Chris Christie's Presidential Hopes Hover Over This Year's State Budget Haggling

Apart from some kind of deal to replenish the trust fund, Christie will almost certainly not agree to any new taxes, leaving deeply unpopular cuts to education or other programs — which Democrats are unlikely to accept — as the only quick way to free up money. “This is a menu that has no tasty choices,” said Joseph Seneca, a professor at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University. “It’s all bitter medicine.”

NJ Spotlight, February 20