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Gov. Christie Announces $12M For Addiction Treatment

SOMERSET, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Gov. Chris Christie is continuing his public push against drug addiction.

The Republican governor announced more than $12 million in new funding for addiction treatment and prevention programs during a news conference Wednesday in Somerset.

Gov. Christie Announces $12M For Addiction Treatment

"'There but for the grace of God, go I' -- every one of us should be thinking about that when we see someone who is struggling with substance abuse," Christie said.

The event marked a rare break from the road for Christie, who has been spending most of his time out of town stumping for fellow Republicans in his role as chair of the Republican Governors Association.

Christie made the announcement after meeting with women and staff from the "Mommy and Me'' program at the Center for Great Expectations.

"I commend these women for facing their addictions," Christie said.

The program, which keeps children with mothers during rehab, will receive $2 million in state funds to expand into southern New Jersey.

"The women that we serve have experienced extraordinary trauma," founder Peg Wright told WCBS 880's Levon Putney. "It's impossible to know how to parent an infant if you've been used as a football."

Christie has made fighting addiction one of his signature issues as he weighs a run for president in 2016.

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