Here's What An Endorsement Should Look Like: NJ Newsroom Endorses Buono For Governor

Here is what a well reasoned and thought out endorsement should look and sound like.There's nothing back-handed, convoluted or contradictory about it! If you're sitting on the fence trying to decide whether to vote or not or for whom to vote for, this is an endorsement that you should read before voting on November 5th, this Tuesday.

After polling its writers, the internet based New Jersey Newsroom issued it's endorsement of State Senator Barbara Buono over Chris Christie for NJ Governor on Friday.

From New Jersey Newroom:

At a time when New Jersey has been unable to deal effectively with major issues, NewJerseyNewsroom.com urges a vote for a better future with Barbara Buono.

Our contributors decide collectively whether to make political endorsements, and those have been few, far between and far from unanimous. This year,there is a significant margain, with 64 percent for Buono, 32 percent for incumbent Chris Christie and 4 percent for Libertarian Kenneth Kaplan.

On jobs, property taxes, transportation, women’s health, education, rebuilding from Hurricane Sandy and preparing for future disasters, Buono recognizes the challenges, understands the concerns of average citizens and is ready to go to work.

We are encouraged by Buono’s emphasis on stimulating the economy, helping people keep their homes, speeding reconstruction and restoring and expanding transportation infrastructure. As a small business, we are hopeful that she will follow through with tax and fiscal policies that focus on the real job creators.

New Jersey continues to have the highest property taxes in the nation, and that burden is rising rapidly. Despite the incumbent’s good intentions, the so-called 2 percent cap on municipal and school tax-supported spending is full of holes.

And while local governments may need tough love to cut costs, Christie has burdened them with his own budgeting problems. In particular, his cutback of homestead rebates directly increased our property tax burden.

Buono is smart enough to recognize the importance of bringing property taxes under control, and refreshingly frank enough to tell voters that it will be a gradual process. We are ready to see her start.

Anyone without an ax to grind on education policy agrees that early childhood education is key to student achievement, and Buono favors more. She can also understand data well enough to know that when the state school aid formula has been fully funded, districts like Newark showed noticeable improvement.

We are concerned, though, that like other Democrats, Buono expects to pay for everything with higher marginal tax rates on income over $1 million. The “millionaires tax” would bring in the revenue Christie’s budgets always lack, but that would only go so far. The state still needs to get its fiscal house in order.

Even some of us who do not support Christie have found him entertaining, and at times useful. But most are disappointed that his accomplishments have not matched his rhetoric.

In particular, the last four years have been a gubernatorial “lost term” for jobs and the economy in New Jersey. Our unemployment rate is eighth worst among the 50 states, tied with Tennessee and Mississippi.

Since January 2009, when Christie took office. New Jersey has added 9,000 employed people, and 54,000 unemployed. The Governor’s “job creation” ranks 44th in the country.

Average home prices are down 6.7 percent, although property taxes continue their sharp rise. Mortgage delinquencies are up, but Christie waylaid federal aid intended to help people keep their homes.

Residents of storm-devastated communities served as useful props for Christie and other politicians. Since then, his Administration has taken some helpful measures, such as pushing for protective dunes and bit of state money on top of federal aid, such as $17.3 million in loans and incentives last week for affordable housing in areas blasted by Sandy.

But a Monmouth University poll found 75 percent of those hard-hit by Sandy feel they have been largely forgotten. Only 25 percent believe the state’s efforts are focused on helping them.

While climate change remains “esoteric” to the Governor, its impacts on New Jersey are not. While he is off running for president, our state may well be weaker than the next storm.

Christie did succeed brilliantly in getting legislative Democrats to role back overly generous public pensions, which needed to be done, while demonizing police officers and teachers, which was juvenile.

Christie signaled Wall Street to pay no attention to the “reform” part of his “education reform” by appointing Christopher Cerf as education commissioner. The new appointee could then approve the changes to Newark schools proposed in a secret report by a firm run from his home. That was an actual conflict of interest, not just a perceived one.

We understand why poorly served communities look to charter schools as a possible alternative. But we are skeptical of the funds being funneled to a closed-door network of interconnected back-room firms. Real educational reforms would differ from political “Education Reform,” the Tammany Hall of Consultants.

Buono’s choice for lieutenant governor, Milly Silva does lack experience as a politician. More worrisome to bosses of both parties, as a leader of the Service Employees International Union, she is a throwback to the days when the Democratic Party represented working people instead of investment banks and hedge funds.

