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Chris Christie and the Budget State of Emergency Speech

by: Hopeful

Thu Feb 11, 2010 at 09:45:00 AM EST



Updated by Jason: Here is the full text of his speech.

Update by Hopeful: Reactions from legislators are posted in comments. Republicans are supportive, Democrats promise a "long, hard look."

Chris Christie will be addressing the legislature today and is expected to describe how he will close this year's budget gap. The speech is scheduled for 10:30AM and we'll live blog it.

NJ.com has a preview:

Gov. Chris Christie will declare a state of emergency in a major budget speech today, laying the groundwork to make a range of cuts that will include $475 million in withheld state aid to schools, according to people familiar with his plans...

Christie will introduce $475 million in cuts to school funding to more than 500 school districts, a move he will not need legislative approval for, according to a Democrat who was briefed by Christie administration officials Wednesday night.

More furloughs, however, are not expected.

You'll remember that Corzine had proposed cuts to state aid in December, but thought he needed legislative approval and didn't get it by the time he left office.

I hear the speech will be televised on NJN, and it is on NJN radio and their radio live stream. Here is a link to the NJN Video live stream.
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Chris Christie and the Budget State of Emergency Speech | 62 comments
njn radio (0.00 / 0)
online
http://publicbroadcast.net/njn...
(or by radio!)

has Patrick Murray on right now doing intro discussion.  

I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo

so far (0.00 / 0)
Michael Aron and Patrick Murray discuss Christie's actions so far like vetoing the agency budgets, the public approving 33-15 but withholding judgment, and whether the school cuts will just blow up property taxes.


I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo
[ Parent ]
probably 10 minutes til Christie arrives (0.00 / 0)
so they go back to boring NPR.

I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo
[ Parent ]
still hasn't started (0.00 / 0)


I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo
[ Parent ]
back on NJN radio (0.00 / 0)
Quorum call.  

I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo
[ Parent ]
He just started speaking n/t (0.00 / 0)

The Honorable Chris Christie (0.00 / 0)
is introduced. Begins speech.

Complains budget predicted growth of sales tax (5%) and level corporate tax. Blames treasury department from last June.  Sales down 5% and corporate tax down 8%.

Keeps mentioning change. End reckless conduct.

I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo

don't raise taxes on "most overtaxed citizens in America" (0.00 / 0)
does he mean all New Jerseyans or the rich? I hope the former.  

Going to act swiftly, claims mandate from voters.



I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo

[ Parent ]
taking action to balance state budget this year (0.00 / 0)
Executive order freezing unspent money. from energy systems to local govenrment consolidation aid. over 550 million dollars.

terminate "invest new jersey" program. for $50m.

I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo

[ Parent ]
freeze (0.00 / 0)
capital spending on state buildings, correction facilities, parks

main street program.


I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo

[ Parent ]
urban enterprise zones (0.00 / 0)
not sure I understood though what they are expected to suddenly pay.

I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo
[ Parent ]
"higher taxes is the road to ruin" (0.00 / 0)
over a billion dollars in reductions and reforms

example:  cut subsidy to NJ transit. they have to deal with it.

"cannot contribute to pension system that needs reform." (hmmm....) praises Sweeney for beginning reforms. that bill just the beginning of reforms.



I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo

belittles unions (0.00 / 0)
comparing saying "unfair" to 9 year kid.  

I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo
[ Parent ]
compares (0.00 / 0)
contribution of worker over lifetime to what state pays out in pension benefits and then medical benefits. $100K-ish to $3+ million.

$90 billion unfunded pensions.  

that's what he says is unfair.


I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo

[ Parent ]
calls for pension reform by March 16 (0.00 / 0)
when he will give budget address.


I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo
[ Parent ]
claims no effect on education or property tax (0.00 / 0)
not one dime. We'll see.

Claims many school districts have surpluses. Will withhold aid equal to surplus, NOT an across the board reduction equal percentage. More fair his way, doesn't create deficit.  

scalpel not ax.

