Gov. Christie Enters 2016 Presidential Race
The N.J. Senate Thursday approved legislation crafted with Gov. Chris Christie that would suspend the controversial Return Home New Jersey policy for everyone who does not want to participate. (John Munson | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
TRENTON -- The state Senate voted Thursday to end what many called the Christie administration's "misguided policy" of saving money by forcing hundreds of people with developmental disabilities living outside the state for decades to be sent back to New Jersey.
Driven by a group of families who vociferously argued how the transfers would needlessly disrupt their loved ones' emotional well-being and physical health, the Senate voted 34-0 to approve a bill that would all but suspend the "Return Home New Jersey" policy. Only people who volunteer to leave, or those who do not meet limited qualifications, would be transferred, according to the bill, (S3117).
The bill is a compromise led by Republican and Democratic lawmakers, who just last month came within one vote of overriding Gov. Chris Christie's veto of a similar bill last year. Christie had repeatedly stated in the past he would not abolish the policy, which was sold as a money-saver because the federal government would be wiling to absorb more of the costs of the residents' care if they lived in their home state.
But the Christie administration could never say how much money the state would save by the transfers.
RELATED: Christie, lawmakers to halt plan to move disabled people to N.J.
During legislative committee hearings held in the spring, the administration added another reason for the policy, saying the state could keep a closer watch on the safety and quality of care if they lived in New Jersey.
The policy began under Gov. Jon Corzine in 2009 but was accelerated under Christie's administration. Some 170 people with developmental disabilities have been moved back to the state, while 370 remained outside New Jersey.
"This is a vote to end a misguided policy," state Sen. Robert Gordon (D-Bergen), one of the bill's sponsors. "The Senate President (Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester) and the governor actually sat down together to find common ground. If the Senate President had not called me to ask to negotiate with the governor we would not have succeeded."
The governor "saw the flaws in the policy and relented," Gordon said.
"This moment should have arrived a year ago," state Sen. Joseph Kyrillos (R-Monmouth), who could have been the deciding vote June 25 to override the governor's veto. Sweeney pulled the bill from consideration before Kyrillos cast his vote.
State Sens. Christopher "Kip" Bateman (R-Somerset) and Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean Jr. praises the relatives -- many of whom who came to witness the vote -- for being effective advocates for their loved ones.
"This program was flawed from the beginning and I'm glad the governor and powers that be have worked out a solution that is in the best interest of families," said Bateman.
The bill still needs the support of the Assembly to become law, although the administration has pledged to halt all transfers.
Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.