Thousands Gather at New Jersey Budget Rally

Updated: Sunday, 23 May 2010, 10:01 AM EDT
Published : Saturday, 22 May 2010, 10:14 AM EDT

New Jersey state police say an estimated 30,000 to 35,000 people attended today's Statehouse rally against Gov. Christie's proposed budget cuts.

That makes it one of the largest protests ever in the state.

The protesters — a diverse mix of union members and community activists, parents and children and people of all ages — cheered loudly as several speakers blasted Christie's plans, saying that the state's most needy residents would suffer the most.

Organizers hope the show of force will sway the state's top politicians to fight Christie. He's called for workers to accept wage freezes and pushed for them to contribute toward their health benefits.

The governor wasn't in the Statehouse today and didn't attend the rally.

He's said that protesters have a right to speak their minds, and his spokesman declined further comment today.

State police say no arrests were made at the rally and no problems were reported.

Originally found at: http://www.my9tv.com/dpp/my9_news/new_jersey/organizers-expect-thousands-at-budget-rally