$475 million withheld.

I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo

every dollar in every school budget is intact (0.00 / 0)
but every district will contribute to cuts.

Pre-emptively blames those outside the room for opposing his solutions.

I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo

[ Parent ]
also claimed... (0.00 / 0)
...not a penny from the classroom.


I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo
[ Parent ]
will use executive powers (0.00 / 0)
not happy but not afraid to make decisions.

will close budget gap.


I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo

half of money already spent by 1st (0.00 / 0)
and much money cannot be cut due to contracts, meeting fed stimulus, constitutional requirements.

need 1/3 cut in available funds.

"chose not to use gimmicks."



I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo

[ Parent ]
something weird happened (0.00 / 0)
silence on radio stream, I understand there was some sort of disturbance? Someone distracted the governor?


I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo
[ Parent ]
anyway, quotes Reagan (0.00 / 0)
next month will lay out plan for next year, cuts will be even deeper, reforms more dramatic. Begin reform today.



I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo

[ Parent ]
Disruption in the chamber (0.00 / 0)
I'm not sure what happened, but Christie stopped mid sentence and looked toward the back of the chamber before continuing with his speech.
God bless America, and may God continue to bless (0.00 / 0)
the great state of New Jersey.

that's it.

Certainly an important speech.  

I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo

post-speech analysis (0.00 / 0)
Murray points out using "a scalpel not an axe" may have came from Murray's poll press release last week.  (Then again, Obama used it, and no doubt hundreds of other politicians)


I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo
nj.com summary (0.00 / 0)
http://www.nj.com/news/index.s...

Along with eliminating programs "that sounded good in theory but failed in practice" across state departments, Christie is cutting $475 million in aid to school districts, $62 million in aid to colleges and $12 million to hospital charity care. He is pulling all funding from the department of Public Advocate, a longtime Republican target, and folding its functions into other parts of government. He is cutting state subsidies for NJ Transit, a move Christie said could lead to higher fares or reduced services but would force the agency to become "more efficient and effective."

What, you thought he was going to support state colleges the way he promised?

I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo

Assemblyman Wolfe (R-Ocean and Monmouth) statement (0.00 / 0)
           "New Jersey's finances are in severe disarray - our budget is off by $2 billion this year and $11 billion for next year. The old ways of conducting the people's business have failed the state's residents and Governor Christie is setting a difficult but necessary course toward solvency.

           "No one can cheer the individual outcomes of his plan, but it is an immediate response to a problem that has long been ignored. The governor's solution represents a new direction for New Jersey that will reshape our bloated government and put us back on a path toward affordability.

           "Education and property taxes remain top priorities of the Legislature and the Governor, and I look forward to working with the Governor and Legislators from both parties to make sure this budget solution does not hurt property taxpayers or classroom achievement."



I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo
Assemblyman Rible (R-Monmouth) statement (0.00 / 0)
The message: Republicans supporting Christie in big cuts. Hey, if the Republicans are the only ones sending us statements, I'm willing to put to them in comments.

"The tough decisions announced today by Gov. Christie sends a clear and strong message to taxpayers and the Legislature that he was serious when he said change has come to Trenton. The stringent measures he will take to close a $2.2 billion budget gap and put our state on a path to renewed and sustainable economic growth are painful, but absolutely necessary.

           "For too long too many have talked about our fiscal crisis, but were not willing to take much needed action. Fortunately, Gov. Christie has made it clear the status quo is no longer acceptable. He understands the depth of our problems - that government can no longer afford to spend uncontrollably and without accountability and, again today, demonstrated his resolve to bring fundamental change to the way the state conducts business."



I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo
[ Parent ]
Malone (R-Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean) statement (4.00 / 1)
Malone's statement is the best due to "clever" reference to snow.

