New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's administration has defended itself against accusations that it has given tax breaks to corporations as political favors, saying that the claims are misleading.
The Associated Press reported that "Under Gov. Chris Christie, New Jersey had provided more than $2 billion in state tax breaks since 2014, often to corporations with political connections," and that "the aid has gone disproportionately to businesses in Camden."
The AP wrote that "a Camden renaissance would offer a useful counterpoint to New Jersey's lackluster economic performance" as the New Jersey governor "considers a Republican presidential campaign."
According to Kevin Roberts, Christie's press secretary, the Economic Opportunity Act of 2013, which the AP story is referring to, was a bipartisan measure that passed with Democratic support,
The Daily Caller reported.
"The legislative changes to EOA made urban economic investment a priority by design," Roberts explained
"Targeting investment into our cities like Camden, Trenton, Passaic and Atlantic City where job creation and economic development are sorely needed is a feature of the law, not a bug," he said.
Roberts said that those who receive money through the EOA are required to meet certain job creation or investment goals.
"The critics of these programs are largely those who oppose incentive policy to begin with and who offer no alternative plans for creating jobs, growing the economy, or renewing our urban centers," he added.
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