Christie Approval Drops 20 Points Since Unveiling of Budget

The more New Jerseyans learn about the budget Chris Christie has unveiled, the less they approve of the job he is doing.  In the month since Governor Christie has introduced his budget, his net approval ratings have dropped 20 points. 

A poll released earlier this week showed Christie still had a positive approval rating, with 43% approving and 32% disapproving.  However, in the week before he unveiled his budget, it was 52% to 21%.  That's a 20 point swing in three weeks.

Christie's demeanor isn't winning him any points either.  Just two months after taking office, New Jersey residents already don't like the Governor, as 38% view him favorably while 39% view him unfavorably--That's a 23 point swing in three weeks.

We don't have to look far to find an answer why.  Christie's budget has passed the buck onto towns and counties around the state, and school districts are making cuts and raising taxes to make ends meet.  Middle class residents won't be seeing their property tax rebates.  New Jersey Transit is cutting services and hiking fares, prompting Republican Freeholders to ask Christie to stop (Apparently the Morris Country Republican Freeholders only want less government for everyone else).  And there is no money whatsoever for public worker pensions.  But that shared sacrifice?  Well, we still have enough money to give $350 million to failed casinos in Atlantic City, and rich people are still getting tax breaks.  Oh, and while Christie says public workers are making too much money and have too generous of a pension, the rules don't apply when it comes to Christie's aides--who can still collect two paychecks from the state.