Assembly Panel to Hear University Merger Bill

A far-reaching plan to overhaul New Jersey's higher education system is scheduled for a hearing in the Assembly though a faction of Democrats asked that the fast-moving legislation be delayed.

The Assembly Budget Committee announced plans to hear the bill Monday, along with a companion measure that would ask voters to approve $750 million in borrowing for higher education.

Nine Democrats led by former Majority Leader Joe Cryan say they won't vote for the budget unless Speaker Sheila Oliver delays the merger bill while its costs and impact on students are assessed.

The Senate was set to vote on the bill Thursday, but stalled the tally until at least Monday.

The plan combines Rutgers-Camden and Rowan University and transfers most of the University of Medicine and Dentistry to Rutgers.