NJ governor Christie could decide to veto 'Jersey Shore' tax credit by week's end (NJ)

By Nancy Tartaglione-Moore

New Jersey governor Chris Christie has not ruled out blocking a controversial tax credit awarded last week to MTVs "Jersey Shore."

NJ.com reports that at a Tuesday press conference, the governor said he was just as surprised as the public to learn that the New Jersey Economic Development Authority had granted a $420,000 film tax credit to the company that produced the inaugural season of the reality series which acts as a thorn in the side of many of the states residents.

Per NJ.com, Christie, who has been a vocal critic of the show and the tax incentive program, said his office would review the actions of the authority and decide whether to veto the credit.

Christie suspended the incentive program in 2010 to close a budget deficit.

A Christie rival, Democratic senator Paul Sarlo, has said the governor's refusal to expand the tax credit program has driven quality shows from the state and attracted the likes of "Jersey Shore" instead.

But Christie on Tuesday noted that Sarlo had sponsored a bill earlier this year that would have greatly expanded the program which the governor eventually vetoed.

"If I signed the law, maybe the other seasons of 'Jersey Shore' would've gotten a tax credit," Christie said.

Politicians weren't the only one up in arms. Last week, a national coalition of Italian-Americans called on the governor to veto the $420,000 credit.

Christie has until at least the end of the week to make a decision on whether to veto the original tax credit.

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