Democratic legislators from the area reacted with dismay to Gov. Chris Christie’s proposed 2011 budget calling for across-the-board cuts of more than $2.8 billion.
Christie presented his proposed $29.3 billion budget last week before a joint legislative session in the Assembly chambers. Reports leaked to media outlets prior to his presentation warned of projections of reduced spending to match expected decreased revenues during the 2011 fiscal year, which begins July 1.
The Legislature must pass a balance budget by that date.
Christie told legislators that expected expenditures under state law exceeded projected revenues by approximately $11 billion, thus the need for trimming expenses in his proposed budget.
Christie did not single out Democrats, who long have had majority control of the Legislature, for what he said were the current financial problems New Jersey faces, including approximately $34 billion in debt. He said regardless of past actions, stability must begin to be asserted by his office and legislators.
“We are taking necessary and decisive action to reduce state spending and reform state government,” said Christie. “The problems we have hidden for 20 years are evident for all to see. The day of reckoning has arrived.”
Highlights of his proposed budget, with comments from area legislators, include:
• School aid: Funding to school districts will be reduced by no more than 4.99 percent of their 2009-10 general-fund budgets. Debt service aid will be reduced by 15 percent, as will nonpublic school aid. Funding for adult education and the NJ After 3 after-school program will be eliminated. The state’s preschool education program will not be expanded.
“Gov. Christie’s cuts to state government are yet another reminder of the economic crisis facing our nation, state and local communities, said Democratic Assemblyman Gary Schaer of Nutley, vice chairman of the Budget Committee. “But massive cuts to local schools, colleges, health care and economic development is the last thing this state needs and not what Gov. Christie promised to do.”
• Municipal aid: Funding provided under the Consolidated Municipal Aid and Energy Tax Receipts funds will be reduced by $271.4 million.
Read more in this week's Chronicle, Click Here to SUBSCRIBE TODAY
You need to be a member of West Orange Navigator to add comments!
Join West Orange Navigator