State Budget

TRENTON –  Senator Jeff Van Drew today said the national economic crisis should motivate action to empower New Jersey voters to “fundamentally restructure state government spending” through constitutional reforms that would save millions of taxpayer dollars annually.

            “This economic crisis should awaken everyone to the need to change our culture of reckless spending,” said Senator Van Drew, D-Cape May, Atlantic and Cumberland. “Inaction is intolerable at a time when people are being driven from their homes, jobs are being lost and seniors are watching their lifetime savings shrinking before their eyes.”

Republican Senate Leader Tom Kean looks forward to a vigorous debate among all the stakeholders about Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey's plan to convert to a for-profit company.

TRENTON – Senator Barbara Buono, Chair of the Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee, released the following statement as the Senate considered S-2009/A-2800, the State’s spending plan for the fiscal year beginning July 1. It received final approval 23-16.

            “This budget makes progress toward rebuilding the public’s trust in their elected representatives.

Governor's spending plan assures higher taxes, fees and tolls

SCHAER RESPONSE TO CORZINE BUDGET PROPOSAL
Assemblyman Calls for Responsible Fiscal Discipline

    (TRENTON) - Assemblyman Gary Schaer, Vice Chairman of the Assembly Budget Committee, today said Governor Corzine's budget proposal reflects the difficult reality the state faces.

ASSEMBLY PASSES FY2008 STATE BUDGET

$33.5 Billion Fiscal Plan Has No New or Increased Taxes or Fees,
Includes Significant Business Tax Cuts, Record Levels of Property Tax Relief

(TRENTON) - The Assembly today passed a balanced $33.5 billion fiscal year 2008 state budget that avoids any new or increased taxes and that provides historic levels of property tax relief and tax cuts for businesses and financially at-risk working families.

The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee today unaminously signed off on a plan sponsored by Senator Barbara Buono that would ask the voters if they want to dedicate 1 percent of the 7 percent sales tax to property tax relief.