Vote Delayed on NJ Open Space Ballot Question

A vote to put an open space preservation question to voters in November has been delayed.

The resolution was pulled from the Assembly's agenda as concerns mounted about diverting billions of dollars from the state's general fund.

Proponents want to dedicate a tiny portion of sales tax revenue to open space. The total amount would balloon to $17 billion over the 30-year life of the measure.

Democratic leader Lou Greenwald says the Assembly will work out the kinks in the proposal or try another approach to obtaining open space funding.

The proposal needs 48 out of 80 Assembly members to vote yes to get on the November ballot. A vote would have to be taken by early August.

The resolution passed the Senate last week by a vote of 36-2.

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