Comments on: Corzine’s NJ Budget Proposal: Tax Hikes and Rebates Cut

By: Nate Byrd

Nate Byrd — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:18:36 +0000

Corzine’s proposed budget calls for removing the property tax deduction on income taxes for non-senior households earning over $75,000. As a senior making over $100,000, what would I lose under the budget?

By: Ariel Court

Ariel Court — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 02:39:25 +0000

It amazes me that people are surprised by what Corzine does. This is his MO. And as a state employee, to all the people who find it so easy to talk about cutting our jobs, I hope you have room in your home for my family. Starting in May, I will lose money every month, and now there is property tax deduction for me. You give him a little leeway and he takes a mile. Next year, the taxes will be raised again, I will have three days off every month, and there still won’t be a property tax deduction. Maybe the state tax will go up to 8%.

By: Mack Perry

Mack Perry — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 02:32:17 +0000

I remain amazed at governments inability to realize that raising taxes is not the only way to increase income. How about just not spending as much? What a novel concept.

By: Dan

Dan — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 01:39:12 +0000

I’d like to see what else is NOT being cut form the budget. Are there any programs that need further scrutiny? I may agree with what was proposed on incomes over $500,000, and “sin” taxes (lottery, tobacco, liqueur), but I’m sure there are others ways. What about investments for long term growth? I’d like to see a 5 year plan including investments and spend instead of a 1 year plan that involves mostly Tax areas.

By: myra leib

myra leib — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 22:46:20 +0000

Corzine is trying to cripple the middle class. Anyone earning $75,000 in NJ is barely scraping by. To eliminate that much welcomed rebate is insane. I suggest he a) forgo his salary, b) seriously trim fat in all state departments, c) offer incentives to all those willing to move away from NJ. I will be the first in line.

By: Roxanne

Roxanne — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:49:32 +0000

@Matt: I agree. The consequences could very well be the exact opposite and create an even bigger tax deficit.

@Lisa: A good question, where exactly is all the money going?

@Larry: Energy prices have gone up here the last couple of years already. Bottomline, government needs to cut spending.

By: Denver Larry

Denver Larry — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 20:49:39 +0000

Sounds like the “cost of poker” is going up in New Jersey, big time.

So far, Colorado has only proposed minor tax hikes in the form of higher user fees including fees on big energy. Nobody cares much about that because “they can afford it”. But, consider that such fees get passed along in the form of higher energy prices eventually.

The old saying; You can pay us now or pay us later. Either way, the citizens end up paying the bills for government.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 20:42:45 +0000

This budget is surely going to cause hardships for the people of NJ at a time when the economy needs people to spend in order to recover. I am furious that we will not get any property tax rebate this fall. Nor will we be able to deduct property taxes on our state income taxes next year. The citizens of this state pay the highest property taxes in the nation, and now the Gov wants to do away with the very programs that were to help us in that respect. Remember when the sales tax was raised from 6% to 7% and government officials swore that additional revenue would only go to property tax relief? Well.. where is the money??? And, as the wife of a state employee, I am outraged that he will be furloughed. He is an attorney who works very hard on behalf of victims of crime. He has had a wage freeze already for two years and is looking at another two year freeze (he hasn’t even received cost of living increases), works so much at home on nights and weekends and gets no pay.. and now he will be furloughed?? Because the state can’t balance the budget?? It is time for the citizens of New Jersey to finally stand up and say “enough.” Either that, or we all need to move out of this state. That’s what I think of the budget. It is a crock and an assault on the middle class.

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 19:18:32 +0000

I think removing the tax benefit of interest reduction is a mistake and would deter me from buying a house. I would consider selling my house and renting given the property taxes I currently pay and the interest expense I incur on a yearly basis. The state needs to reconsider the consequences of their actions.