DePhillips bill would eliminate SDA

Legislation to eliminate the New Jersey Schools Development Authority – under fire for rampant nepotism under the leadership of Lizette Delgado-Polanco – and transfer the agency to the economic Development Authority was introduced today by Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips (R-Wyckoff).

“This latest SDA hiring scandal proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that Trenton needs to take an entirely new approach to our school construction dollars. The SDA has lost the trust of the people of New Jersey, and the taxpayers must be protected against further mismanagement and corrupt hiring practices,” said DePhillips. “It is time for the Assembly to take up my bi-partisan legislation to abolish the SDA and consolidate its functions within the EDA.”

DePhillips said the authority’s role in managing almost $11 billion in school construction projects was tainted by Delgado’s decision to replace 26 staffers with 38 individuals, “many of whom have questionable qualifications and personal relationships with Gov. Phil Murphy’s top staff.”

“The EDA has always retained its legal authority to finance school construction. Pure and simple, the SDA is a duplicative agency that is not needed,” said DePhillips.  “This good-government legislation will streamline this area of state government and save taxpayers millions of dollars.”

The (Bergen) Record was first to report the controversy.