           "The solutions announced today by Governor Christie underscore the severity of the financial crisis that threatens the future of our state. They are not pleasant, but represent a recognition that there is no magic wand, secret bailout or silver bullet that is going to suddenly make New Jersey's problems disappear.

           "Our state's troubles are deep-rooted and well-documented, but at least we have a new bipartisan approach - established by Governor Christie and legislative leaders from both parties - that gives me hope that we will finally stop ignoring our state's disastrous problems that have been mounting higher than the piles of snow on the sides of our roads.

           "Now, it's up to us to start digging to clear a better path for the people of New Jersey."

 

I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo

[ Parent ]
did Christie take a shot at the police? (0.00 / 0)
Notice this part:

One state retiree, 49 years old, paid, over the course of his entire career, a total of $124,000 towards his retirement pension and health benefits. What will we pay him? $3.3 million in pension payments over his life and nearly $500,000 for health care benefits -- a total of $3.8m on a $120,000 investment. Is that fair?

Who retires at 49? I'd guess he's talking about a police officer, because part of the deal is early retirement. If so, he should have said so.

I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo

Speaker Oliver (D-Essex) reaction: we'll review it (0.00 / 0)
           "The Assembly will give Gov. Christie's  plan a careful review. The Legislature has already demonstrated a willingness to work with the governor in bipartisan fashion to tackle New Jersey's problems and that will continue on our end.

           "I am immediately directing the Assembly Budget Committee to hold a hearing on Gov. Christie's plan next week so we can begin analyzing it and give it the transparency that it so far has lacked and the public deserves.

           "Gov Christie's plan isn't without worry for New Jerseyans and may well send the wrong message to our residents, investors and businesses.

           "I fear Gov. Christie's plan to slash education aid will hurt our children and increase the crushing property tax burden facing our  taxpayers. This would especially hit our hard-working middle-class and  poor hard amid an ongoing recession."

Note though that Christie claimed he could implement his cuts unilaterally.

I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo

Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Cryan (D-Union): troubled (0.00 / 0)
This reaction is pretty negative, even taking a shot at Christie for taking weeks(!) to work out his plan.

"The Assembly Democratic Majority will now begin the hard work of analyzing the governor's proposal, and it's going to be a long, hard look.
           "Many aspects of Gov. Christie's  proposal will lead to sharp and sudden property tax increases and will hurt small businesses amid a recession. That's troublesome for hard-working New Jerseyans who won't even be able to comment on this plan because Gov. Christie did this unilaterally.
           "I also can't help but wonder whether this problem could have been lessened had we received a decisive proposal from Gov. Christie sooner than under the spotlights of Thursday's televised speech."


I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo
Assembly Budget Chairman Louis D. Greenwald (D-Camden): he's not really balancing the budget (0.00 / 0)
"Now that we're past this televised speech, Gov. Christie has finally given us a plan to solve this  problem, but unfortunately it's one that could very well shake the confidence of our residents, businesses and investors.

           "Democrats have filled larger budget holes than his while preserving  vital services and increasing school aid, but Gov. Christie's plan does the opposite and sends the wrong message by declaring an emergency. After all, fixing problems is part of the everyday work of being governor, not cause for panic.

           "Every dollar Gov. Christie takes from our schools  will mean an increase in property taxes, and with property taxes already the top concern in our state Gov. Christie's plan will cause great concern among parents and residents.

           "Here's the bottom line - we're not really balancing our budget if we're passing on our problems to our property taxpayers."



I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo
Assembly Appropriations Chairwoman Nellie Pou (D-Passaic/Bergen) (0.00 / 0)
"Even amid the worst of the global economic recession, New Jersey remained committed to protecting core New Jersey values like the education for our children.

"Our future depends on the foundation we lay for our children, which is why any plan to cut school aid - as Gov. Christie has done - raises serious questions.

"I fear our commitment to nurturing our children may now be at risk.

"But now that we finally have a plan from Gov. Christie, we will begin studying it and try to determine its exact impact on New Jerseyans."