The point may be moot, though, for the current occupant of the office’s lone accomplishment is demonstrating that New Jersey could cut its budget harmlessly by eliminating the Office of Lieutenant Governor.

Increasingly, Chris Christie is restless in Trenton. He prefers hobnobbing with celebrities and glad-handing Republican voters in other states. So let’s give him what he wants, and give New Jersey what it needs, a new direction with Barbara Buono.

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NewJerseyNewsroom.com is a cooperative newsroom of more than 200 independent journalists and contributors. It was formed in 2008 when the state’s traditional media starting reducing the size of their staffs

Christie's State of the State Address: A Bunch of Misleading Statistics

This Commentary appears online at the New Jersey Newsroom


By Senate President Steve Sweeney

Governor Christie’s State-of-the-State was long on rhetoric, but short on ideas. It reminded me of that old Wendy’s commercial: “Where’s The Beef?” The governor had a unique opportunity to map out a version for New Jersey moving forward. He failed badly to do so, and as a result, people in New Jersey are no more certain now than they were before of what the future holds.

The governor spent most of his speech discussing the heroic efforts and actions of our first responders and everyday residents during Sandy. Naturally, we all share his pride in our fellow New Jerseyans. But what they need is more than a pat on the back: they need specific answers on how they can move forward with their lives. People in Sayreville need to know what is going to happen to their homes, which were completely destroyed, yet they still have to pay their mortgage and property taxes.

Folks in Moonachie need to know what is going to happen to the municipal infrastructure in town, which was washed away by flood waters.

Most importantly, what the governor failed to do was present the true state of the state in New Jersey. He gave a bunch of misleading statistics meant to show everyone that the sun is shining in our state, when it is actually raining. The reality of New Jersey is that we face serious problems that this governor has ignored and will continue to ignore. Middle class families, women and the working poor have gotten the short end of the stick under this administration. The governor’s speech gave no indication this is going to change anytime soon.

The governor not-so-conveniently left out several facts in his speech that you are not likely to hear him discuss anytime soon. The state’s unemployment rate is 9.6%, nearly two points above the national average and among the highest it has been in 35 years. But a better indicator of how poorly this governor is doing on the economy is that our neighboring states are all doing substantially better than New Jersey, and we have the fourth highest unemployment rate in the country.

You won’t be hearing the governor talk about the fact that the middle class in New Jersey has shrunk by 3%, or that the wealth gap in New Jersey between the rich and the poor is the largest it has been since the Great Depression. The rate of growth in personal income in New Jersey has dropped, and we now rank 45th in the nation in that area. Our poverty rate has increased to 11.4% of the population, a figure that has gone up every year under this governor.

You probably also won’t hear the governor talk about the 7% of all New Jersey homeowners who are currently in the foreclosure process, a figure representing more than 100,000 people. After the federal government awarded the state $300 million to help keep these people in their homes, the administration essentially sat on the money, using only 10% of the funds to help just 750 homeowners. While they sat on those funds, people in New Jersey lost their homes.

It also bears noting that Governor Christie ran for office on a platform of improving New Jersey’s economy. In fact, he specifically attacked then-Governor Corzine by saying, “I don't know how when unemployment continues to go up that you can say that's a success.” Yet, as New Jersey’s unemployment rate continued to skyrocket during 2012, the governor acted as if all was well in the Garden State, using the same rhetoric he attacked his opponent for.

What is perhaps most disturbing though is that after three years in office, this governor has failed to produce a single comprehensive plan to create jobs and grow the economy in New Jersey. When we presented him with a package of over 30 bipartisan bills, he vetoed nearly all of them. Instead of presenting his own plan, he simply ignored the issue, and has continued to ignore it to this day.

The bottom line is that the governor has willfully ignored working people in this state for three years: their problems are not, and have never been, his problems. His State-of-the-State address did nothing to change that. The people of New Jersey deserve a leader who is willing to look behind the numbers, like the unemployment rate, and recognize that they are not just numbers – they are people.

Voting machine problems force Middletown, N.J. to use the paper ballot

Nothing like getting your name mentioned ....


by Andrew Lagomarsino - newjerseynewsroom.com 

MIDDLETOWN, N.J. - You can call me Nervous Nellie, but I was always leary and afraid of the computerized vote. Afraid that it might vanish without getting counted.
Well, I got my wish today.

The voting machines in Middletown, N.J., went a bit haywire at my polling place and paper ballots were the norm.

I sensed that this Election Day would be different because New Jersey scrambled to relocate scores of polling places that had become unusable because of power failures, flooding or evacuations.

