I look forward to working with the Legislature to deliver effective, accountable government for the people of New Jersey on the mandate they gave
us.”
The proposal faced significant opposition from Walsh, U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ), New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin, and dozens of advocates and residents who testified against the bill at a state Senate hearing last week.
