Letter to the Hon. Phyllis K. Fong, Office of Inspector General of the United States Department of Agriculture - Pallone Calls for Investigation of Christie Misuse of Federal Funds

Letter

Dear Inspector General Fong:

I write regarding recent and alarming reports that Governor Chris Christie's Administration has shifted Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) funds away from their designated purpose in order to promote an opioid addiction hotline and website in New Jersey. I ask that your office thoroughly investigate this matter and, if appropriate, take corrective action.

When asked by media outlets about the source of funding for the Governor's newly announced opioid ad campaign, Reach NJ, the Christie Administration provided a copy of a 2014 contract totaling $1.5 million with marketing agency Princeton Partners. That contract, however, was intended to support a public awareness campaign to increase enrollment in WIC, and it used federal dollars.

WIC is one of our nation's most successful and cost-effective nutrition intervention programs, resulting in improved birth outcomes, healthcare savings, cognitive development, and other lasting benefits. However, in order for this program to be successful, it is critical that those who could benefit from WIC are aware of the program and encouraged to enroll.

Since the state's contract with Princeton Partners for WIC outreach was signed in 2014, enrollment has declined approximately three percent, which in real terms means almost 9,000 fewer New Jersey mothers and children have the resources WIC is designed to provide. This comes at the same time that enrollment in other low-income assistance programs is up. Clearly, the need for WIC has not decreased even as the money intended to encourage enrollment has failed to meet its purpose.

New Jerseyans and the American people deserve the appropriate and most efficient use of federal funds, and they deserve answers when legitimate questions arise. I ask that you investigate the sources of funding for the Reach NJ advertisements, work to determine exactly how the funds intended for WIC enrollment outreach have been used, and report if any improper use occurred. Doing so will provide much needed clarity to the people of New Jersey and ensure that federal dollars are being used for their intended purpose. I thank you for your consideration of this request.

Sincerely,

___________________________

FRANK PALLONE, JR.

MEMBER OF CONGRESS

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