New Jersey’s Gov.
Chris Christie (R) says he is going to make a $1.9 billion tax refund to the state in 2018.
Christie announced Tuesday that he’s making the tax payment to help New Jersey address a $6 billion budget shortfall.
Christie said the refund will be distributed to the roughly 15 million people who are eligible for a tax break.
Christie will make the payment to New Jerseyers by the end of the month.
New Jersey is a state that received an exemption from the state’s income tax in 2013 and 2014, allowing it to take advantage of a new state law allowing it “to exempt up to $2,000 from federal income tax.”
The state is also a state with a $8 billion budget hole.
The state’s fiscal crisis prompted Christie to ask the Legislature for an emergency supplemental appropriation to help balance the budget in 2016, but lawmakers rejected it.
The governor’s request will likely be met with strong criticism from the governor, who has already expressed frustration with the state budget process.
This story is developing.
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