Friday, February 23, 2007
S.J. residents don't expect big changes in new budget
S.J. residents don't expect big changes in new budget: "Residents throughout South Jersey expressed doubt Wednesday that Gov. Jon S. Corzine would come out with a formula that would significantly and permanently reduce taxes in the state.
'Jersey is expensive to live in,' said Samuel Jenkins, of Woodbury. 'I don't think you're ever going to feel like you're getting your money's worth.'
Corzine has pledged a tax rebate for property owners in his budget proposal to be unveiled today. His plan is expected to include $2.3 billion to cut America's highest property taxes by 20 percent for most homeowners and about $400 million in increased public school aid.
As usual, taxes were foremost in people's minds.
'I'm old enough to know I'm being screwed,' said Tom Millea, a construction project manager from Moorestown.
He makes enough money that he doesn't expect to benefit from the tax rebate, he said. But even for people making a comfortable living, taxes are a burden that are driving people away, he said. It's bad enough that he and his friends are contemplating moving out of the state.
'I'm thinking about Delaware,' he said. 'I'm thinking about Florida.'
The governor has also mentioned preventing lawmakers from inserting add-ons to bills right before they are passed, a practice under federal investigation. In general, the state doesn't do enough to monitor spending, Millea said.
'It doesn't keep people's hands out of the cookie jar,' he said."
'Jersey is expensive to live in,' said Samuel Jenkins, of Woodbury. 'I don't think you're ever going to feel like you're getting your money's worth.'
Corzine has pledged a tax rebate for property owners in his budget proposal to be unveiled today. His plan is expected to include $2.3 billion to cut America's highest property taxes by 20 percent for most homeowners and about $400 million in increased public school aid.
As usual, taxes were foremost in people's minds.
'I'm old enough to know I'm being screwed,' said Tom Millea, a construction project manager from Moorestown.
He makes enough money that he doesn't expect to benefit from the tax rebate, he said. But even for people making a comfortable living, taxes are a burden that are driving people away, he said. It's bad enough that he and his friends are contemplating moving out of the state.
'I'm thinking about Delaware,' he said. 'I'm thinking about Florida.'
The governor has also mentioned preventing lawmakers from inserting add-ons to bills right before they are passed, a practice under federal investigation. In general, the state doesn't do enough to monitor spending, Millea said.
'It doesn't keep people's hands out of the cookie jar,' he said."
Labels: NJ News, NJ Politics, SJ News
