Statement on Christie Veto of Lottery Privatization Oversight Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) issued the following statement upon New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s veto of a bill allowing legislative oversight over state’s plan to privatize lottery operations:

“Governor Christie’s decision to veto a bill that would have allowed important oversight over the impending privatization of New Jersey’s lottery is disturbing and speaks even more clearly of the need for such legislation. New Jersey’s lottery is a $2.6 billion enterprise and Governor Christie’s veto is a step in wrong direction to ensuring transparency over the process. I thoroughly disagree with the Governor’s decision and I will continue to remain committed to ensuring that this process is in complete compliance with federal law.

“That’s why, along with five of my colleagues, I signed on to a letter last month to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder requesting a review of New Jersey’s lottery privatization plan by the Department of Justice. Now that the Governor has vetoed legislation that would have provided critical oversight, it is even more imperative that federal government examine this process.”