Text of March 5, 2003 letter to Rutgers University Senate from Assemblyman Patrick J. Diegnan, Jr.:

Thank you for your letter dated February 24, 2003. The budget crisis is real. Tax receipts were $2 Billion Dollars less this year than last year. As a member of the Education Committee and the father of two Rutgers graduates, I share your commitment.

I can assure you I will do what I can to minimize the impact of the budget cuts on education.

Text of March 4, 2003 letter to Rutgers University Senate from Senator Shirley K. Turner:

Thank you for your letter and report and resolution regarding the proposed funding cuts to higher education in New Jersey. I appreciate hearing from you and knowing the Rutgers University Senate’s opinion on this important matter. I am very concerned that cuts in the area of higher education will put the costs of continuing education out of reach of many New Jerseyans. I will not support the Governor’s budget in its current form, and I will fight for increased funding for higher education.

A change of direction in funding places New Jersey in a position of losing some of the social and economic benefits that higher education brings to both society and individuals. Neglecting our state’s colleges and universities bodes poorly for the future. Many studies show that individuals who have continued their educations are more likely to be involved in supporting their communities. Economically, higher education is increasingly tied to workforce productivity, the development of leading-edge companies and, more broadly, a region’s ability to sustain economic development.

The Governor’s budget did provide some good news in terms of higher education. That is, a proposed $5.8 million increase in Tuition Aid Grant funding, which will ensure that our State’s students in need of financial assistance will be supported at current award levels. This increase, I wholeheartedly support. However, the task at hand for the Legislature is not easy. I will most certainly do my best to demonstrate the need to look toward other avenues to prevent certain cuts that would be detrimental to New Jerseyans.

Again, thank you for communicating your concerns to me. If you have any questions or additional concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Text of March 10, 2003 letter to Rutgers University Senate from Senator Joseph Coniglio:

Thank you for your recent letter regarding Governor McGreevey’s proposed cut in funding to Rutgers University. As New Jersey’s largest public university, Rutgers continues to be a priority in the state’s budget. Unfortunately, the severity of the $6.3 billion deficit forced the Administration to propose cuts to a number of the State’s most important programs.

I would like to emphasize that the proposed decrease in aid is not final and could be negated in the coming months. I will do all I can to assist you in winning aid for Rutgers University, but the State as a whole is forced to make sacrifices in difficult times such as these.

Once again, I thank you for your letter. If I may be of further assistance regarding this or any other issue, please feel free to contact me. I wish the best to you and the Rutgers University Senate.

Text of March 13, 2003 letter to Rutgers University Senate from Assemblyman John F. McKeon:

Thank you for your recent correspondence concerning Governor McGreevey’s Proposed Fiscal Year 2004 Budget.  As you are aware, the Legislature now begins the process of reviewing the Governor’s recommendations. It is the prerogative of the Legislature to make changes to the Governor’s Proposed Budget prior to passage in late June.  Thus, the proposals you have commented on are not final, and I will do everything possible to urge the restoration of funds.

This year, historic budget deficits have created significant challenges for our State as we attempt to fund vital services, such as higher education and arts programs, while meeting our constitutional obligation to balance the budget.  Like you, I am concerned about the State’s revenue shortfall and how it may impact important services in our communities.  I share the concerns of many across the State and will work tirelessly during the next four months to make our priorities known to my colleagues and the Governor.

Four factors are chiefly responsible for our State’s present financial situation crisis.  The state’s previous practice of debt financing with enormous back-end costs to the taxpayers, along with the continued economic fallout from the September 11th tragedy, a slow economy, and unreimbursed expenses and general lack of financial support from the federal government are all responsible for the difficult situation we currently face.

We are now working vigorously to address this budget crisis.  As we take the necessary steps to bring our State out of its current deficit, we will do everything possible to make any cuts, if necessary, as painless as possible.

I appreciate your having shared your concerns with me regarding the importance of funding the arts.  Your views will receive every consideration.  I hope that you will continue to keep me apprised of any suggestions you have on the critical issues facing our State.

Text of March 11, 2003 letter to Rutgers University Senate from Assemblywoman Elba Perez-Cinciarelli:

Thank you for your recent correspondence concerning Governor McGreevey's Proposed Fiscal Year 2004 Budget.  I very much appreciate you taking your time out to share your concerns with me regarding State Budget Appropriations for Higher Education.  As you may already be aware of, the Legislature is beginning the process of reviewing the Governor’s recommendations.  As in the past, it is the prerogative of the Legislature to make changes to the Governor’s Budget prior to its passage in late June 2003.

Much to our dismay, historic budget deficits have created significant challenges for our State as we attempt to continue to fund vital services while still meeting our obligation to balance the budget.  Like you, I am very much concerned about the State’s revenue shortfall and how it may impact important services in our communities.  I share the concerns of many in our district as well as across the State and will work tirelessly during the next four months to ensure our priorities are well known to my fellow colleagues and the Governor.

Please note that four factors are mainly responsible for our State’s current financial situation crisis.  Former Governor’s Whitman and DiFrancesco, unfortunately, neglected our State’s financial position through continuous debt financing with enormous back-end costs to the State and its taxpayers.  Their neglect, the continued economic fallout from the September 11th tragedy, a slow growth economy, and expenses not reimbursed and a general lack of support from the federal government, have made them all responsible for the difficult situation we are presently facing.

We, the State government, are working vigorously to address this budget crisis.  As we take necessary steps to bring our State out of its current deficit, we will do everything possible to make any cuts as painless as possible.

Let me ensure you that your views will receive every consideration.  I hope that you will continue to keep me apprised of any suggestions and/or thoughts you have on the critical issues facing our state.