TRENTON – State Sen. Jennifer Beck, (R-12), Red Bank, joined two senators worried about Newark in opposition to the Urban Hope Act. But it isn’t the Brick City that has Beck concerned.
Limited to a pilot program in Camden, Newark, and Trenton, the bill provides taxpayer funding for the “renaissance school” real estate loans, debt service, or mortgage. But the bill also provides for transfer of that land to the nonprofit school.
“I have concerns with it,” she told State Street Wire on the floor today.
Beck also is disquieted by the public bidding exemption for the schools. In general, she said, public bidding processes increase government transparency. Beck has a bill in the legislature that would require Rutgers University to publically bid contracts.
Asked specifically about the public bidding exemption last week, Gov. Chris Christie said it was necessary so that school officials aren’t bogged down in regulatory concerns.
