As reported by nj.com on February 7, 2011, lawmakers in the New Jersey Senate will hear from police and firefighters about how layoffs are impacting public safety.
The Senate Law and Public Safety Committee has invited several speakers to address a recent spike in violent crime. The hearing scheduled for February 7, 2011 will examine how the ongoing fiscal crisis is effecting the ability of cities and towns to maintain public safety. Municipalities around the State have laid off police officers and firefighters to help balance their budgets.
Governor Chris Christie recently met with Newark Mayor Cory Booker, Camden Mayor Dana Redd, and Trenton Mayor Tony Mack to discuss the issue. The Governor says he is looking to maintain a balance between his responsibility to taxpayers and public safety.