Governor Christie has come out of the gate swinging and as I previously noted, is landing punch after punch to the middle class (actually, everyone but the "chosen few"). In talking about the "tough choices" he has to make to support his questionable budget numbers, he has declared an all out class war. On his side, big business with tax breaks as well as an end to the corporate tax surcharge and also his base the highest earners in the state - those with incomes over $400,000, who are the first to get a tax cut.
On the losing side, well, just about everything else.
When it comes to the service cuts and fare increases for NJ Transit however, this is a world of hurt for New Jerseyans on so many levels. NJ Transit recently released a "proposal" with public hearings to be held later this month, that deal with a 25% fare increase in many instances to deal with the funding cuts Christie proposed last month. On top of the fare increase - which largely hits those who commute into Manhattan for work as well as those who rely on public transportation (read: more lower and middle income people) to get to work or to get around. So while the super rich get a tax cut that can help them with their vacation home or 4th car, everyone else gets a transportation tax increase.
But wait, it gets better.
A 2007 report released by the American Society of Civil Engineers rated New Jersey's infrastructure in 9 areas (rails and schools was still ongoing at the time the report was released). The cumulative score was a C-, broken down as follows:
- Wastewater: D
- Drinking Water: C
- Parks and Recreation: C-
- Dams: C-
- Energy: C+
- Avaiation: D
- Ports and Waterways: C
- Roads: D
- Bridges: D
One thing to highlight from this report: Further modernization of these systems in New Jersey is fundamental to providing a safe and operational infrastructure while improving the quality of life for the state's residents.
So not only does Christie screw over those who can afford it least, he does it by cutting mass transit and public transportation services, which could very well lead to more use of cars, more pollution and more stress on our already overstrained roads and bridges.
But at least Wal-Mart and the super rich will be happy. |
