N.J. Governor Proposes $32.1 Billion Budget

March 08, 2012 at 08:34 AM

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TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, R, is trying to make room for a $1 billion in tax cuts in the state budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1.

Residents would take the cut over 3 years.

Christie has proposed a $31.1 billion that includes $183 million for tax cuts to be made during the coming fiscal year.

Meanwhile, the state Assembly Budget Committee held a hearing on the governor's spending plan. Many of the witnesses were health care providers and representatives for the mentally and developmentally disabled.

Many were generally supportive of Christie's budget, which includes about $35 million for new programs to serve the disabled.

But several who testified urged the panel asked for additional funds for housing for residents with special needs.

Thomas Baffuto of the ARC of New Jersey asked that service providers get a 3% increase in state aid to help cover costs. He says provider groups haven't seen an increase in four years.

Paul Langevin, president of the Health Care Association of New Jersey, said nursing homes are in dire fiscal shape because of state aid cuts.

Christie vetoed a $30 million appropriation to nursing homes last year that would have brought a dollar-for-dollar federal match.

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