Chris Christie in 2017 NJ Governor's race

On Welfare & Poverty: Food stamps recipients must be in job training programs

Under federal requirements, recipients must have a job or be in a training program to be eligible for the benefit. New Jersey had waived that requirement because of the weak economy, but last year Gov. Chris Christie's administration refused to extend that waiver. Elected officials gathered to kick off the SNAP Employment and Demonstration Project, the result of legislation sponsored by state senator Ray Lesniak.

Lesniak said, "It matches private sector money to federal money--at no costs to the state--in funding job training for SNAP recipients." Lesniak said 11,000 people statewide would lose their food stamps unless they get jobs or are in training programs.

On Environment: Develop Liberty State Park to generate more revenue

Opposition to the plans has grown since a state Department of Environmental Protection report detailed development possibilities at the park, including a low-rise hotel at the dilapidated train sheds. It also called for developing the park's southern end, possibly an amusement park, field house for indoor sports, outdoor amphitheater and another marina.

Liberty State has long been a developer's dream. It has also been viewed as an untapped revenue source by Christie, who is pushing for state parks to generate more revenue and use less taxpayer money. Liberty State brings in about $1.5 million in leases and concessions and requires about $2 million annually in taxpayer dollars to balance its operating budget