Gov. Christie Unveils $34.8 Billion Spending Plan
By Mark Abrams
TRENTON, N.J., (CBS) – New Jersey Governor Chris Christie presented his proposed spending plan to a joint session of the legislature in Trenton Tuesday.
Christie says for the seventh time, he's putting forth a balanced budget that imposes no new taxes.
The governor's $34.8 billion spending proposal also includes a significant contribution to the state employees pension fund.
"It is the largest in our state history, more than any administration ever before contrary to the hyperbole that you will hear from all these special interest groups," said Gov. Christie.
He says a proposal in the Legislature for a constitutional amendment to raise the minimum wage would chase companies, jobs and people out of New Jersey.
Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald says it's now time for the people to weigh in.
"I'm encouraged by what I've heard for the first time in a long time, a willingness to work together and an acknowledgement of the things we've done in the past," said Greenwald.
Greenwald is concerned the Governor didn't mention the Transportation Trust Fund, which he says will run out of money to repair crumbling roads and bridges by the end of June.
