The state budget is expected to bring major cuts to New Jersey towns, infuriating lawmakers like Assemblyman Joe Malone (R-30th District).

"We have now perpetuated waste and fraud," says Malone.

The proposed budget includes a 2.5 percent cut in aid to the state's large towns. Smaller towns with less than 10,000 residents will have their budgets decimated by 25 percent.

Witness after witness pleaded with the Assembly Wednesday for more money at an all-day budget hearing, but Budget Committee Chairman Louis Greenwald says there are simply not enough funds.

"The reality is we don't have as much money coming into the state as last year," says Greenwald.

Malone feels the taxpayers and children of the state are being punished for the mistakes and incompetence of others.

"We are not holding those people accountable and ensuring that money is going where it helps," says Malone. "If they don't want to give it to the kids, give it back to the small municipalities who are literally being robbed this year."

Greenwald says he's confident the Assembly will approve the budget June 23. It will then be handed over to the Senate. State law requires a budget approval by July 1.