NJ Assembly approves $29B budget

The New Jersey Assembly approved a $29 billion budget Thursday. The budget passed by a 45-34 vote. However, Assembly Republicans and Democrats were not in agreement. Republicans object to every tax increase

News 12 Staff

Jun 26, 2009, 12:41 AM

Updated 5,597 days ago

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The New Jersey Assembly approved a $29 billion budget Thursday.
The budget passed by a 45-34 vote. However, Assembly Republicans and Democrats were not in agreement. Republicans object to every tax increase bill and none approved the budget.
The Senate is expected to vote Thursday on bills that raise $2.8 billion through tax increases before considering the budget. The approved budget would increase sin taxes and levies on businesses and the wealthy. It also includes tax rebates for low-income residents.
Property tax relief was possible because a tax amnesty program collected nearly $500 million from corporations and individuals. About half the residents who got rebates last year will see checks again this fall, while those making more than $75,000 and renters will lose their rebates.
Republicans say the state will face a billion-dollar deficit next year with the approved budget. However, Democrats say it is a time of crisis and Republicans are being irresponsible.