Governor Christie Reasserts Stance On College Tuition Bill
By David Madden
TRENTON, N.J. (CBS) -- A push to allow the children of undocumented immigrants in New Jersey to attend a state supported collage and pay residential tuition rates had Governor Chris Christie's support, but Christie is balking at a move to expand on the idea.
Legislators are now insisting that Tuition Assistance, or TAG grants, be included in the plan. And while Christie promised Latino leaders during his re-election campaign that he'd back tuition equality, he says the grant idea goes too far.
"I picked my words very carefully," Christie said. "I said 'I am for tuition equality,' and I am for tuition equality. I didn't say I was for TAG grants."
If a bill gets to his desk that includes them, he all but promised a conditional veto. But he hopes it won't come to that.
"I want to work it out, because I want this to happen for the young men and women in this state," Christie said. "But I won't be taken to the cleaners."
The senate version of the plan includes the grants, and the Assembly could amend its version to do the same.
