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NJ Lawmakers Gauge Layoffs' Effect On Safety

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- Lawmakers in the New Jersey Senate will hear from police and firefighters about how layoffs are impacting public safety.

The Senate Law and Public Safety Committee has invited several speakers to address a recent spike in violent crime.

Monday's hearing will examine how the ongoing fiscal crisis is affecting the ability of cities and towns to maintain public safety.

Municipalities around the state have laid off police officers and firefighters to help balance their budgets.

Gov. Chris Christie last week met with Newark Mayor Cory Booker, Camden Mayor Dana Redd and Trenton Mayor Tony Mack to discuss the issue.

The governor says he's looking to maintain a balance between his responsibility to taxpayers and public safety.

(TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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