The mathematics of the proposed budget are open to interpretation, depending on whose words residents choose to believe.

The Legislature's Democrats say the budget slashes spending from $32 billion last year to $28 billion this year. Spending is not much smaller than last year after federal spending is factored in, however. The state is receiving $2 billion worth of stimulus aid and borrowing $1.5 billion from the federal government for unemployment benefits.

Another billion in savings is coming from the suspension of property tax rebates, but some consider that more of a tax increase than a spending cut. When the rebate savings are added to the federal fund, spending is almost as much as last year.

Those federal funds are largely being used to create new projects and new jobs. They will, for the most part, not go toward typical yearly expenses. Additionally, the Democrats' spending plan requires cuts from most state agencies.

The debate over the budget comes down to party lines, with Republicans and Democrats both accusing the other of not fixing the state's economy.

"The budget this year is being balanced at the devastation of the budget next year and budgets after that," says Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon (R-Little Silver).

"I hope you're not here because you think it's newsworthy that the Republicans won't vote for this budget," Assemblyman Lou Greenwald (D-Voorhees Township), Budget Committee chairman, told reporters. "That shouldn't come as a shock to anybody."

AP wires contributed to this story