I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo
[ Parent ]
Assembly Education Chairman Patrick J. Diegnan Jr. (D-Middlesex): wrong approach (0.00 / 0)
          "Democrats were able last year to increase school aid even as we slashed the state budget, so Gov. Christie's plan to cut resources for our schools and children is the wrong approach for our state.

           "New Jerseyans have long had a shared commitment to the nearly 1.5 million children in our public schools, but Gov. Christie's approach steers us in a different direction.
           "Cutting school aid jeopardizes the education of all of the children of New Jersey while raising property taxes during difficult economic times.

           "This plan makes it more difficult to provide a quality education for our children.  I look forward to working together in bipartisan way to find solutions in the weeks ahead."



I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo
[ Parent ]
Assembly Higher Education Committee chair Pamela R. Lampitt (D-Camden) (0.00 / 0)
           "Gov. Christie's proposal to cut $62.1 million in higher education funding to balance this year's budget will do so at the expense of New Jersey's educational future.

           "Any reduction in higher education funding will result in a tuition increase; something few New Jersey families can afford in the midst of a recession.  Worse, this funding reduction has the potential to make the state's excellent community college network unaffordable for working class families and unemployed residents seeking to escape the recession through job retraining.

"Additionally, the Governor's actions today will speed New Jersey's higher education brain drain - the best and brightest students leaving the state to attend college and not returning upon graduation.

"No matter how you approach it, these proposed higher education cuts will make it that much harder for New Jersey to recover from the economic recession both now and for years to come."




I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo
Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Chairman Albert Coutinho (D-Essex) defends InvestNJ (0.00 / 0)
           "While Gov. Christie's remarks outline a road map for a balanced budget, the path takes us in a wrong direction.
           "Slashing the popular and successful job-creating InvestNJ program - which was fully subscribed - sends the wrong message to our small businesses that are the lifeblood of our economy. Small businesses are already struggling daily amid this recession and now a jobs program they raced to take part in has been taken away.

           "Even if this job-creation  program wasn't perfect, a tweak here and there is better than completely eliminating it.
           "Gov. Christie doesn't seem to understand that economic development and job creation should be our top priority. His plan will make our recovery from the global recession even more difficult."



I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo
Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce: S'Wonderful (0.00 / 0)
Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce says the emergency money-saving steps proposed by Gov. Chris Christie to close a projected $2.2 billion budget deficit this year will spare taxpayers more pain and finally put state finances on the road to long-term financial stability.

           "The governor inherited a massive and unprecedented financial problem, but instead of raising taxes as Corzine did when he took office so he could increase state spending, the plan Christie outlined today is a dramatic break with the misguided policies of the past that only perpetuated our problems and made them worse with each passing year."

           DeCroce said government at all levels have to make sacrifices. He said he is aware some local officials will claim that withholding state aid only shifts the burden of the state's problem to them.

           "Both Corzine and McGreevey withheld state aid payments, but they never took steps to make sure they wouldn't have to do it again," DeCroce noted. "Governor Christie is handling the situation in a way that will make a positive difference in the future. The Christie plan twill not take one dollars from school operations or the classroom, and it will not force a property tax increase.

           "The fact of the matter is towns, counties and school districts face the same options we do, and they should do everything within their power to manage the situation without penalizing taxpayers," DeCroce said.

           "Our fiscal plight is the result of years of pandering to special interests and spending money regardless of the financial consequence. Many of our wounds were self-inflicted. Past administrations spent too much, borrowed too much and taxed too much. Instead of encouraging economic growth, creating jobs and making sure New Jersey remains an affordable place to live, residents were saddled with the highest tax burden in the nation and we now have the dubious distinction of being the state with the worst business climate in the entire country.

           "Governments - at every level - must learn to live within their means and stop banking on bailouts and permanent 'entitlements,'" DeCroce said. "The sacrifices and steps we make today will ensure the economic security for future generations.'



