So far, they've failed to overturn cuts to an AIDS drug distribution program and Hagedorn Psychiatric Hospital, among others. Watch video
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TRENTON — In a tense Senate session, Democrats are attempting to override Gov. Chris Christie’s line-item vetoes to social welfare programs in the budget they sent to him two weeks ago.
So far, Democrats have failed to overturn Christie’s cuts to funding for the Wynona Lipman Child Advocacy Center in Newark, Hagedorn Psychiatric Hospital, Family Planning Services, an AIDS drug distribution program, a court-appointed special advocate for the Department of Children and Families and legal services for poor residents.
Most overrides failed by a party-line vote of 24-15. In one case, state Sen. Jennifer Beck (R-Monmouth) crossed over to vote with Democrats to override family planning cuts – the first Republican to ever vote to overturn a Christie veto. Still, that effort failed 23-15.
Today’s outcome is likely to resonate in the November elections, when all 120 seats in the Legislature are up. Democrats are expected to slam Republicans for voting with the governor to cut funding for the most vulnerable. Many of the cuts went beyond what Christie appropriated in his February budget proposal.
Tensions ran extremely high, as Democrats accused Republicans of kowtowing to Christie.
“I’d be embarrassed to come down here and be told how to vote,” said state Sen. Nicholas Scutari (D-Union).
Republicans and the Christie administration are pushing back by saying some of the programs were over-funded and that Democrats forced their hand by presenting a budget with restorations but no way to pay for them. Moreover, they said, if Democrats passed every restoration there would be no surplus left.
"Trenton Democrats are using misleading and divisive political rhetoric in an election year and they should be ashamed of their actions” said Republican State Committee spokesman Rick Gorka.
Previous Coverage:
• N.J. Senate Republicans say they won't help Democrats override Gov. Christie's vetoes
• N.J. Senate Democrats to try to overturn Gov. Christie's budget vetoes
• N.J. Senate Democrats to try to override Gov. Christie's line-item vetoes
• Senate President Sweeney, Democrats plan to override Gov. Christie's vetoes early next week
• Assembly Democrats plan hearings to examine Christie budget cuts
