 Bayonne Mayor Mark Smith traveled to Trenton today to attend Governor Jon Corzine's budget address where the Governor unveiled his $29.8 billion spending plan. The Mayor was invited by Governor Corzine who wanted the state's urban mayors to weigh-in on the plan. Smith said the event was a sobering reality check. He said that, in light of these difficult economic times, the Governor's plan did an admirable job of defending democratic values while cutting state spending to 2006 levels.
"There's pain enough to share in this budget," said Smith. "It is clear that Gov. Corzine left no stone unturned in his quest for budget cuts and savings. To slash $ 4 billion in state spending is no small feat and it is reflective of the serious nature of the current economic crisis."
Smith continued, "The Governor obviously went to great pains to defend education funding, children's healthcare, hospitals and homeland security. This is a budget that defends working class family values."
The new budget includes $25 million for preschool expansion, an increase in direct school aid by $300 million and funding for food banks, hospital charity care and worker retraining. Smith said the Governor rescued our schools from devastating aid cuts.
Corzine has been negotiating with state employee unions for wage givebacks and job furloughs that will go along with his spending cuts. He has also proposed a one year tax increase on people making over $500,000 a year. Spending cuts include reductions in the Homestead Rebate Program and personnel reductions through wage freezes and furloughs. Faced with declining revenues, the governor has to cut expenses while curtailing programs and services.
"In these trying times, I have to commend Governor Corzine for taking a serious, hard line approach at cutting state spending while still maintaining baseline programs which provide the safety net for our seniors, our children and the handicapped and disabled," said Smith. "This is a very tough budget that has pain for everyone but it is a responsible spending plan given the dire fiscal nature of these times."
Smith said the tough choice the Governor had to make are similar to the ones the city administration is considering. "One thing is for sure, the people can't pay any more in taxes," said Smith.
|
Special Announcement
Back To Announcements