Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce issued the following statement following Gov. Chris Christies Budget addressTrenton.

“Gov. Christie demonstrated what can be accomplished for taxpayers when you have leadership that tackles problems head on instead of deflecting them into the future.

He articulated well his plan that has rescued New Jersey from a decade of tax hikes and irresponsible spending. As a result of his tough decision making, he was able to present a gimmick-free, responsible budget that for the fourth year in a row will not increase taxes. Remarkably the governor’s $32 billion Fiscal Year 2014 budget includes no more spending than the Fiscal 2008 budget. And he includes in this new budget the largest pension payment in state history, which allows the state to keep its commitments to public employees.

The governor showed that strength, determination and compassion are not mutually exclusive.  We can cut wasteful spending, demand more of government and its employees and help the most vulnerable people in our society.

The governor clearly challenged the legislature to keep New Jersey moving in the right direction and to tackle issues still remaining in his package of tax cutting tool kit legislation and I want to take up those challenges.

He also challenged the legislative leaders to put a referendum on the ballot asking voters if they want to change bail rules to keep violent offenders behind bars. As a co-sponsor of the bill to keep violent offenders off our streets, I hope the legislative leadership will work to make that happen