Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin (D-19) issued the following statement in response to the Governor’s budget address:

“The Governor’s proposal is an encouraging first step and I commend his efforts to cut government costs, provide a healthy surplus and make a record payment into the pension system. 

“The Assembly, I’m certain, will have additional ideas and priorities to discuss during the review process. We will continue to look for more government inefficiencies and cost savings, as we do each year. I remain cautious of increasing broad-based taxes.

“Today marks the starting point of a months-long journey to produce a fair and responsible budget that funds the priorities of our working, middle-class friends and neighbors.

“I look forward to working with our caucus, our budget chair, Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin, the Senate President and the Governor to deliver a responsible budget that makes New Jersey a more affordable place to live while funding our many shared goals.”

A source earlier today offered this break down:

“Speaker not there yet on it. Sweeney wants to deal. Causing a little discord. Should be an interesting play once it folds out.

“Could be the piece that breaks Coughlin away from the South,” the source added.