Campaign News

By JEREMY TANNER
May 22, 2010

TRENTON, N.J. (WPIX) - Roughly 25,000 protesters descended on the Statehouse in New Jersey at noon on Saturday to protest Governor Chris Christie's proposed budget cuts.

Many showed up as early as 10 a.m. to demonstrate against measures that will include wage freezes for state workers, deep education cuts and slashed funding for non profits.

The crowd included a broad spectrum of discontented parties: firefighters, students, teachers, police officers, non-profit employees and various state workers carried signs such as "Christie for Ex-Governor," and chanted slogans.

In reference to Christie's rejection of the so-called "Millionaire's tax" that was vetoed on Thursday, some signs read, "NJ's biggest loser: Steal from the poor, give to the rich."

The proposal would have restored a hike in taxes for those people making more than $1 million, a tax that Christie felt would have driven money out of the state.

The tax, which had expired in December, was originally created by Christie's predecessor, Democratic Governor Jon Corzine.

May 22, 2010

TRENTON (AP) — Tens of thousands of New Jerseyans rallied against Gov. Chris Christie’s proposed budget cuts on Saturday in one of the largest protests ever in the state.

They gathered near the Statehouse to send the governor a message that his priorities are “out of whack” and to urge him to reconsider his proposed cuts in school aid and other programs they consider vital.

State Police estimated the massive crowd at 25,000.

The protesters — a diverse mix of union members and community activists, parents and children and people of all ages — cheered loudly as several speakers blasted Christie’s plans, saying that the state’s most needy residents would suffer the most.

“We’re sending out an SOS today — save our schools, save out students, save our state,” said William McNary, president of USAction, a national group that advocates for social issues.

By JASON METHOD • GANNETT NEW JERSEY •
May 23, 2010

TRENTON -- Tens of thousands of teachers and government workers protested Gov. Chris Christie's proposed budget cuts Saturday with chants, signs and fiery speakers in front of the state office buildings.

The rally was perhaps the largest ever held near the Statehouse. Yet, despite claims by organizers that the event included more than 100 community
groups, nearly all participants wore t-shirts, hats or buttons indicating membership in a public employee union.

Trenton police estimated the crowd at between 25,000 and 35,000. New Jersey State Police troopers pegged participation at 15,000 to 20,000, but the agency did not release an official estimate.

Barbara Keshishian, head of the state's largest teachers union, challenged Christie from the stage.