Governor Christie paid a visit to the campus of Rutgers Newark today as part of his 3 campus tour promoting the newly signed higher education reorganization bill.

The legislation is part of a sweeping overhaul of New Jersey’s public universities that includes the merger of Rutgers and UMDNJ. Governor Christie acknowledged some of the criticism the plan has received and says no great progress comes without conflict.  

“I look forward to heading to New Brunswick and then to Camden today so at all three centers of excellence, New Jersey will here this message today so that they can begin the process toward integrating these institutions, and enhancing the quality of education for the children of the state of New jersey, and enhancing the economic opportunities for all of our citizens.”

Christies says the impending $750 million dollar bond referendum to help fund the merger will be up for vote in the fall, and he says he fully supports it.