I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo
Sweeney declares war (4.00 / 1)
           "So much for a handshake.

           "Governing by executive order and keeping plans secret until the last minute is not bipartisanship.

           "Sure, these cuts will close the budget gap, but they do so in an irresponsible manner.

           "Voters sent a clear message last November that they want smaller, more responsible government that is focused on its core responsibilities. These cuts don't even begin that job.

           "Instead of using the state's current surplus to protect property taxpayers, he is simply plowing under the small, middle-class districts that have been carefully watching their budgets.

           "His cut to hospitals will be doubled by the loss of federal matching aid.

           "The Governor has a month before he will present his budget for next year.

           "Hopefully, he'll remember what he promised during his inauguration and actually look to the Legislature as an active partner in governing, not just a studio audience."



I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo
Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon, R-Monmouth and Mercer: It's realistic and responsible (0.00 / 0)
"Governor Christie has inherited a $2 billion deficit and I am encouraged to see him respond to the challenge with strong decisive action.

"The steps he outlined please no one, but lay the foundation toward correcting years of poor budget decisions, misplaced priorities and a faulty financial structure based on overspending and overtaxing our residents who cannot afford it any more.

"The governor is taking a realistic and responsible approach to state's dire situation. If we sincerely work together - ignoring partisan differences and selfish interest in maintaining the status quo - then we will look back at today as the time we began to turn things around for the people of New Jersey."



I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo
Great job Hopeful (0.00 / 0)
Great job of presenting commentary and statements  from Rep. and Dem. politicians on the budget address.    

"The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die." - Sen. Ted Kennedy
thanks (0.00 / 0)


I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo
[ Parent ]
I agree (0.00 / 0)
You made it easy to come back to the comp and catch up on what went down and how everyone responded.
[ Parent ]
Senator Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen/Essex/Passaic) takes shots at Christie (0.00 / 0)
He's chairman of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee:

"Last year, we worked together to close a budget hole twice this size through hard work, not speeches. Most importantly, we closed a $4 billion-plus mid-year budget deficit by not simply tossing the problem onto the back of New Jersey's already overburdened property taxpayers.

           "The Governor has at his disposal a $500 million surplus that could have been used to help close this gap without cutting school aid to middle-class New Jersey.

           "I agree with the Senate Minority Leader's campaign assessment of this gimmick: 'The lack of state aid will translate into school property tax increases across most of New Jersey.'

           "And I agree with the Assembly's Republican Budget Officer, who two months ago said a mid-year school aid cut 'is tantamount to punishing those who have planned and budgeted efficiently.'

           "And I agree with Candidate Christie, who said 'It's time to make New Jersey an attractive place for students to receive a quality higher education,' and that can't happen if we cut our colleges off at the knees.

           "Three weeks into his administration, all we know so far about the Governor's budget priorities are that they consist of an income tax cut for millionaires and a property tax increase for everyone else."



I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo
Gary Chiusano and Alison Littell McHose (R-Sussex, Morris and Hunterdon): Good riddance to public advocate (0.00 / 0)
           "The public has 120 advocates in the Legislature and if each one identified a proposal such as this - to cut $16 million from the state's budget without affecting services to residents - then we could wipe out the $2 billion deficit that greeted Governor Christie when he entered office," Chiusano said. "That's probably an overly simplistic notion, but it does stress the point that we are under severe economic distress and must be diligent about not wasting a single tax dollar, let alone 16 million of them."

           Chiusano and McHose said they hoped Christie's $819,000 cut leads to permanent elimination of the office.

           "The Public Advocate's office drains precious tax dollars at a time when our state faces serious financial peril," McHose said. "There was no reason to bring it back and there is no reason why we should keep it when its duties can be performed by existing resources elsewhere in state government."



I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo
Assembly Budget Vice Chairman Gary Schaer (D-Passaic/Bergen/Essex) (0.00 / 0)
"Today's address outlining severe cuts to state government serves us all as yet another reminder of the unprecedented and worldwide economic crisis facing our nation, our state and our local communities.

