Wed Dec 29, 2010 at 01:34:02 PM EST
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| With the New Year almost upon us, below are just few of the many opportunities and ambushes awaiting us:
Anti-Bullying Bill - Governor Christie says he is forthright and decisive, but is neither in this case. If he thinks something should be changed, he should say so with a conditional veto; otherwise he should just sign it.
Medical Marijuana Law - Christie should stop his petulance, get out of the way, and let the Health Department work with patients and advocates to develop sensible regs. We don't need more obstruction. As Sen. Scutari says, We need a "functioning program that actually provides patients relief."
Medicaid Women's Health/Family Planning - We understand part of Christie's base is anti-abortion, but these funds can not be used for abortion. The program puts more deserving people under Medicaid insurance and provides revenue for the state. A "no-brainer," as Sen. Weinberg says.
State Budget - Revenue for the first five months appear to be 3.8% higher than expected. However, even with low inflation there will be upward pressure on the budget - no different from what is happening in other states and less serious than in Illinois and California. The real difference between states is those that act with a social conscience, strive to maintain a safety net, and do not deliberately disadvantage the middle class. The legislature will have to keep Christie in check by maintaining more fairness in the upcoming budget process.
more priorities, below the fold |
| Bill Orr :: Agenda 2011: Opportunities & Ambushes |
| Millionaire's Income Tax - With a constrained budget, the legislature should try again. As a NY Times editorial pointed out this week, "Experienced economists say it is better to raise taxes on the rich than to lay off workers and cut spending, in effect offsetting Washington's attempts at stimulus."
Back To Work NJ - The governor is wrong in saying, "We don't have a revenue problem." As the State Treasurer says, Our economy is a long way from generating the revenue brought in during 2008 and 2009." The path to recovery has to include programs to increase jobs and business spending which strengthen the State's coffers. The legislature needs to do a better job of quantifying the fiscal impact of these bills.
State aid to local governments - After a $448 million cut in in aid to municipalities earlier this year, local governments are in in no position to absorb more. Their ability to provide basic services has been disrupted and they are facing higher costs of borrowing. Harrison was one of 23 municipalities in New Jersey that had its bond rating lowered by Moody's, mostly as a consequence of cuts in state aid. Local governments have to move quickly to implement sharing and consolidation, and the legislature needs to create laws which make the transition easier and quicker.
Public Pension & Healthcare Fund - Just cutting the budget will not keep NJ solvent as this program's combined unfunded liability is in the neighborhood of $120 billion.- a staggering figure. As a follow-up to legislation earlier this year that implemented changes for new hires, there will have to be action to increase costs and reduce benefits for current and retired employees. Plus the governor must make a substantial annual contribution into the plan.
Transportation Trust Fund - Having used borrowing this year to continue transportation projects and with a fund that barely has enough money to pay its interests costs, the governor needs to cobble together a medium-range plan that includes a new revenue source ( gas tax increase) plus monies originally designed for ARC, more "pay as you go," federal funds, and limited borrowing. Not impossible, it just requires more effort than what the governor has shown so far. |
| Tags:
ARC,
transportation trust fund,
Public Pension and Healthcare benefits,
Sharing and consolidation,
NJ Municipality bond ratings,
State Aid to Municipalities,
Back to Work NJ,
Millionaire's Income Tax,
State Budget 2011,
anti-bullying,
Chris Christie,
medical marijuana,
Sen. Scutari,
women's health care,
Sen. Weinberg,
(All Tags)
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