They fell short 27 votes needed to override the vetoes, as not one Republican crossed the aisle to join them Watch video
TRENTON — At least 15 of Gov. Chris Christie’s budget cuts will stand.
In a tense, three hour Senate session, Democrats today failed to override the cuts, made two weeks ago by Christie after Democrats sent him a $30.6 billion budget. Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester) said the Senate will return tomorrow to try to override up to 24 more cuts.
While all 24 Democrats voted to restore the cuts, no Republicans joined them, making them fall short of the 27 votes needed to override the governor’s vetoes. One vote after another, the overrides failed along party lines 24-15, with one exception when state Sen. Jennifer Beck (R-Monmouth) broke ranks and voted with Democrats to restore funding for family planning clinics.
One of the smallest restorations was the most hotly debated: $537,000 for the Wynona Lipman Child Advocacy Center for abused children. That funding was cut, like many of the governor’s line-item cuts two weeks ago, beyond what was in the governor’s February budget proposal.
“This is the unkindest and meanest cut of them all,” said state Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D-Union).
State Sen. Nia Gill (D-Essex) said the funding is necessary for the center to keep its doors open.
Republicans argued that the center was getting special treatment, because similar centers in other counties are not funded through the state.
“I don’t come from Newark. I don’t come from Essex County. I come from another county and another district where the people are very heavily taxed and produce this money, and we have watched year in and year out our tax money going to other areas,” said state Sen. Gerald Cardinale (R-Bergen).
Overrides of cuts to other social welfare services, including legal services and health care for the poor, also failed.
Previous Coverage:
• N.J. Democrats try to override Gov. Christie's vetoes, with little success so far
• 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