A Real Choice

Good news, the two leading Republican nominees for Governor recognize the true cause of our out of control property taxes in New Jersey – the inequitable distribution of state income tax revenue to municipalities used to fund public schools.

Schundler faulted the Abbott vs. Burke state Supreme Court decision as having led to too much state being poured into some districts and not enough in others.

Forrester offered sharp criticism for the Abbott decision, calling the ruling flawed.

Now let’s begin the necessary steps to change the way Trenton works. Let’s send politicians an unambiguous message; we expect every town and every child to be treated equally. Return the power to tax and spend to the people.

New Jersey spends more per student on average than any other state in the nation. It’s not a lack of funds for education that causes crushing property taxes; it’s the manner in which the state distributes those funds that creates the problem.

If the state’s income tax revenue were distrusted in a more equitable fashion, a major step toward property tax reform would be realized. Controlling future government spending is the second step needed for real reform. Equitable distribution of state funds will bring immediate property tax relief and a constitutional amendment would control tax increases going forward.

Corzine continues to favor unequal per student funding and a tax shifting plan that reduces property taxes for some in the short term by increasing income and other taxes.

"We've seen too many politicians make a 'no taxes' pledge and then turn around and saddle our children with crushing debt," Corzine said. "I think the people of New Jersey want and deserve honest solutions, not empty rhetoric."

Corzine still doesn’t seem to understand, it’s politicians spending ever increasing amounts of money on new and ever grander government programs that creates crushing debt. The Senator isn’t willing to take a “no taxes pledge” because he’s already planning how he will spend more money on new government programs.

Corzine’s senate record and his proposed agenda as New Jersey's Governor makes it clear that he plans to delver both – more debt and higher taxes.