NJ taxpayers pay more for governors’ portraits than neighboring states

Even after leaving office, former Gov. Chris Christie is getting some criticism for the cost of his official gubernatorial portrait, which will be paid for by taxpayers.
Christie’s official portrait by an Australian artist will cost $85,000, more than the three previous New Jersey governors paid for their portraits combined, according to The Record.
Former Gov. Richard Codey tells News 12 New Jersey that taxpayers fund the portraits through a $250,000 transition account, which outgoing governors can use after leaving office.
New Jersey taxpayers pay more for their governors’ portraits than residents of neighboring states.
Pennsylvania used to pay for portraits of governors and lieutenant governors, but former Gov. Ed Rendell ended the practice in 2007 because of budget problems. Funding has never been restored.
In New York, it has long been up to former governors to pay for their own portraits or raise funds to pay for them.
In Connecticut, state lawmakers allocate funds for portraits of outgoing governors. The portrait of former Gov. M. Jodi Rell, unveiled in 2013, cost taxpayers $36,600.