New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (R) said Wednesday that efforts by Republican Governors to reduce benefits for public employees are not intended to squeeze power from Democrats, but rather to balance out-of-control budgets.
During an appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Christie defended a bill that is on the brink of passing the Wisconsin state legislature that would require state workers to pay more toward their pensions and benefits and would curtail their right to bargain collectively as union members. He denied that the measure represents a GOP assault on unions, which generally supports Democrats.
“If you look at it, these fights are going on all over the country, not just with Republicans, but with Democrats,” Christie said. “Look at California, Jerry Brown is talking about cutting take home pay 8 to10% and laying off a bunch of state workers. This is about re-shifting our priorities.”
Later, Christie was asked about the fact that even some states which do not allow their employees to bargain collectively face large deficits.
“I’m not saying it’s just about collective bargaining, he said. “It’s an issue of wanting to say yes all the time as a public official. You never want to say no to anybody because oh, you’re much more popular if you say yes. You know what? It’s time to say no to things.”