Remedial math for republican dummies

by: Adam L

Wed Mar 11, 2009 at 06:00:00 PM EDT

So, I think it is time for some remedial math.

For starters, the claim that the middle class is getting squeezed and will be taxed out of the state has become laughable - and not just because the main tax increase would go to the upper upper income people in terms of the personal income tax hikes.  In fact, let's start with the baseline median income of a NJ household , which is around $67,000.  Now, this may or may not be enough in general, but it is something to use when using the term "middle class".

Since there are tax rate increases proposed for families making more than $500,000, it is laughable for any disingenuous republican to call that "middle class".  Let's review:

REMEDIAL MATH ITEM #1:  $500,000 income level for tax increase > $67,000 median income for "NJ middle class"

Ditto for the property tax rebate freezes and elimination of the deduction.  Since this impacts many who earn well over $75,000 (also a number that, while isn't nearly high enough, is more than the state's median income), it is tough to call this "NJ's middle class".

REMEDIAL MATH ITEM #2:  $67,000 median income for "NJ middle class"  < $150,000 (where this is fully phased out).

Let's move to the other ludicrous line - that Corzine can't reduce the budget.  Last year's budget was around $33 billion.  This year's budget is just under $30 billion.  Now, here is the tricky part, so stay with me: the proposed budget includes $4 billion in spending cuts.

REMEDIAL MATH ITEM #3:  $33 billion > $30 billion.  This $3 billion cut is 10%.  The $4 billion in spending cuts are more than 10%.

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And here is a BONUS item:  $4 billion in spending cuts = $4 billion in spending cuts

But somehow, facts and reality don't apply to republican talking points, so even though they get an F- on their math, that doesn't mean the rest of the state has to get one as well.