Gov.-elect Chris Christie compiles plans to slash N.J. spending up to 25 percent

[WI_DEM]

TRENTON -- Gov.-elect Chris Christie and his transition aides are compiling plans to slash New Jersey state spending and state programs by as much as 25 percent in response to the continuous flow of dim financial news from the New Jersey Treasury Department, according to an internal document obtained by The Star-Ledger.

The latest cuts, aimed at closing a budget gap Christie estimates at $9.5 billion, would come on top of cuts ordered by Corzine to close a $1 billion hole in the current $29 billion budget. The governor has yet to reveal those plans but expects to do so before Christmas. Corzine has also frozen "discretionary" state aid to municipalities and arts groups, forcing them to scramble to pay bills.

Unlike the federal government, state law requires Trenton's spending and revenue to be in balance; deficits are not allowed.

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/12/nj_budget_statehouse_cuts_memo.html

[LynneSin]

1. Why is this the vision I see of the Christie administration?

I think in 4 years NJ is going to ban anyone with "Christie" in their name from every being a governoring in their state. I realize that Corzine had spent what little worth he had left in NJ - it's a shame we didn't have a stronger primary candidate against him. I just hope this mess doesn't happen up in New York. Rick Lazio as governor - oh geez!

[WI_DEM]

2. Cuomo should beat Lazio in NY I would think.

[eleny]

7. Or...

[LynneSin]

8. I would never want to be the governor of New Jersey or California

Both states are pretty much screwed no matter who runs the government.

[cark]

What is your solution to balance the budget? nt

[WI_DEM]

5. I'm not sure why you're asking me? I'm not Governor of NJ

I just posted a simple news story and didn't give any editorial comment whether it is good or bad. According to the story he has to close the deficit, but my guess is that as a republican he will cut benefits for the poor, elderly, disabled, etc and schools will be hurt, too.

[LynneSin]

6. I could be the governor of NJ, I mean I see it from my office window

Isn't that the logic that Sarah Palin uses to say she is qualified?

[Broke In Jersey]

3. what choice is there?

The state budget has to be balanced and there's not much more to tax in this state. I think D.C. will be able to send some money to prevent local towns from cuts.

[T Wolf]

4. The question is WHAT he will cut. Count on lower expenditures for anything that actually

helps real people.

He will increase certain spending as well.

Guess what.