TRENTON – A defiant Governor Phil Murphy this evening explained his rationale for refusing to accept the budget alternative put forward by the legislature, standing by his own version of a budget.

“They [the people of New Jersey] have had enough of rosy scenarios and short-term solutions. Unfortunately the legislature seems intent on keeping the legacy of Chris Christie intact in Trenton,” Murphy said on the heels of two failed meetings with Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-3) and Speaker Craig Coughlin (D-19).

“This is not Chris Christie’s New Jersey,” added the Governor, bemoaning the influence of the former Republican Governor and his enablers, and specifically decrying Christie’s kick-the-can-down the road and big tax cuts to the wealthy budgeting approach.

“I’m disappointed the legacy of Christie deal-making not gone from the system,” the Governor added.

In his collision with legislative leadership, Murphy favors a millionaire’s tax and sales tax hike, and opposes the corporate business tax hike Sweeney wants because it comes with a two-year sunset.

The Governor’s budget totals $37.4 Billion.

“They came in with a budget that has $450 million more in spending,” said Murphy, referring to the legislature’s $36.5 Billion Budget alternative. “This is not like they came in and cut a lot of expenses.”

The Governor said the process is more complicated than it should be, but vowed to keep trying to enact his “pro-growth progressive agenda.”

Murphy refused to take a loss.

The state still has nine days to go before a deadline to get a budget done.  

“I’m not here to announce a shut down,” he said. “I got sent here to crack the back of this idiocy.”

Asked if he plans to veto the legislature’s budget, Murphy said all options are on the table.