From the Courier Post Online:
Corzine says he will make affordable housing a priority
Affordable housing and health care were the major issues addressed Tuesday as Gov. Jon S. Corzine gave the keynote speech at the Anti-Poverty Network’s annual conference.
Following a presentation by a panel of poverty-stricken families and single mothers, Corzine told the audience he has made producing affordable housing a priority and wants to meet the goal of 100,000 housing units sooner than the 10-year goal.
“Affordable housing is on top of the list; it is an issue on the minds of everyone in New Jersey,” said Corzine.
Tenants who qualify can receive up to $75 a month in rental assistance, but the governor said he wants to see an increase, saying the amount is “nice, but it’s not really adequate.”
The network, formed by nearly 300 organizations, laid out steps for expanding health care that would need the governor’s cooperation to advance. Programs cited for expansion by the network include the State Child Health Insurance Program, the uninsured child and low-income parent and guardian health program FamilyCare and Medicaid.
The governor was cautious, conceding he would have to make tough choices and not everyone’s demands would be satisfied.
“The great challenge that so many of the issues that we talk about is that there are worthy needs, but we can’t do all things for all people instantaneously,” said Corzine.