Republican lawmaker reacts to Corzine's ideas on ending budget defecit
Wednesday, March 4th, 2009
By: Monica Miller
New Jersey Democratic Governor Jon Corzine's office is floating some ideas about how he plans to plug a 7 billion dollar budget hole. WHYY's Monica Miller looks at reaction from a Republican lawmaker.
Transcript:
Governor Corzine isn't scheduled to give his annual budget address until next Tuesday. However, his administration is giving a preview of some of his proposals that include a 12-day furlough for state workers. Republican Senator Diane Allen says such ideas are premature and the governor should consider cutting patronage jobs, which could save the state roughly $50 to 60 million.
Corzine: "Many of them are high paying. We don't know how many people show up for how long or what they do. But we do know they're patronage and we do know we need to get rid of most of them."
Senator Allen also raises an eyebrow at a five percent surcharge on the taxes paid by residents who make $250,000 or more. The Burlington County lawmaker says it will drive out business owners and much needed jobs.
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