Garden State Patriot

Looks like Governor Corzine only likes guns when he can hold them to Republican’s heads. And that’s exactly what he’s trying to do in order to get his destructive pension gimmick passed.

Here is the press release from Ass. Addiego and Ass. Rudder:

Assemblywoman Dawn Marie Addiego, R-Burlington, and Assemblyman Scott Rudder, R-Burlington, today voiced their strong objections to Governor Corzine’s comments that $75 million in school aid would not be restored during the current year if the Legislature did not approve his proposal to permit school districts to defer making pension contributions.

“To hold schools hostage unless pension deferral legislation passes is fiscal blackmail,” stated Addiego.  “This is not a veiled threat.  The governor is ready to punish school districts and taxpayers if he does not get his way on this issue.  Republicans firmly believe that delaying mandated pension contributions is misguided public policy and we will not be coerced into voting for something that will have long-term implications on taxpayers and retirees.”

“The governor’s fiat on cutting school aid is deplorable,” remarked Rudder.  “If the reality is that the state withholds aid that was promised in the middle of the school year, then either taxpayers must make up for the shortfall or children suffer the consequences. 

“The governor should start to cut spending in areas like Special Municipal Aid instead of reneging on funding commitments to schools.  There is opposition on both sides of the aisle on delaying pension contributions.  It is shameful that our youth are being held as captives so that Governor Corzine can get what he wants,” concluded Rudder.

Cross-posted at Red County.