The battle between the north and south is heating up as New Jersey lawmakers chose sides over Governor Chris Christie’s plans to revitalize the struggling Atlantic City casino district.
Part of the plan announced last month to strip the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority of its power and reinvest funds directly into the city means that lawmakers around the state will lose millions of dollars in funding for their own city and county projects and is part of the reason not all are quick to lend their support to the plan.
The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority is funded with 1.25% of gaming revenues raised from Atlantic City casinos but has funded over 400 projects state wide.
While the Governor cannot move forward with Hanson’s plans on his own, New Jersey lawmakers must vote to pass bills that would put the plan in action, which means giving up that money.
Leading some of New Jersey’s lawmakers to slowly lending support for slot machines at the state’s racetracks so that gaming revenue will continue to flow throughout the state; However, some believe that racinos will defeat the purpose and continue to put strain on Atlantic City.






