TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - The Latest on the showdown over Atlantic City’s financial problems (all times local):
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12:20 p.m.
An alternative to address Atlantic City’s failing finances has advanced in the Legislature, but Gov. Chris Christie says he won’t consider supporting it.
A state Assembly committee on Thursday approved a measure by Speaker Vincent Prieto that seeks to re-cast assistance to Atlantic City on his own terms. It will be voted on by the full Assembly next week.
But Christie calls it a desperate effort to protect his political patrons and unions and says he won’t support it.
Prieto’s measure would give the state authority over the city’s finances, but only if the city fails to meet certain performance targets.
Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian says the difference between the takeover bill already passed by the Senate and the Assembly version is the difference between democracy and a dictatorship.
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2 a.m.
A showdown over the future of Atlantic City is shaping up in Trenton.
A state Assembly committee on Thursday will consider a measure by Speaker Vincent Prieto that seeks to re-cast assistance to Atlantic City on his own terms.
The move flies in the face of a veto threat by Gov. Chris Christie.
Prieto’s bill, unveiled late Wednesday night, combines elements of a two-bill package that he has refused to put up for a vote.
It lets casinos make payments to the city in lieu of property taxes, and would give the state authority over the city’s finances, but only if the city fails to meet certain performance targets.
Prieto objects to provisions in the existing takeover bill that would allow the state to cancel union contracts.
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