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Department of External Affairs
  • State Government Affairs

State Government Affairs

About State Government Affairs

The Department of State Government Affairs is the primary point of contact between Rutgers University and elected and other officials in the New Jersey Legislature, the executive branch, and others in Trenton.

"Revolutionary," a monument commemorating 250 years of the university's existence.

At a Glance

10,000
Bills in the state legislature reviewed by the office
250,000+
Rutgers alumni live and work in New Jersey
$5.2B
Annual economic activity in New Jersey generated by Rutgers

State Investments

State Government Affairs advocates for robust, on-going state investments for the Rutgers community, primarily in: 

  • Student aid, including Tuition Aid Grant (TAG), Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF), Garden State Guarantee.
  • Annual State Budget, including operating aid, fringe support and the fiscal priorities of the university’s four chancellors.
  • University-based research supported by the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, the Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology, and the Commission on Cancer Research, among other state-based grantors.
  • Service contract opportunities with various State departments, including Corrections, Environmental Protection, Health, Transportation and Human Services. 
     

 

Civil Engineering associate professor and robotic dog

Policy Advocacy & Development in State Government Processes

State Government Affairs supports Rutgers’ missions by advocating in person, by coordinating the sharing of Rutgers expertise in various important forums, and by providing awareness to internal stakeholders regarding developments in:

  • The Governor’s Office
  • Legislative Committees
  • Executive Branch Departments 
  • Independent State Authorities
NJ state flag

Engagement

State Government Affairs often brings Rutgers experts in front of elected officials and other state policymaking officials to discuss Rutgers priorities and perspectives by:

  • Sharing expertise on issue-specific matters
  • Coordinating testimony in numerous legislative committees
  • Connecting policymakers with Rutgers experts to advise on legislation
  • Facilitating visits to campus by elected and other state officials 
  • Hosting State news events, conferences and other convenings
Attendees at press conference

State Government Relations Staff

 Peter McDonough, Senior Vice President External Affairs

Peter J. McDonough Jr.

Senior Vice President, External Affairs

George LeBlanc, Vice President for Government and Fiscal Affairs

George J. LeBlanc

Vice President, Government and Fiscal Affairs

Eugene Lepore

Eugene L. Lepore

Vice President, State Government Affairs and Policy