"High-Priced Lawyers Are NOT More Important than Farmers"

Senator Steve Oroho (R-24) once again criticized Governor Corzine for wanting to eliminate the state Department of Agriculture.

"I find it absolutely appalling that Governor Corzine would suggest cutting the Department of Agriculture, which he purports will save $500, 000, while at the same time he is spending over $9 million on politically connected lawyers and consultants, to study the toll hike scheme, " Oroho stated. "The Governor needs to get his priorities straight."

According to published reports, about $9 million of taxpayers' money was paid to the law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP to study the Governor's toll hike scheme, a plan that has been widely rejected by both legislators and residents. The Governor's suggestion to cut the entire Department of Agriculture represents only one-eighteenth of what was paid to Skadden Arps.

Skadden Arps, which is still being paid by New Jersey, contributed thousands to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee when Corzine was its chairman in 2003 and 2004 and also to his personal Senate campaign account.

"There was a large rally today at the statehouse by New Jersey farmers opposing the elimination of the Department of Agriculture, " continued Oroho. "I sincerely hope the Governor heeds their concerns and takes the Department of Agriculture off of the chopping block. The Department is far too important to farmers and taxpayers for it to be eliminated. Instead, the Governor should look inward at his own waste of taxpayers' money and begin there with cost-saving measures."