CRYAN - MASSACHUSETTS = HIGHER PROPERTY TAX HIKES THAN NEW JERSEY & MONTHLY STREET LIGHT TAXES

From New Jersey Assembly Democrats's Notes -

Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Cryan on Thursday morning noted statistics show Gov. Chris Christie’s proposed property tax cap would lead to higher property tax hikes in New Jersey than the state has seen the last two years.

Under the 4 percent property tax cap implemented by Democrats three years ago, New Jersey property taxes have increased 3.7 percent in 2008 and 3.3 percent in 2009, following years of increases hovering around 7.5 percent.

Christie wants to implement Massachusetts’ 2.5 percent constitutional cap, but according to Real Estate Economy Watch that cap led to a 4.8 percent hike in 2008 and a 5.1 percent increase in 2009.

“Gov. Christie’s slapped-together plan would drive New Jersey backwards in its efforts to control property taxes,” said Cryan (D-Union). “Gov. Christie and facts have never been friends, but the facts clearly show that his plan would lead to higher property taxes for New Jersey than we already have, and no one thinks that’s a good idea.”

The Democratic Legislature has approved a tougher new 2.9 percent statutory cap that builds on the success of the 4 percent cap.

Cryan also noted how the Massachusetts cap has led to, among other things, residents being charged $17 per month to keep street lights on in front of their homes.

“Gov. Christie would have us believe Massachusetts is a tax-free paradise, but under his plan, we might as well put coin slots on the street lights in front of our homes,” Cryan said. “This isn’t hysteria. This is reality, and that reality is that Gov. Christie’s plan is built on rhetoric, not facts.”

Video: Assembly Democrats Respond to Governor Christie's Address to a Joint Session of the Legislature

In this video press release, Assembly Speaker Sheila Y. Oliver (D-Essex) and Assembly members John S. Wisniewski (D-Middlesex), Louis D. Greenwald (D-Camden), Nellie Pou (D-Passaic), Patrick J. Diegnan, Jr. (D-Middlesex) and Pamela R. Lampitt (D-Camden) offer a Democratic response to Governor Chris Christie's address to a joint session of the Legislature.

Video:Roberts, Watson Coleman & Greenwald on Better-Than-Expected Tax Amnesty Revenue Figures

In this video press release, Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts, Jr. (D-Camden), Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Mercer) and Assembly Budget Committee Chairman Louis D. Greenwald (D-Camden) discuss Governor Jon S. Corzine's announcement that the state's tax amnesty program has exceeded revenue projections.

According to numbers from the state Department of Treasury, the program has collected more than $600 million - $400 million over initial projections - and represents the largest single tax amnesty program executed by any state.

The Democratic leaders said they are committed to using the money for property tax relief.

Assembly Democrats Commentary on 2009 Budget Address

Assembly Democrats Commentary on 2009 State-of-the-State Address

In this video press release, various Assembly Democrats offer commentary on Governor Jon S. Corzine's 2009 State-of-the-State address.