Democratic leaders reject Christie's "Tool Kit"

by: Hopeful

Mon May 10, 2010 at 04:19:56 PM EDT

This statement, which is from Sweeney, Oliver, Buono, Cryan, Sarlo, and Greenwald, has a lot of digs, though it promises some cooperation if the Governor will meet them partway:

        "We always welcome ideas to try to control government costs and property taxes, but we expect a reasonable, intelligent and in-depth discussion based on facts.

           "Our success in working with the governor earlier this year on pension reforms shows how the best results come from bipartisan teamwork.

           "But the fact is that this so-called tool kit, if enacted today, would do nothing to stop the property tax increases and fee hikes on senior citizens and the middle-class that Gov. Christie has proposed in his budget plan.

           "Our focus right now is on saving senior citizens from Gov. Christie's plan to increase their prescription drug costs while slashing their property tax relief. Protecting senior citizens from these unfair and brutal cuts is our emphasis.

           "We will examine the governor's plan, take what's in it and try to make it better,  and we will do so with a thoughtful and thorough approach. Based on his flawed executive orders, Gov. Christie certainly knows first-hand the problems that occur when policy is rushed, so we are hopeful he is willing to work with us."

You'll note that they are insisting on their plan that Rosi discussed to be addressed first.