N.J. Democrats try to reinstate tax credit for homebuyers

Assembly GOP says vote set for Thursday to override Governor Christie’s veto of $15,000 credit is doomed.

Democrats in the New Jersey Assembly intend to try to override Governor Chris Christie’s veto of a bill that would give state tax credits of up to $15,000 to homebuyers.

Previous veto override attempts have fallen flat. And Assembly Republicans say the tax-credit bill, set for a vote on Thursday, will also founder.

The bill, which passed with bipartisan support in the spring, was vetoed in July by Christie who says the state cannot afford to give up the revenue.

Assembly Republican Conference Leader Jon Bramnick, who says no member of his party will support the override attempt, speculates about the Democrats’ motives.

“It keeps them from addressing the real issues,” says Bramnick. “They’re hoping that maybe they can throw some mud up to distract the taxpayers from the governor’s agenda.”

Democrats in the Legislature have failed in previous efforts to override Christie’s veto of funding for family planning and a tax surcharge on millionaires.

Montclair State political science professor Brigid Harrison says the Democrats may be hoping to capitalize on a backlash by some voters who will have to tighten their belts because of Christie’s policies.

“When some voters backlash against that, I think the Democrats want to be waiting in the wings saying we tried but were unsuccessful because of those Republicans in the Legislature,” says Harrison.