           "While the Governor is on the right track when he describes our fiscal situation as difficult and our taxes as too high, I do not believe cutting programs that are proven job creators and incentives to small businesses to expand is the correct course of action.

           "Just this week, my office received yet another phone call asking for assistance in applying for the Main Street Business Assistance Program, an initiative I was proud to author and that provides needed credit allowing small businesses to expand, hire workers or simply remain open during this rocky time. The Governor's proposed cut of this initiative is irresponsible and wrong.

           "Also, the Governor's proposed cuts to NJ Transit are not what residents of Bergen, Essex and Passaic counties need when these vital services help people get to work, to the doctor, to school or to a job interview.

           "Additionally, by proposing massive cuts on local school districts and to our colleges, residents of my district and all of New Jersey will face further steep hikes in property taxes and tuition at specifically the time when they simply have had enough."



I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo
Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen): can't support cutting charity care (0.00 / 0)
       "While I wholeheartedly support the Governor's overall message of shrinking government and combating the 'shadow government' - the agencies and authorities which have spent to excess, wasted funds and defrauded the taxpaying public for far too long - I cannot in good conscience support such a drastic reduction for health care to the uninsured.

       "It's one thing to cut fraud and abuse within New Jersey government, and it's something entirely different to slash charity care funds and shift the burden of responsibility onto the backs of the State's already-struggling hospitals.  Most of these hospitals are barely staying afloat financially.  The results of such a large cut will be less services for the uninsured, more hospitals closing their doors, and an increase in cost on those New Jerseyans who do have health insurance and subsidize care for those who do not.

       "What makes this cut even more egregious is the fact that charity care receives federal matching funds, making New Jersey eligible for a dollar-for-dollar match on our investment for the uninsured.  What Governor Christie has touted as a 4.2 percent reduction in charity care spending will mean an 8.4 percent reduction in real dollars for the program.

       "When it comes to charity care, it's not about a program we want to be able to provide, but a program that we have an obligation to provide.  Access to health care for the uninsured isn't a frivolity of State government - particularly if you ask the folks who depend on that access.  I urge Governor Christie to reverse his executive order cuts on charity care, and will pursue a legislative remedy if necessary to protect health care access for those New Jerseyans in greatest need."



I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo
[ Parent ]
Barbara Buono (D-Middlesex): Governor is going out of his way to hurt middle class taxpayers (0.00 / 0)
Another very strong reaction from the Senate Majority Leader:

"It would appear that the Governor is going out of his way to hurt middle class taxpayers by largely placing the burden on their backs to solve the current fiscal crisis.  He has chosen to ignore a $500 million surplus that could close a sizeable portion of the deficit, instead cutting critical aid that directly impacts middle-class and low-income families already on a shoe-string budget.

           "We are essentially punishing fiscal restraint if we take away the surplus from well-managed school districts who, by law, are required to turn any remaining surplus back over to taxpayers anyway.  The Legislature is committed to making the tough cuts necessary to balance the budget, but this isn't the way to do it.  In the days ahead, these proposals will be thoroughly vetted and weighed against other less harmful solutions.

           "The legislature has expressed a willingness to work cooperatively in a bipartisan fashion to address these critical issues.  Just this week we introduced a package of bills to implement the long-term reforms needed to save our pension and benefits system, one of the biggest drivers of property taxes.  We did so with a pledge of bipartisanship and instead have been met with a lack of candor and communication about the choices proposed today.

"One must even question the legality of the Governor's executive order.  It would appear that he is using the pretext of a fiscal emergency to try and exceed his executive powers to act as a legislative body and rewrite this year's budget by making school aid cuts; raiding various funds; and authorizing additional spending.  This is akin to imposing martial law, a far cry from his pledge of cooperation on Inauguration Day," said Senate Majority Leader Buono (D-Middlesex).



