Spicuzzo decries Chris Christie’s budget, which takes over $200 million out of the pockets of Middlesex County taxpayers

For Immediate Release: June 29th, 2010

Contact: Craig Yetsko

METUCHEN – Middlesex County Democratic Chairman Joseph C. Spicuzzo issued the following statement regarding the negative effects Governor Chris Christie’s budget will have on the county:

“Today Governor Christie chose to sign his flawed budget here in Middlesex County. County residents should be extremely disappointed in this budget and the enduring harm it will bring to our communities and our tax payers.

“While he campaigned and won last year he promised to reduce property taxes for all New Jerseyans, today he did exactly the opposite. This year, because of the Governor’s drastic cuts to school districts and municipalities, property tax bills across this state are going through the roof.

“To make matters worse he eliminated property tax rebates for senior, veteran and disabled homeowners, including over forty six thousand right here in Middlesex County, taking $54 million out of the hands of our most vulnerable population.

“As we all know, one of the reasons that Middlesex County is the greatest county in all the land is our great schools. After an astounding $127 million in school cuts and takebacks, when the school year starts in September the parents in this county will realize the true effects of this budget when their children’s class sizes are increased, language programs are eliminated, playing a sport and participating in extracurricular activities, such as arts, music and drama, will cost parents hundreds of dollars a year. These cuts combined with a reduction of over $21 million in municipal aid throughout Middlesex County will weigh heavily on our middle class families.

“We all understand that we need to cut government costs which we work hard on every day in our towns, but to make these harmful cuts to fund a huge tax cut for the 16,000 millionaires in this state is a frightening testament to what this Governor’s priorities are.

“Governor Christie is expressing his ‘pride’ in this new state budget. Regrettably, he is ignoring the negative impact the budget has on the property taxpayers of our County.”

Back to Releases

Printer-Friendly Version