(4th LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT) – Assemblyman Paul Moriarty (D-Gloucester/Camden) released the following statement Tuesday on Gov. Chris Christie failing to fully fund the Senior Freeze property tax relief program, despite what he told senior citizens during an April 20 teleconference:
“On April 20, Gov. Christie told seniors that he’s maintained the Senior Freeze ‘as fully funded during the time I’ve been Governor.’
“But their tax bills tell the real truth.
“The Senior Freeze program is supposed to cover property tax increases for eligible senior citizens and residents with disabilities, but the governor prohibited newly eligible seniors and residents with disabilities from entering the program last year. Plus, those already in the program didn’t receive any increase to account for last year’s Christie property tax hike.
“The governor is trying to do the same thing with senior and disabled citizens this year.
“So, two years worth of eligible residents will be frozen out and those in the program will have no help with Christie’s property tax increases.
“It’s amazing how this governor continually looks to put the heaviest burden on those who can least afford it, especially our senior and disabled citizens. The governor needs to rethink his priorities and understand that senior and disabled New Jerseyans cannot afford another round of Christie property tax hikes.
“And the governor also must tell seniors the truth about his cuts to the Senior Freeze program.”