Hagedorn Psychiatric Hospital to remain open as part of budget compromise reached in Trenton

Gov. Chris Christie and lawmakers are finalizing a state budget that makes small changes to the $29.3 billion state budget proposed in March.

The New Jersey state budget is being finalized in Trenton today and will be very similar to the $29.3 billion proposal outlined by Gov. Chris Christie in March.

One of a handful of changes hammered out with lawmakers will keep Hunterdon County's Hagedorn Psychiatric Hospital open, according to a report from the Newark Star-Ledger.
 
This decision comes on the heels of protests and legislation co-sponsored by New Jersey state Sen. Michael Doherty calling for a task force to review the state's mental health needs.

"This is happening way too fast without enough review," Doherty said upon introducing Senate bill 2069. "We need a more deliberative process here."

Citing four officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity in advance of a formal announcement, The Star-Ledger identified the following other changes to the proposed state budget:

• Keeping in place the Bergen County "blue laws" that forbid Sunday shopping in that county.


• More funding for welfare, adult medical day care, home-care services, education services for the blind, and various other programs for vulnerable residents.


• More funding for NJ STARS scholarships, the NJ After 3 program, and tuition assistance grants.


• Maintaining the State Commission of Investigation, a watchdog agency Christie had sought to merge into the state comptroller's office.


• Funding for cultural sites including the Battleship New Jersey and the Newark Museum.


• More funding for projects in Urban Enterprise Zones.

Senator Richard J. Codey, D-Essex, lauded the decision to continue services at Hagedorn in a press release:

“I would like to thank Governor Christie, State Senator Mike Doherty, and all of the advocates who fought so hard to make sure that services for the mentally ill would continue at Hagedorn.  Even though we’re facing one of the toughest budgets on record, with the restoration of the Hagedorn operating funds, we’re making a statement that we won’t balance our budget without consideration of our most vulnerable residents. The compromise to keep Hagedorn open represents a win for the patients, and is a testament to the excellent level of services provided at the hospital.”

Check back to lehighvalleylive.com for more updates on this developing story.