(TRENTON) – Assembly Democrats released the following statements as they heard testimony during Wednesday’s Assembly Budget Committee hearing:
Assembly Budget Chairman Vincent Prieto (D-Hudson/Bergen):
“It’s clearer than ever that Gov. Christie’s budget reflects the wrong priorities for New Jersey’s seniors, middle-class and poor. People struggling under the 20 percent net property tax hike they’ve endured under Gov. Christie. Tax relief is a good thing, but the goal must be on property tax relief and the Assembly Democratic plan for a 20 percent property tax relief credit.”
Assembly Appropriations Chairman John Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland):
“The governor is often praised for his salesmanship, but apparently people aren’t buying his income tax scheme. The senior citizens, middle-class and poor New Jerseyans who have struggled mightily to make ends meet amid the governor’s property tax relief cuts and net 20 percent property tax hike aren’t interested in more tax cuts for the wealthy. They want real property tax relief.”
Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Mercer):
“It’s time for the governor to refocus his priorities on middle-class and lower-income New Jerseyans dealing with the adverse impact of his 20 percent net property tax increase. Over and over again we heard stories of working class residents struggling to make ends meet in Chris Christie’s New Jersey, and it’s time for the governor to put his ambitions aside and recognize the need for property tax relief.”
Assemblyman Albert Coutinho (D-Essex):
“Our cities are struggling with high crime, access to quality health care has been curtailed, unemployment is at 9 percent and property taxes have soared a net 20 percent. The governor needs to join with us to make it a goal to help the middle-class, poor and seniors who have truly had a tough time the last two years. Let’s all understand that when it comes to tax relief, a 20 property tax relief credit needs to be the goal.”
Assemblyman Troy Singleton (D-Burlington):
“The governor’s talk about tax relief is certainly appropriate, but the focus needs to be on relieving the heavy net property tax increases burdening our residents. Working class families and seniors need property tax relief, property tax relief and more property tax relief. Let’s make sure we’re concentrating on the right kind of tax relief for our residents and families.”
Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly (D-Bergen/Passaic):
“Tax relief is a worthy goal we all share, but tax schemes that benefit the rich at the expense of the middle-class and poor are the wrong direction for New Jersey. We need property tax relief for our working families and seniors. We heard that loud and clear today, so let’s put the partisanship aside and go what’s right and focus on property tax relief.”
