NJ budget plan reduces funds across the board

Governor Chris Christie says his state budget proposal will put New Jersey on a new course.

Governor Chris Christie says his state budget proposal will put New Jersey on a new course. [audio:100316CHRISTIE.mp3]

Saying that the day of reckoning has arrived, the governor outlined a $29.3-billion budget plan that reduces funds for every department of state government and cuts school aid by more than $1-billion. It also eliminates property tax rebates this year and calls for the layoff of 1,300 state workers beginning in January.

Christie:
The watchwords of this budget are shared sacrifice and fairness. Individuals contribute, businesses sacrifice, local governments tighten their belts, and we end our addition to spending.

Christie is calling for a constitutional amendment to cap property tax increases at 2.5 percent a year. He’s also proposing allowing local government to opt out of civil service to reduce costs.