Associated Press
June 10, 2010

TRENTON - New Jersey Democrats in the Assembly and Senate are planning to ask Gov. Chris Christie to restore roughly $400 million in budget cuts to programs and services for AIDS patients, students and the poor.

A person involved in the budget talks says Democrats will negotiate to have funds restored to an AIDS drug distribution program, family planning centers, general assistance funding and other programs. The person, who requested anonymity because the talks are ongoing, says the list is not final.

Christie proposed a $29.3 billion budget that makes sweeping cuts.

He needs the votes of eight Democrats in the Assembly and four in the Senate to pass the budget if every Republican approves it.

A balanced budget must be in place by July 1.