I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo
Josh Zeitz (Corzine aide) (0.00 / 0)
John Zeitz tells Wally that Christie is exaggerating the deficit and nothing he faces compares to what Corzine dealt with.

I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo
at last: Dick Codey (D-Essex) responds to Christie as an equal (0.00 / 0)
"As a former Governor, I know firsthand that the position carries some very difficult decisions in order to balance the needs of New Jersey's residents with the fiscal realities facing the State Treasury.

       "I firmly believe that the Governor and leaders in the State Legislature are right about shoring up the State's pension funds and making benefits sustainable for current and future employees and the taxpayers who foot the bill.  New Jersey has a responsibility to provide a stable retirement system and honest benefits for our dedicated public workforce, and without some level of reform, that won't happen, and the funds will continue to operate in the deep red.

       "However, I'd caution that the Governor should explore the ramifications of all budget cuts before moving forward.

       "Sometimes cuts have unintended consequences.  For instance, requiring school districts to tap into surplus funds may result in a drop in their bond rating, triggering new mandated expenses and higher interest on previously-negotiated loans.  This in turn could have a negative impact on the school's operating budget, causing an increase in local property taxes.

       "When it comes down to it, there are no silver bullets to make up for multi-billion dollar deficits.  It requires tough choices, conviction of leadership, and a little bit of foresight to understand how your choices will affect people trying to make a living in the Garden State.  I look forward to reviewing the cuts proposed by the Governor some more, and working with him where I can to minimize the impact on New Jersey's working families who can understand tough choices, but cannot afford mistakes."



I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo
the bond rating point is a good one (0.00 / 0)
...which I didn't know but sounds true.  

I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo
[ Parent ]
NJEA response (0.00 / 0)
They don't like the school cuts and they don't like the state not making its pension contribution.  They argue that if he cuts all surplus funds this year, he's responsible for fully funding next year's budget since there will be nothing left.

Full statement:

http://www.njea.org/page.aspx?...

I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo

I'm sure you've been waiting for Shirley Turner (D-Mercer) (0.00 / 0)
"I realize that New Jersey is buried underneath a blizzard of red ink and I'm eager and willing to help dig our state out.  However, I don't want the sacrifices and the pain to be inequitable.  The job of closing this gap should not fall on the shoulders of those who can least bear to carry the burden.  The cuts announced today would disproportionately impact low and middle-income taxpayers, our children, and students struggling to afford the costs of higher education.

           "The federal government is focusing a great deal of its education funding on the 'Race to the Top,' meanwhile the Governor's proposal to cuts school aid would devastate some of our districts, primarily those in urban areas, that are racing to get off the bottom.  Ultimately, these cuts will hurt our most vulnerable while placing an upward pressure on property taxes at the local level.

           "I urge the Governor to reconsider these choices and instead follow through on his pledge for transparency by working with the legislature to identify a more just method for closing the current budget gap," said Sen. Turner.



I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo
Nicholas Sacco (D-Hudson and Bergen) on NJ Transit (0.00 / 0)
"Asking NJ Transit to cut costs through greater efficiencies is one thing, but trying to balance the budget by depleting the agency's emergency reserves, hiking fares and cutting services and discounts for commuters makes no sense. Any reduction that increases the out-of-pocket expense for the average New Jerseyan is unacceptable.

           "A fare increase on Transit riders is nothing more than a tax hike on our hard-working residents who can least afford it. And service cuts would likely leave people who rely on NJ Transit to get to work, and are already putting in long days, stranded for hours before getting home to their families.

           "We recognize that everyone must share in the pain to solve the State's financial woes, but slamming middle-class workers with added costs unfairly shifts the burden onto families who are already struggling to make ends meet."



I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo
[ Parent ]
Domenick DiCicco (R-Gloucester and Camden) (0.00 / 0)
Free advice to DiCicco's people, please don't send your press releases as attached Word Documents, but I do appreciate getting them. The Republican Assembly staff will show you how to do it as a normal e-mail.  

