RUMANA AND RUSSO: CORZINE BUDGET IS MORE PAIN FOR NEW JERSEY TAXPAYERS – NOT GOVERNMENT

          As Governor Corzine delivered his budget address today that among other things will eliminate the income tax deduction for property taxes paid by homeowners, reduce aid to schools and municipalities, and severely curtail those who are eligible for property tax rebates, Assemblymen Scott Rumana and David Russo, both R-Passaic, Bergen, and Essex, stated that once again the governor is hurting taxpayers and failing to address the systemic problems in state government.

            “New Jersey is already infamous for having the highest tax structure in the country,” stated Rumana.  “In particular, people who live in Passaic and Bergen County pay the highest property taxes anywhere.  

            “The governor is telling those hard-working families that they now must contribute more to supporting a state budget that is bloated from excessive spending and borrowing. His answer to facing the budget deficit is to take more from those who are struggling instead of reforming the structure of government.  I will not support any proposal that adds further pain to the taxpayers of this state.”

            “For seven years we have seen the same approach by Democrats in Trenton,” commented Russo.  “Eliminating property tax deductions from the state income tax and excluding most homeowners from receiving a property tax rebate is a one-two punch that punishes the middle class.  Governor Corzine failed to address any fundamental reforms to the way state government operates.  Instead, he chose to hurt the people who need help.  Instead of offering the middle class a life preserver, he’s throwing them an anchor.”