So I walk into my regular polling location, Thorne Middle School in Port Monmouth, and was given an envelope in which to place a paper ballot that would be hand-counted.

I had to borrow a pen from a voting supervisor, and then proceeded to sit at a table and fill out the ballot. I made sure I was neat as I colored in all the circles for all the candidates I was voting for. Last time I voted like this, I believe, was for class president in high school.
But it got the job done.

"I have been at the Thorne polling location since 6 a.m. this morning acting as a Democratic challenger and to say that there are issues at the polls may be an understatement,” said Mike Morris.

“This voting location at Thorne represents 15 percent of Middletown voting districts (Districts 7,15,17, 26, 27,37 and 46) and I am now hearing about similar issues at most all the Middletown polling places.”

Middletown Township, according to the 2010 U.S. Census, has a total population of 66,522, making it New Jersey’s 16th largest municipality.

For some reason, the voting machines went a bit whacky when one voted on the two ballot questions regarding the higher education bond and judges benefits.

“The machines would register if you voted “yes” on both questions or “no” for each…but if you split and divided your vote, the voting machine had a problem,” added Morris.
Oh, the marvels of modern technology.

“I think it will be a very long night,” Morris deadpanned.

Affordable Care Act, Health Insurance Reform, Works As It Approaches 2nd Anniversary

I wrote the following article appearing today over at NewJerseyNewsroom.com:

March 23rd marks the second anniversary of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and while many on the “right” attack its passage as being an attempt to “socialize” America’s health care system and an affront to their personal freedom of choice to decide what’s best for them, it is important to remember what it will mean to millions of seniors, children, small business owners and the rest of us if the Affordable Care Act law is watered down or abolished.

 For seniors, the ACA has meant that they will not have to worry about falling back into the prescription drug “donut hole.” It means keeping seniors healthy by giving them preventive care without a co-pay or a deductible. And it means that 32.5 million seniors received one or more free preventive care services, including an annual wellness visit. Screenings for bone density, diabetes and certain cancers were part of these wellness visits. All of which means that health problems can be detected and treated sooner.

 For children, the ACA ends some of the worst insurance company abuses, such as denying children care because of a pre-existing condition. As many as 17 million children under the age of 18 have some type of pre-existing condition. It eliminates cost-sharing for preventive health services and requires insurers to cover, at no cost, comprehensive screenings and preventative care for children as defined by the “Bright Futures” standards issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics, including well-child visits. The ACA also extends funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) through September 30, 2015. Without the Affordable Care Act, many states would have cut funding to this program that provides critical services to children.

For small business owners, the ACA lowers health costs for small businesses by allowing them to band together in health exchanges that will be created in each state. This will allow small business owners to receive the same rates as large companies, saving them on average 18 percent on premiums. The ACA also lowers the cost of providing health care by providing tax breaks to small businesses. Currently, 4 million small businesses have access to tax credits to help with the cost of health premiums. This in turn means that small businesses now have an opportunity to offer their employees coverage, and they do not have to put the costs of providing health care over hiring more workers.

As for the rest of us the benefits provided by the Affordable Health Care Act may not be as obvious but they are no less significant. Individuals no longer need to feel “job locked” because of fears of losing health coverage due preexisting health conditions of themselves or loved ones. They will have access to quality care regardless, giving them the freedom and security to pursue any job that they may want, which in turn will help boost our economy. And beginning next year, the ACA will bar insurers from establishing lifetime coverage limits on the dollar value of coverage. In other words, if you have a catastrophic health event, insurance companies cannot cap payouts leaving individuals without coverage.

 Furthermore, the ACA has provided the government with the necessary tools to crack down on the waste, fraud and abuse of Medicare and Medicaid. In the past two years the government has recovered over $8 billion through fraud prevention and enforcement that has helped offset the cost of these programs for the American public.

 The Affordable Care Act works. Today millions of Americans have access to affordable health cover that they did not have access to before. It must be protected from those that wish to play political games that will take away all the benefits that so many are currently receiving as a result of it.

Hypocrite Handlin Is Wrong On "Right-To-Work"

Republican Assemblywoman Amy "the Hypocrite" Handlin (LD13), has a guest column appearing in print and online in this weeks edition of the Independent, in which she states that she will be introducing a bill that will essentially strip all workers of their right to collective bargaining.

This guest column of her's first appeared online at newjerseynewsroom.com back on May 31st and does not seem to have been updated since.

