Christie Presents New & Improved Budget

Before a joint session of the New Jersey Legislature yesterday afternoon, Governor Chris Christie presented his proposed budget for the state’s new fiscal year ending June 30, 2013.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie presents his
administration's new budget, as Assembly Speaker, Sheila
Oliver and Senate President, Stephen Sweeney look on.
(TV Screenshot/Dick Bergeron)

The tally comes in at a hefty $32.1 billion – yet, not only does it not call for any tax increases, but it proposes an across-the-board income tax cut of 10% for all Garden State taxpayers, phased in over three years.

Additionally, the spending plan proposes a $213 million hike in school aid.  This increases the total amount of such assistance by $1 billion since Christie took office two years ago, bringing total school aid in the proposed budget to a record $8.8 billion. 

Claiming that one out of every three dollars in the budget is now being invested in education, Christie said, “We are putting our money where our mouth is.” 

He also emphasized, “We need to give choice and hope to those students and parents now trapped in failing school districts by passing the Opportunity Scholarship Act.”