TRENTON, NJ — Senate Republican Budget Officer Declan O’Scanlon criticized Trenton Democrats on Thursday for allocating over $1 billion to what he described as pork spending over the past two years while the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) faces escalating financial instability.
“For years, we’ve warned that the SHBP was heading for collapse,” O’Scanlon said, citing unsustainable premium hikes, declining enrollment, and a lack of reform. He accused Democrats of prioritizing projects such as “tiki bars, skating rinks, lacrosse clubs, dominoes clubs, sports stadiums, and artificial turf rugby and cricket fields” instead of addressing the mounting crisis.
O’Scanlon also faulted the Treasury Department and Democratic leadership for rejecting Republican proposals aimed at cost savings and reform, stating that GOP members of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee had repeatedly requested hearings and transparency but were ignored.
“The very same people who neglected the problem are scrambling to cover their tracks,” O’Scanlon said.
