Housing Advocates Condemn Christie’s Inaction on Lead Poisoning Prevention

Governor pocket vetos $10 million appropriation to prevent lead poisoning

Washington, D.C. – January 20, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Governor Chris Christie has pocket vetoed a bill that would appropriated $10 million for the Lead Hazard Control Assistance Fund, which provides New Jersey property owners financial assistance to treat lead-based paint hazards in their houses. On the pocket veto, Network President and Chief Executive Officer Staci Berger issued the following statement:

“Governor Christie’s pocket veto of the lead poisoning prevention bill is extremely disappointing especially as the nation witnesses the devastation of lead contamination. New Jersey cannot become the next Flint, a town that sacrificed safety to be ‘cost-effective.’

“There’s still time to do the right thing. We hope the governor will do right by our children and include the $10 million appropriation in his upcoming budget as well as provide resources to inspect one and two family homes as required by a 2008 state law.”

About the Housing and Community Development Network of NJ
The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey is the statewide association of more than 250 community development corporations, individuals and other organizations that support the creation of affordable homes, economic opportunities, and strong communities. For more information on the Network, visit www.hcdnnj.org.

For more information: Nina Arce
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