GOP pushes for N.J. tax cut Dems say state can’t afford

Minority leaders in the New Jersey Assembly are urging Democrats who control the Legislature to act on measures that will give some relief to taxpayers.

The Republicans are pushing for the Democrats to put a tax cut bill up for a vote.

Assembly minority leader Jon Bramnick rejects Democrats’ arguments that the state doesn’t have the money to cut taxes.

“There’s already set aside in this budget close to $180 million for this purpose,” said Bramnick (R-Union). “We need that bill posted. Let’s have a discussion on the floor. Let’s vote it up and down.”

Waiting for projections

Democratic leaders want to wait to see if state revenues meet Gov. Chris Christie’s projections before they authorize a tax cut.

The Republicans also are calling for a vote on a measure that would eliminate payouts for unused sick and vacation time that they say could have a billion-dollar impact on taxpayers.

“There are current 165 municipalities across this state that are facing nearly $1 billion in accumulated sick and vacation pay liabilities,” said Assemblyman Scott Rumana, R-Passaic.