Gov. Christie has already said he won't sign off on budget if it passes in Assembly
The N.J. Senate, pictured in their chamber last week, today voted to approve a Democrat-sponsored budget proposal.TRENTON — The Senate approved a Democrat-sponsored, $30.6 billion state budget proposal today by a vote of 23-15.
The proposal would restore money for education, boost tax relief to seniors and the working poor and prevent steep cuts to Medicaid.
The Assembly is expected to approve the proposal later today, sending it to Gov. Chris Christie's desk. The governor has already said he won't sign the bill, calling it "pie in the sky, fantasy budgeting."
Senate Budget Chairman Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen) introduced the bill, detailing how it would provide hundreds of millions of additional dollars to school districts across the state.
"It's not a Democratic budget, it's a budget for New Jersey," he said.
Republicans fired back, with Sen. Anthony Bucco (R-Morris) saying the proposal is "reckless, election-year politics."
“We must learn to live within our means and that means tough, sometimes unpopular choices," he said. "This budget is a mythic fabrication that does not meet the test of sustainability or honesty."
Republican lawmakers and the Christie administration have said the Democrats' proposal is unconstitutional and based on false revenue estimates. Democrats are relying on a revenue projection that is about $400 million larger than the one Christie approved.
Treasurer Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff, in a letter sent Wednesday night to Democratic leaders, said Christie could use his "full range of constitutional remedies" to pare down the budget.
As governor, Christie has the power to veto individual items from the budget. He could also modify the legislation, sending it back to the Legislature for another voter.
By Jarrett Renshaw and Chris Megerian/Statehouse Bureau
Previous coverage:
• N.J. Democrats weigh in with meatier budget in contrast to Christie's plan
• N.J. Assembly budget panel approves 2-year tax hike on millionaires
• In budget proposal, N.J. Democrats now agree with Christie's savings estimates