WyBlog

NJ is still #1 in property tax burden as Democrats stall on reform

It's a race we'd rather not have won. But once again New Jersey is #1 — in property taxes. Yes folks, we still have the highest tax burden in the nation.

Chris Christie is trying to do something about that. He proposed a hard 2.5% cap; the Democrats "compromised" on a soft 2% cap, and they're already trying to shoot holes in it.

Meanwhile Christie's basket of reforms, necessary for a successful implementation of any property tax cap languishes in the Democrat-controlled state Assembly.

Democrats don't like to cut taxes. Nor are they inclined to stand up to the public employee unions. Ergo, inaction. Or worse, the appearance of action, without any tangible results.

Democratic Assembly Budget Committee Chairman Lou Greenwald, D-Camden, said the Assembly members have been meeting with groups to discuss the ideas. He said reaction to many of them has been unenthusiastic.

In Democrat-speak, "groups" == traditional Democrat constituencies like unions, political appointees, and feeders at the public trough. So sure, when you meet with those groups enthusiasm for reform will be in short supply. Believe me, among those of us who pay the bills the reaction to Christie's toolkit has bordered on ecstatic. Maybe Lou Greenwald needs to escape his bubble and talk to some actual taxpayers.

But of course enacting Christie's toolkit would take time away from the Assembly Democrats' penchant for grandstanding. They're busy holding meaningless votes to override the governor's vetoes.

And instead of finding ways to save us money now they're bickering with the governor over funding for the NJ Transit trans-Hudson tunnel to nowhere.

Way to keep your eye on the ball guys. Governor Christie is trying to save us money. But spend, spend, spend (and tax, tax, tax) is the Democrats' mantra.

Remember that on November 2^nd. Your wallet will thank you.

Posted at 13:13 by Chris Wysocki   [/nj_politics]   Comments | Archived | Perm Link |
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