The Democrats Financial Mismanagement

Do you remember Senators Lautenberg and Corzine complaining about the federal funding formula for Homeland Security and the resulting cuts to New Jersey? The two were practically upset that funding to Newark would be cut by 17% amounting to $12.4 million.

At the time we noted the bill the Democrats rushed to pass was not a good bill and was not in the best interests of New Jersey. The Senators each voted for the law and then immediately began to blame Republicans for the loss in Homeland Security funding for our state.

As we have previously noted, President Bush had requested Homeland Security funding be allocated to the states based upon risk assessment. The Democrats were beating the Republicans over the head for not passing the new intelligence and Homeland Security bill while at the same time obstructing passage of a bill with logical funding. The Democrats held out for a funding formula written by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) that ensured funding would be spread around to all states, regardless of risk. The Republicans caved and the Democrats got their wish. More here, here and here.

Now we learn from John Murphy, Republican candidate for governor, the City of Newark recently purchased 10 garbage trucks for $1,748,040 with Homeland Security funds. How is this allowed to happen? This wasteful use of Homeland Security funds is a perfect illustration of financial mismanagement by the Democrats. Did you hear any complaints from Corzine, Lautenberg or Codey about Newark's misuse of Homeland Security funds? Of course not - such hypocrisy!

Is there any wonder the state is in such fiscal crisis. The cities that soak up and waste money in New Jersey are run by Democrats. The School Construction Corporation (SCC) has blown through billions for urban school construction and now needs billions more to finish the job mandated by the courts. This group has spent as much as 84% and has averaged 45% more than what local districts spend for school construction. Why not, they are not paying for it.

While more and more money is being dumped into the Abbott school districts, the rest of the state suffers. It's quite clear these state education funds are being mismanaged and yet there are no repercussions for those responsible for the waste. The taxpayer just has to work harder and make more sacrifices for the politician's incompetence and indifference.

These officials have shown nothing but utter contempt for New Jersey taxpayers. As the City of Newark demands ever greater amounts for education and school construction from tax payers, the city chooses to spend $210 million of its own money on an ice hockey arena. They've made their priorities clear and it's not their children and as the Democrats like to say, the most vulnerable.

It's time for the taxpayers of New Jersey to demand change. We need to do whatever it takes to stop this insanity - new representatives in Trenton, new laws and amendments to the state's constitution. The tax receivers will all squeal, let them - they have been sticking it to the taxpayers long enough.