Even if 'Snooki' bill approved, university to pay speaker
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Even if New Jersey's governor approves a measure inspired by former "Jersey Shore" star Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi to cap what state public universities can pay speakers, Rutgers University is still offering $35,000 for this year's commencement speaker.
Rutgers says that the honorarium offered to actor and musician Steven Van Zandt is paid for with money from its beverage contract with Coca-Cola and not taxpayer money.
The university was still on the hook for $1.43 million for the commencement, including $523,000 in additional funding that went toward more police, a traffic safety consultant to coordinate road closures and other expenses.