Chris Christie in flight – Report says he does not pay full helicopter cost

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- Gov. Chris Christie does not fully reimburse New Jersey taxpayers for flying to political events on state police helicopters, a newspaper analysis has found.

Citing records it reviewed, NJ.com reported Wednesday that Christie and groups such as the New Jersey Republican Party and Republican Governors Association have been repaying the state only for the time Christie is aboard the state owned helicopters.

He is not billed for the time it takes to refuel or reposition helicopters before or after Christie flies.

Christie and political groups were billed more than $20,000 for 12 flights last year categorized as personal or political.

The analysis finds that the flights cost taxpayers more than $10,000.

State police say they make good use of the time in the air without the governor.
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