News from Assemblywoman Watson Coleman

Watson Coleman: Gov. Christie’s “47 Percent” Mentality about Affordable Housing an Affront to Underprivileged Families in NJ

(TRENTON) – Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Mercer/Hunterdon) on Friday released the following statement criticizing Gov. Christie for disparaging comments he made in a newspaper article about the Mount Laurel case, which established that municipalities in New Jersey were constitutionally mandated to provide low and moderate income housing:

            “The governor has been spending too much time out of state because his comments about the Mount Laurel case reek of the “47 percent” mentality.  

            “This landmark case ensured affordable housing for low and moderate income families in New Jersey, yet the governor, in typical condescending fashion, called it ‘stupid’ and retorted that the constitution does not state that New Jerseyans have a ‘right to affordable housing.’

            “The governor’s disregard for affordable housing and the opportunity it provides needy residents could not be more transparent. His comments are shamefully elitist, and are an affront to families who struggle everyday to afford a decent place to live. In case the governor has forgotten, here’s a reminder: we have a responsibility to all New Jerseyans, even the underprivileged ones.”