N.J. lawmakers set hearings over funding cuts

The New Jersey Assembly budget committee will hold a hearing Tuesday to examine the impact of Gov. Chris Christie’s budget cuts. Lawmakers will focus on children’s programs.

Funds for a center for abused children, child behavioral health services, and an after-school program for the working poor are among the items Christie vetoed in the budget approved by Democrats.

Assemblywoman Valerie Huttle said those cuts will be devastating.

“These children have no means to fend for themselves and we’re talking about abused children, sick children, disabled children,” she said. “They deserve better and I think as responsible legislators we’ve got to find a way to help them.”

Another hearing focusing on how Christie’s cuts of funding for nursing homes and specialty care facilities will affect senior citizens is scheduled for Thursday.

Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno said the hearings are politically motivated and a waste of New Jersey taxpayers’ time and money.