Gov. Chris Christie and lawmakers of both parties are finalizing a state budget compromise that restores funding for various programs for students, the disabled and other constituency groups, according to four officials familiar with the deal. The deal between the Republican governor and the Democrat-controlled Legislature is expected to be announced later today, said the officials, who spoke to The Star-Ledger on the condition of anonymity in advance of a formal announcement. The budget remains very similar to Christie’s $29.3 billion proposal unveiled in March, including some of the biggest cuts such as $820 million in aid to school districts.
The changes include:
• Keeping open Hagedorn Psychiatric Hospital in Hunterdon County.
• Keeping in place the Bergen County “blue laws” that forbid Sunday shopping in that county.
• More funding for welfare, adult medical day care, home-care services, education services for the blind, and various other programs for vulnerable residents.
• More funding for NJ STARS scholarships, the NJ After 3 program, and tuition assistance grants.
• Maintaining the State Commission of Investigation, a watchdog agency Christie had sought to merge into the state comptroller’s office.
• Funding for cultural sites including the Battleship New Jersey and the Newark Museum.
• More funding for projects in Urban Enterprise Zones. Read full story in Star Ledger.