Christie has several options on next step for N.J. budget

Chris Christie has several options on what to do with the budget plan approved by New Jersey’s Legislature and now on his desk.

The governor is not expected to sign the budget bill as it stands.

Analysts say it’s also not likely he’ll veto the entire $31.7 billion spending plan, sending it back to lawmakers.

Montclair State political science professor Brigid Harrison expects Christie will veto some of the items Democrats put in the budget in an effort to get them to guarantee a tax cut.

“If he is to negotiate, he may force the Democrats’ hand by really kind of eviscerating some of their pet projects, probably those that will hit Democrats’ constituencies, that will hit those Democratic lawmakers close to home,” Harrison said.

Democrats set aside $183 million in the budget for a tax cut, but they won’t act on legislation for it to take effect unless revenues meet the administration’s projections.

The governor’s office is not commenting on what Christie will do with the budget plan or just when he will announce his decision.