TRENTON – Yesterday, the State Treasurer Ford Scudder told the Assembly Budget Committee that the Christie Administration would use $10 million in funds collected through the state’s realty transfer fee to for lead abatement programs. Network President and Chief Executive Officer Staci Berger issued the following statement on this news:
“For the first time in six years, Governor Christie will be putting money into the Lead Hazard Control Act Fund, giving families and community organizations critically needed resources to begin to address New Jersey’s childhood lead poisoning crisis. This $10 million is just the first step in the right direction to ending lead poisoning, but we were disappointed to learn that the Governor is using money from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund rather than the tax on paint sales intended to address lead poisoning.
“The Lead Fund has been supported by a dedicated revenue source, from a 50 cent per gallon of paint fee, since its inception.  It is unfortunate that the Governor did not use the money consumers are paying every day, and have been paying for the last six years, to solve this problem.  We will continue to work with our members, advocacy partners and elected officials  to ensure that the next budget spends the existing paint tax on getting the lead out of homes, and make additional policy recommendations protect the health and well-being of all of New Jersey’s children.”

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.