Corzine Vows To Fight For Public Employees

While you were at work today, about six thousand public workers rallied in Trenton in support Governor Jon Corzine's 2007 budge plan. Corzine’s “hard choices” budget proposal would increase New Jersey State spending by $2.6 billion and impose new and increased taxes of more than $1.8 billion.

Pubic workers enthusiastically support Corzine’s budget because it contains no layoffs or cuts to state worker salary increases and fringe benefits. With growing concerns over the disparity between public and private sector pay packages, some lawmakers have suggested Corzine take action this year to rein in the cost of public employees.

Corzine refuses to compromise on his new spending and taxing plans, standing firm in his support for the state’s public employees, now making about 40% more than the average New Jersey worker in the private sector.

Corzine, appearing at the rally, said he stood with the unions. "I'll stand with you. I'll fight with you,'' he said.

Corzine has only begun his fight to protect his backers. By failing to rein in state spending this year, the Governor has set up a financial crisis for next year. Treasurer Bradley Abelow has said “even with the sales tax increase, the state will have to close a gap of at least $2 billion next year”.