Christie’s $32.9B NJ Budget Expands Medicaid

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) – New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is proposing a $32.9 billion budget that allows more poor residents to enroll in Medicaid and increases public school aid but defers property tax rebates for three months.

Christie’s budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1 contains no surprises.

The proposal comes as the state rebounds from Superstorm Sandy, the worst natural disaster in state history. Christie’s budget counts on federal funding to stimulate the state’s still-sluggish economy and help coastal communities rebuild.

Christie says his plan also adds nearly $100 million to public education and expands the Medicaid rolls by 104,000 by allowing the federal government to take over costs.

However, many homeowners expecting property tax rebates in May will have to wait. Seniors, the disabled and low-income homeowners will see them in August.