News Article

Governor Chris Christie Faces Obstacles in Proposed Budget

By Monica Miller, WBGO News
Newark. February 20, 2012

New Jersey residents will find out what Governor Chris Christie has in store when he outlines his proposed budget Tuesday.

The spending plan estimated to be around $30 billion is expected to include the first phase of a three-year income tax cut the Republican governor proposed last month.  Some analysts say the revenue lost to the tax cut in the next budget will total about $150 million.

The tax break along with other spending proposals like a possible tweak to public education funding will be tempered by the still-fragile economy. Unemployment hovers around 9 percent and state tax collections are lagging by about $300 million.

 The Governor's budget must be balanced. He's also obligated to make a payment of nearly $500 million to the pension system.

The new fiscal year budget will take effect July 1.

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