Hearings begin on N.J. budget plan

    The first of the legislative hearings on New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s budget plan will take place in Paramus Monday.

    As the Senate budget committee begins the process of examining the budget, committee chairman Paul Sarlo said he’s looking forward to hearing the public’s concerns.

    “Some of the groups that come up are representing some of our most vulnerable citizens, and the money is just not there, and we have to sit there and listen,” said Sarlo. “It’s very difficult because you want to reach out and help them and be there and provide the necessary dollars and resources that they need.”

    The ranking Republican on the committee, Sen. Anthony Bucco, said those groups may have to get by with the same amount of funding they received last year. He said he hopes state revenue will increase next year so more money is available.

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    The Senate and Assembly budget committees plan several other hearings on the spending plan over the next few weeks.

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