STATE LAWMAKERS PASS BUDGET, ONLY NEEDS CHRISTIE’S SIGNATURE

A $29.4 billion budget was passed by both houses on the state government on Monday. The bills were largely supported by Republicans, with just enough support by the Democrats to get the bills through. All three 1st district lawmakers voted for the budget, despite being Democrats. Gov. The Assembly passed the budget at just after 1:10 a.m. Christie issued a statement a short time later saying he was proud the budget gap could be filled without raising taxes. Christie also said he will continue to fight to get Cap 2.5 passed in the legislature.