Amalgamated Transit Union New Jersey State Chairman Raymond Greaves released the following statement in reaction to the report of the New Jersey Comptroller audit of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA).

“The recent audit of EDA’s lavish corporate tax subsidy scheme concocted by former Governor Chris Christie and Senate President Steve Sweeney exposes the real reason they raised NJ Transit fares and cut service. Under their abusive program, their wealthy buddies and the corporations they run were granted more than $11 billion in tax breaks, leaving no funding for NJ Transit, schools and other key public programs that millions rely on.

“NJ taxpayers should be appalled that the abuse of this program took place wasting billions in taxpayers dollars with so little oversight by the government they entrust. Christie and Sweeney doled out these corporate tax breaks then cried poor when it came to funding services that working families rely on. So, they raised fares on NJ Transit commuters as our state’s once proud transit system continued to crumble due to their neglect and mismanagement . They should be held accountable for their deplorable actions.

“With the uncovering of the fraudulent practices, we are encouraged by Governor Phil Murphy’s plan to rein in and reform these wasteful corporate tax subsidies. We know he is committed to stopping this abuse and putting taxpayers funds towards fixing our state’s real problems – a struggling transit system, unfunded schools and other programs that the working people of New Jersey depend on.”