N.J. gov. calls for massive budget cuts

TRENTON, N.J., March 16 (UPI) -- Gov. Chris Christie called for massive cuts Tuesday to close a $10.7 billion gap in the New Jersey budget.

The Republican governor said New Jersey cannot raise taxes on the most heavily taxed people in the United States. The state has high local property taxes combined with state income and sales taxes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, if you tax them they will leave," he said.

Christie's budget proposal included cancellation of property tax rebates, cutting $1 billion in state aid to public schools and reducing aid to public colleges, The Star-Ledger of Newark reported. He called for turning over the management of state parks to private companies and converting New Jersey Network, the state's TV and radio broadcaster, to a non-profit organization without a state subsidy.

"There is no question: This has been an incredibly difficult period for our state and its people," Christie said. "And the choices I am asking you to make now will not be easy. But they are the first step on the path to a brighter future."

The state Legislature, controlled by the Democrats, must pass a balanced budget by the end of the fiscal year on June 30. Senate President Stephen Sweeney said the governor is putting New Jersey's budget problems "squarely on the middle class and the poor."