Vote on Higher Ed Overhaul Delayed

The New Jersey Senate has postponed a vote on a plan to overhaul the state's higher education system.

The Senate still plans to take up amendments to the legislation Thursday, but will delay a vote on the far-reaching plan at least until Monday.

Meanwhile, nine Assembly Democrats say they will withhold their votes on the state budget unless the university reorganization plan is properly vetted. They want the legislation tabled until after the November election.

The proposal to combine Rutgers-Camden and Rowan University and fold most of the University of Medicine and Dentistry into Rutgers was rushed through two Senate committees in less than a week.

The Senate Budget panel approved it without knowing its costs. Supporters include Gov. Chris Christie and powerful South Jersey Democratic leader George Norcross III.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)