N.J. Gov. Christie Freezes Spending; Dems Furious

[bijou]

The snow isn't the only thing that's causing a chill in the Garden State.

Calling New Jersey's budget a "shambles," Gov. Chris Christie announced Thursday he is immediately freezing all state spending.

Saying New Jersey is on the verge of bankruptcy, Christie declared a fiscal emergency, announcing drastic cuts. Among them, aid to school districts that have excess surpluses.

"Today we are going to act swiftly to fix problems too long ignored. Today I begin to do what I promised the people of New Jersey I would do," Christie said.

The move had Democrats in an uproar, angry the governor used his executive powers instead of working with the Legislature.  ...

http://wcbstv.com/local/governor.christie.freezes.2.1487727.html

[thundley4]

"Revisit its rich union contracts," Christie said. "And they may also have to consider service reductions or fare increases."

Ouch, that's going to have the unions up in arms. 

[Eupher]

I applaud this guy for his guts. (And I didn't even look to see what political party he's affiliated with.)

[njpines]

He's a tough guy -- I applaud him for doing this!    This state's finances have been in the dumpster for years; it's going to take a certain amount of pain to get us out.