NJ Spotlight published the following article on 4/25/2014. To read the full article, click here.
Cancer Research Could Become Sticking Point In Budget Negotiations
Andrew Kitchenman | April 25, 2014As state lawmakers weigh which budget items they will seek more funding for in negotiations with Gov. Chris Christie, a key legislator has identified cancer research as a priority for reinstating funding not included in Christie’s spending plan.
The issue could become a sticking point in budget negotiations.
Assembly Budget Committee Chairman Gary S. Schaer (D-Bergen and Passaic) said restoring $1 million that Christie diverted from the New Jersey Commission on Cancer Research is a priority because it could attract $10 of additional federal and private research funding for each dollar that the state spends.
The budget proposal includes $44 million for cancer prevention and research, but that is $28.4 million less than currently allocated.
The difference is due to reductions in two items that were added by the Legislature last year: $23.8 million to complete construction of the new MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper in Camden was reduced by $18.4 million to $5.4 million.
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