With State’s Budget In ‘Shambles,’ New Governor Slices Into School Surpluses, NJ Transit Subsidies; Dems Furious
Christine Sloan
WCBS TV
2/11/10
TRENTON (CBS) ― The snow isn’t the only thing that’s causing a chill in the Garden State.
Calling New Jersey’s budget a “shambles,” Gov. Chris Christie announced Thursday he is immediately freezing all state spending.
Saying New Jersey is on the verge of bankruptcy, Christie declared a fiscal emergency, announcing drastic cuts. Among them, aid to school districts that have excess surpluses.
“Today we are going to act swiftly to fix problems too long ignored. Today I begin to do what I promised the people of New Jersey I would do,” Christie said.
The move had Democrats in an uproar, angry the governor used his executive powers instead of working with the Legislature.
“What that’s going to mean is that those school districts without that money are going to be raising property taxes in the upcoming year to make up for that shortfall,” said Assemblyman John Wisniewski, D-19th District.
The governor also cut state subsidies to New Jersey Transit, saying it needs to become fiscally efficient.
“Revisit its rich union contracts,” Christie said. “And they may also have to consider service reductions or fare increases.”
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