State Senator Robert Littell

LITTELL: CUT GOVERNMENT COSTS FIRST
Governor Admits He Will Raise Taxes First On Radio Program

Senator Robert Littell, (R-24), issued the following statement regarding Governor Jon Corzine’s admission that he would probably raise taxes in this years budget.
Senator Robert Littell, (R-24), issued the following statement regarding Governor Jon Corzine’s admission that he would probably raise taxes in this years budget.

“It was disheartening to hear the Governor on last nights ‘Ask the Governor’ program on 101.5 FM admit that he would ‘...probably....’ raise taxes. In addition, the Governor said he would move to implement a more progressive tax structure ‘sooner rather than later,’ which is Democratic code for higher income taxes.

“My colleagues and I believe that we need to closely examine the cost of government and make cuts wherever we can, even if it hurts. In fact, last year the majority party ignored over $450 million in budget cuts that were proposed by the State Auditor. My hope is that Governor Corzine is examining those cuts right now and will include them in the FY 2007 budget.

“I find it amazing that the Governor has backed off his campaign promise to limit financial one shot deals and fiscal trickery, less than a month into his term, in his proposal to refinance the Transportation Trust Fund bonds. Refinancing the TTF bonds will do nothing more than delay the day of reckoning, while saddling our grandchildren with our bills.

Even high ranking Democrats think that the state should cut spending before raising taxes. As outgoing Treasurer John McCormac noted in January ‘New Jersey’s problem is not a revenue problem it’s a spending problem.’