Since the first publication of Handlin's column appeared over at the newsroom, I would be remised if I didn't point out that her proposed legislation, which just so happened to be co-sponsored by her running mate in this years election Declan O'Scanlon, was dead on arrival. Good reporting and follow-up to Handlin's commentary piece was done by Newjerseynewsroom reporter Tom Hester Jr.

In his follow-up which appeared July 8th, Hester spoke to NJ Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver and is quoted as stating:

“This legislation is dead on arrival. It’s that simple. Dead on arrival.

Radical conservative ideology such as this has no place in New Jersey. This type of move may play elsewhere, but, quite simply, this anti-worker bill will never see the light of day.

Not only is this legislation an atrocious assault on worker rights, but it’s terrible economic policy, it would set back any chance we have under Gov. Christie of a strong recovery."...

“Democrats and Republicans can work together for the common good and when appropriate to improve our economy and protect worker benefits, but this wage-cutting, anti-business bill is a line in the sand that cannot be crossed,”

Hester also quoted New Jersey AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech who stated, “The deceptively named “right to work” policy is currently law in 22 states and is considered one of the most anti-union policies in the nation,” about Handlin and O'Scanlan's proposed bill (A-4223).

So what is the purpose of having this old and out of date commentary printed in the Independent other than to mislead and misinform readers of her district, many of whom are hard working members of unions in both public and private unions? It is obviously a play at gaining support from the more conservative residents in the district and members of the TEA Party, who feel that she is out of touch and a "do-nothing".

If this legislation ever where to be signed into law here in New Jersey it would undermined the livelihoods of not only union members, but all workers, white collared as well as blue collared.

Wages would remain stagnant and pension and health benefits would slowly dwindle away anytime a employer was concerned that his bottom-line was no longer big enough to support his mansion or yacht club membership.

Below are a few reader responses to Handlin's commentary posted on the NewJerseyNewsroom, it seems that they also have a problem with her proposed and non existent, dead on arrival typically hypocritical legislation that is meant to pander instead of providing serious answers to her district's problems:

"Right to Work"is a misnomer. It's really the opportunity for any company to pay any employee any amount the company wants. Just what we need: more people earning less than a living wage and without any access to health care other than visits to the emergency rooms. So good for NJ! The assemblywoman cannot be so naive that she believes employers would care about safe working conditions. After all, money spent on safe working conditions would be better off lining the pockets of the wealthy. And, by law, union dues cannot be used for political purposes. Members must choose to donate into a separate fund. Now, if members are too scared to tell the union bosses they won't donate, shame on the members. (Sarah H)

"Unions need a balance" - For the most part I agree with Ms. Handlin. I don't think it's an all or nothing deal though, unions are good things to have in otherwise unsustainably-low paying situations, but for professionals it makes less sense. Let the legislation you craft not try to swing the pendulum so far that it undermines the good side of unions, or it will surely fail.
( Ashley_)

" Handlin comments" - According to Handlin:“Right to Work would also quicken New Jersey’s economic revival. Right-to-Work states had 497,000 new businesses from 1993 to 2009, compared with 340,000 in forced union states, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recently cited by the Wall Street Journal. That’s remarkable because just 40 percent of American workers live in Right-to-Work states."

It's hard to believe so many people fall for statements like this of Handlin's, and support radical legislation like this. The truth is, what's really remarkable is that ALL of the businesses she cites to being created from 1993 to 2009 weren't created in Right-to-Work states...after all, in their pursuit of profits, businesses will do anything to keep the costs of labor down. Why is all the greatest economic growth now going on in China, India, etc? Because people will work 16 hour days for $12. Handlin sees that success spreading to the south, and now wants to bring it here to NJ. If it's been so great for those 22 states, why is our per-capita income and standard of living so much higher here?

Thanks but no thanks, Amy Handlin, you're just a rich legislator who wants to be even richer like all the others in your party. Some of us can still see right through all your party's BS. (Richard W)

Is New Jersey Playing Games with Fracking Ban?

The following commentary from Dennis Anderson, Chair of the Jersey Shore (Monmouth) Group of the Sierra Club and Joellen Lundy, President of N.J. Friends of Clearwater appears on the website Newjerseynewsroom.com as well as a few other sites.

I post it here because the subject of hydraulic fracturing(fracking) shale in order to release natural gas deposits that were unattainable before the process was developed, has become a very big issue. The chemicals that are used in the process have polluted ground water and surrounding lands with hazardous and carcinogenic residues, guest blogger Linda Baum posted a column about fracking and it's dangers here back in April.

Since then a number of articles on the subject, both Pro and Con, have been making there way into the media.

