By Jonathan Lai, Inquirer Staff Writer

Gov. Christie’s proposed budget calls for increasing some types of financial aid but would cut direct funding to New Jersey state colleges and universities, according to the budget summary released this week.

The budget document describes funding as flat, but direct grant money to the colleges and universities would decrease as benefits paid by the state, including health care and pensions, increase. “Approximately 2.6 percent of . . . total support will shift from direct operating support to fund increases in fringe benefit costs,” the summary said.

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