Senator Phil Haines (R-8) issued the following statement today regarding Governor Corzine's indication that he will find an alternative plan to closing state parks and eliminating the New Jersey Department of Agriculture:

SARLO - NJ SHOULD SEEK EFFICIENCIES IN DEP, AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENTS

TRENTON – Senator Paul A. Sarlo, D-Bergen, Essex and Passaic, the Vice Chair of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement after the panel’s hearing on the FY 2009 Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Budget, and the need to seek efficiencies in DEP and Agriculture programs, even if the consolidation of the Agriculture Department into DEP doesn’t take place:

SWEENEY/FISHER/BURZICHELLI COMMEND GOVERNOR FOR DECISION TO SEEK PRESERVING FARM ADVOCATE
Pledge to Work with Administration, Colleagues To Keep Agriculture Department Open

FISHER: COST OF CLOSING AG DEPT. FAR OUTWEIGHS SAVINGS
Assembly Agriculture Chair Says Farmers Would Lose Powerful Advocate, Valuable Services

(TRENTON) - Assemblyman Douglas H. Fisher, chair of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, said today after the Thursday hearing of the Assembly Budget Committee that the proposed elimination of the state Department of Agriculture would mean the loss of a powerful advocate for New Jersey's vital farming community.

"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."