Bill to raise salaries, allow Christie book deal criticized

Republican Gov. Chris Christie could profit from a book deal before he leaves office while legislative staff and judges’ salaries would rise under legislation moving through the Assembly and Senate.

Bipartisan backers of say the changes say they are necessary and have long been in the works, but critics say it’s “unseemly.”

The legislation was introduced on Monday and is on a fast track toward the governor’s desk. Committee hearings are planned for Thursday.

The bill changes New Jersey law that prohibits the governor from drawing any income beyond his $175,000 per year salary. The legislation also includes an increase of $30,000 to $140,000 in appropriations for each of the state’s 120 lawmakers to spend on staff.