A Tale Of Two States

Here’s an interesting comparison between the state of Georgia and New Jersey. As you’ll note, the two states have roughly the same population, but New Jersey has a state budget that’s about 60% greater. Property taxes account for 40% of public school funding in Georgia, while the reverse is true for New Jersey, where local property taxes pay for 60% of the cost of public schools.

The cost of living difference between the two states can not account for this huge difference in state spending. Perhaps the 80% increase in New Jersey’s state budget since 1998 has something to do with the staggering difference. The depth and breadth of political corruption has only exacerbated New Jersey’s financial mismanagement.

Isn’t it time we held our representatives in Trenton accountable? State funding can and should be reduced. We are overpaying for government services period, no excuses. How utilitarian, sophisticated and savvy can New Jersey voters be and still continue voting for politicians that place their own interests above the taxpayer’s? Perhaps it’s because the media have failed to give voters the information necessary to make informed decisions.

State Government Spending Comparison

GA Population - 8,684,715 I State Budget - $17 Billion I Education – 40% Property Taxes

NJ Population - 8,638,396 I State Budget - $27 Billion I Education – 60% Property Taxes

Now let’s take a look at how New Jersey’s federal income taxpayers compare with those in Georgia. New Jersey has a slightly smaller population, yet pays about 57% more in federal income taxes and actually receives less total federal dollars in return. In addition, for every dollar a Georgia taxpayer sends to Uncle Sam, the state receives 95¢ back from the federal government. New Jersey with the worse ROI in the nation, receives 57¢ on the dollar.

Federal Tax Comparison

GA Federal Taxes Paid - $46.9 Billion I Federal Taxes Received - $44.5 Billion I ROI - $0.95

NJ Federal Taxes Paid - $73.4 Billion I Federal Taxes Received - $43.0 Billion I ROI - $0.57

When will the taxpayers in New Jersey finally say enough is enough? Does it make sense for New Jersey’s citizens to support politicians that favor higher federal income taxes? New Jersey doesn’t benefit from this tax philosophy and our taxpayers are disproportionately hurt. Yet, Senators Corzine and Lautenberg, along with Congressmen Andrews, Pallone, Pascrell, Rothman, Payne, Holt and Menendez consistently vote for higher income taxes. They may have an “NJ” next to their names, but “NJ” seems to be last in their thoughts once in Washington.

Jon Corzine and company have voted against New Jersey’s financial interests at every opportunity. The record is there for all to see. The media just does a very poor job of presenting the facts. So, enough of the polls showing voters don’t hold Corzine’s fortune against him and enough of telling us that Corzine’s a shoe-in for Governor - start covering the facts and the issues. Analyze Corzine’s positions and agenda and let voters know the potential impact on all citizens, not just on the favored special interests.

As you’ve told us repeatedly, Corzine has a huge fortune from which to bankroll his run for governor. That being the case, Corzine has enough money to pay for his own political advertisements and doesn't need an in kind campaign contribution from the media. The media needs to take its watchdog job seriously and begin taking on the adversarial role they so relish against Republicans.