The governor eliminated programs and cut state assistance that had helped with property taxes and schools, forcing counties and municipalities to make cuts and raise taxes. Then property values and tax revenue fell with the recession.

In a bi-partisan action (Governor Christie, Republican and Senate President Sweeney, Democrat) the state HAS taken over Atlantic City... First in 2011 with the tourism district (where under state control 3 casinos closed in 2014 and a 4th last year) then the Atlantic City itself just weeks ago.

Then there's the Casino Reinvest Development Authority, another state agency that takes money from Atlantic City casinos.... http://www.njcrda.com/about-us/history/