Assemblywoman Jennifer Beck, Assemblyman Bill Baroni, Assemblyman Richard Merkt

REPUBLICANS REPEAT CALL FOR
PUBLIC HEARING ON UMDNJ REFORMS
SAY UMDNJ'S INTERIM PRESIDENT HAS AGREED
TO PARTICIPATE IN MEETING August 11, 2006

Assemblywoman Jennifer Beck/732-772-1571
Assemblyman Bill Baroni/609-631-9988
Assemblyman Richard Merkt/908-850-1595 ext.520

Three Republican members from the Assembly Higher Education Committee today reiterated their call for a public hearing to discuss the reform measures being initiated by the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ). The legislators noted that Dr. Bruce Vladeck, Interim President of UMDNJ, in a meeting yesterday agreed to appear before the Assembly Higher Education Committee to discuss the matter.

"Keeping the public updated on the progress being made at UMDNJ is important," said Assemblywoman Jennifer Beck, R-Monmouth and Mercer. "The Assembly Higher Education Committee provides an ideal forum to conduct a comprehensive review of the reform process. I am hopeful the committee will be convened for this exact purpose."

The legislators said they expect the committee to take swift action now that Dr. Vladeck has agreed to meet with them to discuss the university's progress.

"In yesterday's meeting, Dr. Vladeck indicated, once again, that he is willing to come before the committee to discuss what changes are underway at UMDNJ," said Assemblyman Bill Baroni, R-Mercer and Middlesex. "Having UMDNJ officials come before the committee to reassure the public that they are implementing essential reform measures would be a tremendous step forward."

On previous occasions, Republican members from the Assembly Higher Education Committee have called for a public hearing to examine the reform process at UMDNJ, saying the residents of New Jersey need reassurance that the university's ethical issues are being adequately addressed.

"We had a very productive meeting with Dr. Vladeck yesterday," said Assemblyman Richard Merkt, R-Morris. "I think the public would find the information he shared with us to be very enlightening. It appears the university is making considerable progress toward lasting reform."

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