House passes Sandy relief bill; N.J. tax collections beat expectations ...

After weeks of debate and delays, the House of Representatives passed a $50.6 billion Sandy relief package yesterday. The Senate is expected to pass the legislation next week.

House approval was widely considered the biggest obstacle for the federal aid package.

Governor Christie, who previously eviscerated House Speaker John Boehner for holding up the legislation earlier this month, said state agencies were already drawing up plans to disburse the federal funds. Christie, along with the New York and Connecticut governors, praised the House for passing the relief package.

Yesterday was a particularly good day for Christie, who saw the state?s revenue shortfall trimmed to $426 million as a result of higher than expected December tax collections.

Tax?revenues came in about $25 million over Christie?s budget targets for the month of December, but it?s unclear whether the?gains mark a new, positive trend for New Jersey?s finances, The Record?s John Reitmeyer reports.

Today, Christie will hold his 100th town hall-style event since becoming governor. The event, to be held in?Manahawkin, is expected to be accompanied by a new fleet of YouTube videos.

In other Christie news, his re-election campaign announced yesterday it will not?seek state matching funds for the primary election cycle.?Christie took advantage of the public financing program when he ran for governor in 2009. The program provides two-to-one matching funds for candidates who raise more than $340,000 and agree to limit spending $10.9 million on the general election and no more than $15.9 million overall.

The governor?s campaign?raised nearly $2.14 million in the fourth quarter and still has $2.08 million cash on hand, according to documents filed yesterday.

Also, the Associated Press reported yesterday that federal immigration agents were prepared to arrest an intern?for Sen. Robert Menendez, who they say is an?illegal immigrant and registered sex offender, just?days before the November elections. The arrest was held up by Washington after officials warned of ?significant interest? from Congress and news organizations. Documents cited by the AP?do not indicate why the arrest should have been delayed or whether anyone outside Immigration and Customs Enforcement was consulted.

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Source: http://blog.northjersey.com/thepoliticalstate/6267/house-passes-sandy-relief-bill-n-j-tax-collections-beat-expectations/

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