John Currie backs Phil Murphy budget

Democratic State Chairman John Currie was quick to support Gov. Phil Murphy’s proposed state budget.

“Governor Murphy’s budget provides critical investments, cost savings, and tax fairness that demonstrate his commitment to middle-class families, while also restoring fiscal responsibility,” Currie said.  “Under the Governor’s leadership, our state is on a path to stronger, fairer economy for everyone.”

Currie faces a stiff challenge later this year to retain his state party post against Essex County Democratic Chairman LeRoy Jones, Jr.

Last year, Currie was criticized by some party leaders for taking sides in an intra-party budget battle between Murphy and the Democratic legislative leadership.

Currie’s decision to use state party resources to attack some Democrats who opposed Murphy’s budget plans helped push some county chairs to ask for a change in leadership.

Murphy has endorsed Currie, and now the state chairman has no choice but to aggressively advocate for the governor.

“Governor Murphy is working cooperatively with union leaders and businesses to correct the fiscal sins of the past administration and investing in our future — from saving hundreds of millions of dollars in public employee health care to putting additional funds in surplus to improving our transit system and investing in education and property tax relief,” Currie said.