(03/14/06) NEWARK ? State lawmakers sharply criticized the on-the-job performance among members of the New Jersey Crime Victims Compensation Board Tuesday.

The board distributes money to families of murder victims in order to help pay for funeral costs and other necessities. Critics of the board say its members are paid more than $100,000 per year, but they do very little work. Those speaking out against the board also say its members regularly drag their feet on decisions, which can often add to the problems of mourning family members. Former Board Chairman Richard Pompelio says one bureaucratic delay kept a victim?s body in refrigeration for an entire year.

Some lawmakers are now calling for the elimination of paid compensation board jobs. Two members of the board approached by News 12 New Jersey did not wish to comment on the accusations. The average financial sum awarded to families of victims is approximately $5,000.