Top NJ lawmaker at odds with governor over budget

<p>A top New Jersey lawmaker says he will advance a budget that substitutes Gov. Phil Murphy's proposed income and sales tax increases for a surcharge on businesses.</p>

News 12 Staff

Jun 16, 2018, 1:26 AM

Updated 2,146 days ago

Share:

A top New Jersey lawmaker says he will advance a budget that substitutes Gov. Phil Murphy's proposed income and sales tax increases for a surcharge on businesses while adding millions of dollars more in other spending.
Democratic Senate President Steve Sweeney said Friday he would unveil his budget to lawmakers Monday with a committee vote expected Tuesday. He says a final vote could come Thursday.
The Democrat-controlled Legislature and Democratic governor have until June 30 to enact a balanced budget.
Lawmakers balked at Murphy's proposed $37.4 billion spending plan over his proposed roughly $1.6 billion in tax increases. Instead Sweeney wants a 3 percent surcharge on some businesses over two years.
Sweeney also faulted Murphy over cuts of about $150 million in spending priorities and says he will restore them.
The governor responded on Twitter Friday afternoon, saying in part, “For the past eight years, Gov. Christie cut irresponsible budget deals that weakened our economy…I refuse to do that.”
Murphy continued, “I have a simple approach: Fix what's broken and make sure that everyone is paying their fair share. New Jersey didn't elect me to paper over problems with the same failed policies of the past."
Lawmakers have until June 30 to pass the budget or face a second government shutdown in as many years.
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.


More from News 12
1:38
Parks Department to hold community input meetings over new construction of skate parks

Parks Department to hold community input meetings over new construction of skate parks

1:53
Elected officials call on mayor to bring Staten Island ferry back to former Bay Ridge Pier

Elected officials call on mayor to bring Staten Island ferry back to former Bay Ridge Pier

1:54
Bright and mild weather conditions for NYC; tracking cooler weather and showers

Bright and mild weather conditions for NYC; tracking cooler weather and showers

0:31
Authorities arrest 31-year-old man in connection to fatal Williamsburg crash

Authorities arrest 31-year-old man in connection to fatal Williamsburg crash

2:19
Rent hikes may be coming for tenants in rent-stabilized apartments

Rent hikes may be coming for tenants in rent-stabilized apartments

1:54
Funeral held for DJ Mister Cee in Downtown Brooklyn

Funeral held for DJ Mister Cee in Downtown Brooklyn

1:48
Mayor's administration awards $12.3 million emergency contract to run migrant shelter in Brooklyn

Mayor's administration awards $12.3 million emergency contract to run migrant shelter in Brooklyn

1:51
Brooklyn animal shelter hopes to find pets forever homes on National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day

Brooklyn animal shelter hopes to find pets forever homes on National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day

0:23
Brooklyn man arrested, charged with forgery and larceny in Connecticut

Brooklyn man arrested, charged with forgery and larceny in Connecticut

2:32
Transportation Alternatives: 2024 was the deadliest start to a year since start of Vision Zero

Transportation Alternatives: 2024 was the deadliest start to a year since start of Vision Zero

2:12
Power restored to most residents in Brooklyn following semi-truck crash; driver still on the loose

Power restored to most residents in Brooklyn following semi-truck crash; driver still on the loose

0:23
NYPD: 15-year-old shot in the stomach overnight in Bed-Stuy

NYPD: 15-year-old shot in the stomach overnight in Bed-Stuy

1:40
Check out how cyclists are preparing for the upcoming Five Boro Bike Tour

Check out how cyclists are preparing for the upcoming Five Boro Bike Tour

0:28
New NYC Public Schools course will teach students about the impacts of hate crimes

New NYC Public Schools course will teach students about the impacts of hate crimes

0:31
FDNY: Firefighter among 3 people injured in Brownsville apartment fire

FDNY: Firefighter among 3 people injured in Brownsville apartment fire

0:31
NYPD identify 77-year-old fatally dragged by his car in Sheepshead Bay

NYPD identify 77-year-old fatally dragged by his car in Sheepshead Bay

1:29
Brooklyn Night Market takes over 36th Street in Industry City

Brooklyn Night Market takes over 36th Street in Industry City

1:26
Brooklyn residents flock to Coney Island to enjoy hot weather

Brooklyn residents flock to Coney Island to enjoy hot weather

1:45
Brooklyn man indicted for death of 3-year-old boy in East Flatbush

Brooklyn man indicted for death of 3-year-old boy in East Flatbush

1:56
New electric school buses to replace full NYC diesel fleet in by 2035

New electric school buses to replace full NYC diesel fleet in by 2035