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Judge Finds New Jersey School Cuts Unconstitutional

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- A judge has found that New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's $1 billion in school aid cuts last year left the state unable to meet its obligation to provide all children with a "thorough and efficient'' education.

In a report issued Tuesday, Superior Court Judge Peter Doyne found that Christie's cuts hit high-risk districts the hardest.

The state Supreme Court will now consider his finding and whether to act on it.

The Supreme Court has ruled repeatedly that the state needs to do more to improve schools in New Jersey's poorest districts.

Last year, Christie cut state funding for all districts, including the needy ones, saying the state government couldn't balance its budget otherwise.

An education advocacy group sued, saying the cuts deprived students of the quality education mandated by the state constitution.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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