Parties react to Governor Christie’s budget plan

Battle lines are forming over Governor Chris Christie’s budget plan, with division along party lines.

Battle lines are forming over Governor Chris Christie’s budget plan, with division along party lines. [audio:100316PGREACT2.mp3]

Republicans are praising the Governor’s proposals to reduce spending.
Declan O’Scanlon is a member of the Assembly budget committee.

Scanlon: Overall it’s a revolutionary and refreshing way to look at government. We actually have to have the money we spend.

But Democrats say cutting state aid to schools and municipalities along with eliminating property tax rebates will cause local taxes to increase. Senate President Steve Sweeney says that will hurt the middle class and the poor.

Sweeney:<em"I'm worried that this is a Ronald Reagan trickle down agenda and things never trickle down.

Legislative leaders say while there are areas of disagreement, they’ll work with the Governor to meet the constitutionally mandated deadline to get a budget in place by the start of the new fiscal year on July 1.