TRENTON — For the second day in a row, Senate Democrats are attempting — and failing — to override Gov. Chris Christie’s budget cuts to programs important for their constituencies. Democrats so far have not been been able to muster the 27 votes needed to cancel the Christie’s vetoes of $3 million for an after-school program for inner-city children,...
TRENTON — For the second day in a row, Senate Democrats are attempting — and failing — to override Gov. Chris Christie’s budget cuts to programs important for their constituencies.
Democrats so far have not been been able to muster the 27 votes needed to cancel the Christie’s vetoes of $3 million for an after-school program for inner-city children, $6 million for child care for low-income residents, $48 million in tuition aid grants and $50 million in public safety funding for municipalities.
Each attempt failed by a vote of 24-13.
On the after-school program, which Democrats said serves 5,000 students, state Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D-Union) said it’s another hit at the working poor.
“Take away their earned income tax credit, take away their health care, and now ask single working mothers to choose between keeping their jobs or the safety of their children,” he said. “That’s not a Hobson’s Choice. That’s a Sophie’s Choice.”
Christie spokesman Kevin Roberts said that Democrats knew the deal with the cut.
“The truth about the NJ After 3 program is that funding was provided to the program in last year’s budget with the understanding that the program would finally transition to its intended purpose — financial independence through philanthropic fundraising without an ongoing state subsidy,” he said. ‘Now in an election year, Democrats are distorting reality in a cynical and disingenuous manner merely for political gain.”
Democrats are expected to take up seven more bills today, including restoring $139 million in aid for struggling cities.
Previous Coverage:
• N.J. Dems unable to gain any Republican support to override Christie's budget vetoes
• N.J. Democrats fail to override 15 of Gov. Christie's budget cuts
• 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
• Senate President Sweeney, Democrats plan to override Gov. Christie's vetoes early next week