Snooki's $32,000 payday for appearing at Rutgers inspires New Jersey bill

Gym, tan, legislation.

A bill inspired by Jersey Shore star Nicole Polizzi, better known as Snooki, aims to cap spending of state money for speakers at public universities in New Jersey at $10,000.

Republican Assemblyman John DiMaio was inspired to write the bill after learning of the reality star's $32,000 fee she received for her appearance at Rutgers University in 2011. She reportedly was paid $2,000 more than Nobel prize-winning author Toni Morrison who gave the commencement address that same year. 

DiMaio deems it "ludicrous and wasteful" to disburse state funds as payment for of speakers like Polizzi, and since 2011, he has sponsored this measure each session. 

During her appearance, Polizzi advised students to "Study hard, but party harder."

E.J. Miranda, a spokesman for Rutgers, defended the decision in 2011 to NJ.com, explaining Polizzi was invited by students. "The students use funds designated for student programming," Miranda said. "The university does not censor the speakers (that) students choose to invite to campus."

The Assembly is slated to vote on the bill on Thursday and will head to Gov. Chris Christie's desk if approved.

When asked about the bill Thursday, Gov. Christie said he wouldn't "waste" his time on it, but would "consider it when it comes to my desk."

"This is what happens when you have a part-time Legislature that is looking for things to do," he said. "I’ve got much bigger issues to be concerned about in a state with a $35 billion budget, with all the different challenges and opportunities we have, than to be worried about micromanaging what universities in the state decide to pay their commencement speakers." 

Polizzi's rep has not returned USA TODAY's request for comment. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.