VANDERVALK, RUMANA, RUSSO: RESURRECTING 'MONETIZATION' SHOWS CORZINE'S DISREGARD FOR STRUGGLING MIDDLE CLASS

In response to a report Thursday in which Governor Jon Corzine said he is reconsidering resurrecting his failed massive 800 percent toll hike scheme, Assembly Republican members Charlotte Vandervalk, Scott Rumana and David Russo today said the fact the governor would even consider such a move shows a blatant disregard for the needs and wants of the state’s residents who vehemently opposed the plan the first time it was proposed.

“Apparently, Governor Corzine doesn’t believe in government by and for the people,” said Vandervalk, R-Bergen. “The people resoundingly said ‘no’ the first time around. With the state’s unemployment rate at a 33-year high, with foreclosures up 44 percent and as our homeowners continue to struggle with the highest-in-the-nation property tax bills, it is incredibly unbelievable that this governor is even considering bringing back a plan that would, without doubt, further devastate our state economy and its residents.”

Corzine told The New York Times Thursday he is considering bringing back his “monetization” plan in which he would borrow $40 billion and increase tolls 800 percent to help pay down state debt. According to the article, Governor Corzine said of the original proposal, “This idea worked. So maybe we just need to scale it back.”

“The idea did not work the first time and it will not work a second time,” stated Rumana, R-Passaic, Bergen and Essex. “Eight years of failed Democrat policies have brought our state to the brink of bankruptcy. Our residents should not have to pay for their lack of leadership and irresponsible spending and borrowing gimmicks.”

Rumana is a member of the Assembly Transportation, Public Works & Independent Authorities Committee.

Added Russo, R-Passaic, Bergen and Essex, “It’s obvious Governor Corzine does not have a responsible, viable plan to lead our state out of its fiscal crisis. If he did, he would not be relying on his bag of old tricks. Our middle class families need and deserve common sense solutions to putting our state back on track. An 800 percent toll hike is not the answer. Cutting spending, restructuring state government and stimulating economic growth is.”

                                            ####