Christie seeks to dismiss pension lawsuits

TRENTON (AP) — Gov. Chris Christie's administration is seeking to dismiss lawsuits filed by public employee unions seeking to force Christie (R)  to pay more money into their pension funds.

Christie initially planned to make the state's full $2.25 billion payment in the fiscal year that began July 1. But he changed course after a surprise revenue shortfall in May.

A judge in June found the state does have a contractual obligation to fully fund pensions. But the judge also said the state's financial crunch was a valid reason not to make the previously planned payment.

The unions are hoping a judge will say the same reasoning does not hold up for the new fiscal year.

(Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed)