Sweeney's letter to Chris Christie

by: Rosi Efthim

Thu Jul 01, 2010 at 12:39:29 AM EDT

Dear Governor Christie:

I am in receipt of your letter dated Monday, June 28, 2010, directing the Legislature to meet in special session on Thursday, July 1, 2010, for the purpose of undertaking discussion related to property taxes, including on the measures that constitute your "tool kit" for municipal and school administrators and a proposed cap on property taxes.

I appreciate your willingness to convene further consideration of options to control property taxes in New Jersey. It is my hope that you will sign the legislation recently approved by both houses that will significantly lower the current statutory cap and eliminate the waivers to this cap. But I recognize that all options require due consideration, deliberation, and compromise.

To that end, I am directing the Senate to meet at 3 p.m. Thursday to begin immediate discussion on your proposals as well as other proposals members on both sides of the aisle have to address our state's property tax crisis.

I would welcome you to the Senate to deliver remarks at approximately 6 p.m.

Property taxes and the state's fiscal integrity are matters of great concern to all New Jersey residents. This Legislature will confront these issues in a manner that will ensure fairness to the taxpayer and preserve the quality of life for all New Jerseyans. The residents of New Jersey deserve nothing less.

Sincerely,

Stephen M. Sweeney
Senate President