District 26 Asw. and Parsippany resident BettyLou DeCroce says Gov. Christie's Tuesday budget statement was a display of strength that will bode for a positive future for New Jersey.

“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," said the lawmaker who, like Christie, is a Republican. "He articulated well his plan that has rescued New Jersey from a decade of tax hikes and irresponsible spending."

DeCroce congratulated the governor for his ability to make hard choices to improve the state's financial health.

"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," she said. "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."

According to DeCroce, Christie shows using strength, determination and compassion" in governing "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," she stated, adding that she shares his vision. "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."

She also stated her support for Christie's call for state 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," said DeCroce.