Assembly Democrats released the following statements after they heard testimony during Monday’s Assembly Budget Committee hearing in Newark: Assembly Budget Chairman Vincent Prieto (D-Hudson/Bergen): “In what has become his calling card, Gov. Christie is againproposing a tax cut that benefits the wealthy the most and ignores the needs of New Jersey’s middle-class and lower income families struggling every day to make ends meet. It’s time Gov. Christie put his national ambitions aside, remember who he was elected to represent and work with us on the Assembly Democratic plan for a 20 percent property tax relief credit to provide real tax relief to residents who need it the most.”
Assembly Budget Vice Chairman Gary Schaer (D-Bergen/Passaic):
“The governor continues to place the largest burden on New Jersey’s middle-class and lower income families, first with his 20 percent net property tax increase and now with a tax relief proposal that best serves the wealthy and neglects the needy. Our working families and seniors need relief from our most regressive tax. The governor must readjust his priorities and give New Jerseyans real property tax relief.”
Assembly Appropriations Chairman John Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland):
“The governor talks about the need for tax relief across the board, yet continues to protect the interests of the rich, while placing the largest burden on middle-class and lower income families in New Jersey. These families are struggling to stay afloat amid the governor’s property tax relief cuts and net 20 percent property tax hike. They are in need of real tax relief and they need it now, governor.”
Assembly Majority Conference Leader Gordon Johnson (D-Bergen):
“We agree with Gov. Christie that tax relief is necessary, but the governor must get on board with the plan that will benefit – not those who already have plenty – but seniors living on fixed incomes and working class residents toiling away every day trying to make it. Our plan for a 20 percent property tax relief credit does that. If the governor cares anything about these residents, he will join us.”
Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Mercer):
“Many New Jerseyans are overextending themselves due to soaring property taxes and tax relief cuts by the governor that only help if you’re well-heeled. There is no justification for putting the interests of the wealthy over those of senior citizens, the middle class and the poor. Delivering tax relief, real tax relief which will deliver aid where is most needed, is our priority and should be the priority of the governor.”
Assemblyman Albert Coutinho (D-Essex):
“The governor seems more interested in a spending plan that will appeal to a national audience, rather than help working class residents here at home dealing with the strain of his 20 percent net property tax increase. New Jerseyans need real tax relief. A 20 percent property tax relief credit for middle-class and lower-income homeowners provides that.”
Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly (D-Bergen/Passaic):
“Tax schemes that profit the rich at the expense of the middle-class and poor are flat out wrong. This is not about which side of the aisle we sit on; this is about helping working class residents who are fighting to keep their homes and provide for their families despite heavy net property tax increases. Gov. Christie, let’s give these residents the help they need.” TLS.
Smells like all talk, when was the last time democrats actually cut taxes
This sounds like a plan for a tax credit which will be limited based on income. Most likely Christie wants property taxes to be consistent across the board, which is what it should be. He probably wants the same rate for everyone, which will result in wealthier people paying more because they have a larger house, but not because they are also effectively paying a higher rate. Note that these Dems have not defined middle class – the cutoff may be lower than you would think.
political nonsense
Christie’s plan to cut income taxes only benefits the rich. Seniors and middle class get virtually nothing. Real estate taxes are our biggest problem. He has increased my RE taxes 25% by killing rebates. He said he would not touch the rebates when he was campaigning. He lied.