How Is This Stimulus?
The state budget is going to be another $1.5-2 billion short, but Corzine is throwing $29.7M of the “stimulus” dollars at the New Jersey’s Safe Streets and Neighborhoods program?
Of the almost $30 million, Milgram spokesman David Wald said most of the money, $13.4 million, will go directly to law enforcement efforts like anti-gun and gang initiatives. Another $5.7 million is for prevention programs like counseling, $4.6 million will be spent in an effort to reduce the number of ex-offenders returning to prison, and $5 million is earmarked for information systems, such as automated fingerprint technology.
I thought the stimulus was supposed to create jobs and boost an ailing economy? How does any of this create a single job?
If the Governor had an ounce of care for New Jersey’s taxpayers he’d be using this money to keep property taxes in check. Instead, in the face of the worsening budget situation, elimination of the Homestead rebate and the property tax reduction, as well as state aid to towns remain directly in Corzine’s crosshairs.
TRENTON, N.J. – Even politically popular programs like property tax rebates and education spending could fall victim to New Jersey budget cuts as Gov. Jon S. Corzine and lawmakers look for ways fill an ever-deepening revenue hole.
The Democratic governor isn’t yet saying where he’ll propose the cuts, but lawmakers point to a few places as the most obvious: state aid to towns and cities and proposed education spending increases, as well as eliminating property tax rebates and property tax deductions.
Essentially, this will be a triple whammy on New Jersey taxpayers and homeowners, as cuts to state aid will cause towns to ask us to pony up even more. It will hardly be stimulating when strapped New Jersey taxpayers have to fork over thousands more because Corzine refuses to make the tough choices to cut government.
Honestly, it’s amazing to me this Governor is even in the 30% range when it comes to his re-elect numbers. The man is completely detached from reality and cares not a whit about how the middle class is being suffocated in this state.
Cross-posted at Conservatives with Attitude! and Red County.
