TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie says he wishes he was able to do away with state payouts to public pensioners for unused sick leave.

Christie spoke Tuesday during his regular radio call-in show on 101.5 FM and says he doesn't know how the Legislature can "live with itself" for failing to end the project.

A legislative effort to stop the practice of sick-leave payouts fizzled in 2010 when Christie vetoed a proposed $15,000 cap on payouts. He wanted them totally eliminated but the Democrat-led Legislature refused.

He says the failure to end the practice costs the state $2 billion.

Christie, a Republican, who will be succeeded on Jan. 16 by Democratic Gov.-elect Phil Murphy, has lately pointed out what he views as his top accomplishments over his two terms.

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