"The people of New Jersey didn't elect Gov. Christie to paint a pretty picture of the state's finances or to play shell games with the budget numbers. They elected him to truthfully sort out our fiscal quagmire and fix a state government that has become unresponsive to the needs of its people. The governor made it clear today that pandering to the special interests at the expense of our severely-burdened taxpayers will not be tolerated.

     "The difficult, but responsible solutions Gov. Christie laid out today to close a budget deficit he inherited is a necessary step to begin the arduous task of reforming government spending, prioritizing public services, reducing our uncompetitive tax burden and shrinking our bloated state government. He is charged with leading the state out of four years of fiscal mismanagement by the Corzine administration and I am confident that the actions Gov. Christie announced today will set the stage for much needed fundamental changes that will enable our state to move forward."



I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo
Assembly Transportation Chairman John Wisniewski (D-Middlesex) (0.00 / 0)
Gov. Christie's plan raises numerous concerns for New Jersey taxpayers and commuters and is replete with the kind of one-shot gimmicks and tax increases that he has so often railed against.

           "His plan to cut education aid avoids the tough decision of reforming state government and simply strips money from schools and will lead to painful property tax increases in the months ahead.

           "His plan for NJ Transit will equate to reduced services or higher fares, and let's face it - if Gov. Christie raises fares he will be increasing taxes on working families who have no other choice but to use public transit day-in-and-day-out to get to work.

           "Gov. Christie's plan is essentially a tax on our commuters. I plan to have the Assembly transportation panel take a very close look at it."

 

I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo

[ Parent ]
Upendra J. Chivukula (D-Somerset): 20,000 will lose jobs due to Christie (0.00 / 0)
Well, you can see why we don't usually post all the reactions, but I think in this unusual situation it is worthwhile.  Anyway, perhaps this is the last one...

"These are difficult times that call for tough choices including making sacrifices. I support measures to make government more efficient including eliminating waste and have sponsored several measures to that effect.

"It is important to ensure that the cuts we make are not mere band aids but help cure our state's fiscal ills. Many of the cuts revealed today would have a counter-productive impact by resulting in job losses and hurting small and medium-sized businesses - thus negating the goal of creating jobs and helping business outlined by Gov. Christie.
"By diverting funds from our state's 'Clean Energy Fund', an estimated 20,000 New Jersey residents would lose their jobs. Slashing funding to 'Invest New Jersey', would hurt small and medium size businesses.

"In these difficult times, it is even more important that our state gets its fair share of federal dollars. New Jersey receives the lowest amount back for every dollar we send to the federal government. We should be pushing for federal funding - be it for storm emergencies or from the $30 billion fund President Obama has proposed to help small business.

"I look forward to working with Gov. Christie in a bipartisan manner to help our state recover from its fiscal crisis."



I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo
[ Parent ]
375 line cuts (4.00 / 1)
Does anyone know where these cuts are posted?
I don't (0.00 / 0)
I don't see anything useful at the governor's website

http://www.state.nj.us/governor/


I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo

[ Parent ]
Responding without knowing Cuts? (0.00 / 0)
Everyone is talking about the speech and giving an opinion but no one knows what is being cut?

Is that possible.

These cuts must be somewhere written down!

Please help!!!

[ Parent ]
i think they are reponding to the text of the speech (0.00 / 0)
I have read the executive order and it doesn't spell out the cuts.  It does say school districts will lose an amount of state aid equal to their surplus funds, and the Christie Admin. will "authorize" them to use the surplus now.  

The speech did name a number of programs and agencies to be cut or eliminated and all the responses I've seen seem to be based on the speech.

I have to think of a witty signature about Frank LoBiondo

[ Parent ]
Cuts on christie web site (0.00 / 0)
http://www.state.nj.us/governor/

Look under REBUILDING NEW JERSEY ECONOMY

[ Parent ]
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