Legislation banning Fracking in NJ, is sitting on Governor Christie's desk waiting for his signature. Why he hasn't signed it yet is anyone's guess.

NJ is the most densely populated state in the nation and our natural resources will be placed at risk if franking is allowed to continue without the proper safety constraints in place to ensure that drinking water, wildlife and the general population are not placed risk:

Opponents of the environmentally damaging practice now sweeping the country of hydrofracking shale deposits for natural gas were delighted last week when the N.J. Legislature voted to ban the practice. The vote, 33 to 1 in the Senate and 51 to 11 in the Assembly, showed such a rare bi-partisan agreement so absent in today’s political discourse that many environmentalists hoped New Jersey’s politicians finally recognized that solving the state’s pollution problems transcends partisan bickering.

We hope this is the case, but we’re not sure. Gov. Christie, who has become increasingly hostile to the state’s environmental problems, has yet to sign the bill. If he does, it will be a watershed event. But will he? Sen. Joseph M. Kyrollis Jr. did not vote on the bill but offered an amendment — rejected by the Senate — to ban hydrofracking for five years. But why would Kyrollis delay hydrofracking?

There is growing public anger over hydrofracking, which requires enormous amounts of water and a number of toxic chemicals that the frackers are not required by law to report. Vice President Dick Cheney accomplished this dodge while in office. These undisclosed chemicals pollute both underground and surface water supplies. This debacle is very hard for politicians to support, so we may be seeing a “pretend” vote where pro-development politicians duck citizens’ ire by voting against hydrofracking, knowing that the governor will use his veto power to avoid an out-right ban and force environmentally responsible politicians to accept Kyrollis’ “compromise” that opens the door in five years.

The state of New Jersey deserves better. Until hydrofracking is absolutely safe, it must be banned. The first step would be to require complete disclosure of the chemicals they plan on indirectly pumping into our water supply.

N.J. Republicans look to restore $7.5 million for women's health care; Action comes after they opposed two Democratic bills to do the same

Now that it's coming down to crunch-time with the state budget and the entire state assembly is up for re-election this year, 13 republicans have decided to join the Democratic bandwagon and support women's heath issues by looking to restore $7.5 million to the budget that Governor Christie decided wasn't necessary.

These Republicans, lead by Assemblyman Domenick DiCicco (R-Camden), have opposed this measure for the better part of 18 months and are only now joining forces with the Democrats because polling has shown that Governor Christie’s job rating has plummeted among women and they are now vulnerable on the issue.

It's a classic example of flip-flopping on an issue in order to secure votes in an election year, on an issue that is extremely important to many of their constituents. But I wonder how hard they will actually fight for women's health funding once the Governor comes down on them?

The following article written by Tom Hester Sr., appeared over on NewJerseyNewsroom.com:

Much to the surprise of Democratic women legislators who have tried for over a year to get Gov. Chris Chirstie to the restore $7.5 million he cut out of the 2010-11 state budget for women’s health care, 13 Republican Assembly members on Friday announced they are sponsoring a resolution to restore the aid to the shaping 2011-12 budget.

Assemblywomen Linda Stender (D-Union) and Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen) responded to the announcement by describing the unexpected Republican action as an 11th hour political ploy designed to pander to the women they have abandoned for the last 18 months.”

As recent as May 19, Christie disapproved of restoring the $7.5 million. In the past year, he vetoed Democratic bills to restore the aid. Republican legislators have supported the governor’s position.

The Republican resolution stresses that no money could be used for so-called family planning. Democratic women legislators insist the money would not go toward funding abortions.

The resolution was announced at the end of a week that featured the release of a Quinnipiac University poll that showed Republican Christie’s job rating has plummeted among women. All 120 seats in the Legislature are up for re-election in November.

Assemblyman Domenick DiCicco (R-Camden), the prime sponsor of the new resolution, said, “Everyone wants to provide healthcare for our neediest women and their children and this resolution will make that possible responsibly and compassionately. This funding is an effective use of our resources to make sure that every dollar we spend is used to treat disease or to keep women and children healthy.”

The resolution would allocate the $6.2 million to federal qualified health centers and $1.3 million for New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection.

No money would be allotted to Planned Parenthood and the resolution would change budget language from “family planning services” to “women and family health services.”

“This is an effective way to actually funding women’s health services without getting lost in political debate,” DiCicco said. “Anyone who is truly concerned about the well-being of New Jersey’s most vulnerable women and children can support this approach.”

When Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen) introduced legislation to restore the $7.5 million on May 19. Michael Drewniak, Christie's press secretary, said of the Democrats' action, "It’s predictable that the majority party in the Legislature, led by Senator Sweeney, can’t resist the urge to open the public’s wallet as soon as a few extra dollars become available. We cannot throw out the sensible budgeting practices we’ve put in place just because of a modest increase in tax revenue."

Continue reading Here

White House says N.J. benefits from proposed tax cuts

I posted the following just for some balance to offset the argument of the previous post.

From Tom Hester Jr. @ NewJerseyNewsroom.com
12/15/10

New Jersey stands to benefit if the House acts quickly on a bipartisan package that extends unemployment benefits and tax cuts, White House officials said Wednesday.

As many 4.7 million New Jerseyans would see more money in their paychecks because of the proposed 2 percent payroll tax cut. If the legislation is not approved, a typical working family faced a tax increase of over $3,000 on Jan. 1.

At least 321,774 New Jerseyans who have been jobless for an extended period would continue to receive jobless benefits under the legislation. If the package is not approved, the jobless benefits would end in the weeks ahead.

The package also includes an extension of the American Opportunity tax credit, which was used by 281,000 New Jersey families last year to help pay for college tuition.

Additional tax cuts in the legislation that also are geared at middle-class families include the Earned Income Tax Credit, designed to help families to climb out of poverty, and the Child Tax Credit extension, that would make sure families don't see their taxes jump by up to $1,000 for every child.

"This tax cut plan, while not perfect, will help to grow our economy and create jobs in the private sector," President Obama said. "It will help to lift up middle class families, who will no longer need to worry about a New Year's Day tax hike. It will offer emergency relief to help tide folks over until they find another job. And it includes tax cuts to make college more affordable; help parents to provide for their children; and help businesses, large and small, to expand and hire. We worked hard to negotiate an agreement that's a win for middle-class families, and a win for our economy, and we can't afford to let it fall victim to delay and defeat. So, I urge Members of Congress to pass these tax cuts as swiftly as possible."

White House officials described the proposals as responsible, temporary measures designed to support the national economy that will not add costs by the middle of the decade. Obama does not believe it is affordable to make the high-income tax cuts permanent and will continue to make his case for why the administration cannot extend these measures beyond 2012.

The Senate voted 81-19 in favor of the bipartisan tax cut package Wednesday afternoon. It now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Behind Christie’s budget is the largest property tax hike New Jersey has ever seen

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
BY STEVE LONEGAN

Rush Limbaugh is singing the praises of Governor Christie's budget. National pundits talk of "spending cuts." Some enthusiasts have gone as far as starting a "Christie for President" chant.

So many words. But as the big government spin machine rolls on, what is really happening?

Sweep away the bluster and the attitude, and behind it all is the largest property tax hike New Jersey has ever seen.

As was said of Bill Clinton's budget in 1996 — "The era of big government is over — and all the programs are in place." Underneath the hype that cocoons Christie's budget is the fact that it grows state government by more than 6 percent — more than double the proposed 2.5 percent cap on local governments.

Beyond the rhetoric of phantom "spending cuts" is the fact that there are no layoffs in the bloated government payroll that exploded under the direction of Govs. Christie Whitman, James McGreevy and Jon Corzine. Every entitlement program is not just in place, but expanded. Property tax relief to suburban and rural taxpayers is reduced by an astonishing $2.56 billion.

Under Christie, New Jersey's own Cap and Trade program is being implemented. This program not only mirrors, to the word, President Obama's proposal, but places an enormous cost of $70 million on utility ratepayers this year alone.

And that's not the only plank of the Obama agenda in the Christie budget. This budget implements the "public option" — called "family care" — and expands it by an astonishing $107 million, as the Christie administration announces its participation in the Obama "catastrophic pool."

Christie's budget expands entitlement programs as well, with food stamp eligibility expanded to 185 percent of poverty level, up from the traditional 135 percent.

Under this budget, state government grows at three times the rate of inflation. No departments are eliminated. No departments are consolidated. All bureaucrats remain in place and the central planners are in their glory.

Limbaugh, in common with other Christie cheerleaders, claims that the budget cuts spending by $11 billion. These are the infamous "phantom cuts" I spoke of earlier.

Here are the facts: The budget adopted by the Legislature in June of 2009 was $29.8 billion. The Christie budget spends $28.3 billion. Where's the $11 billion cut?

The cut appears to be $1.5 billion, but where does it come from? Some $840 million of the cut comes from property tax relief in the form of school aid to primarily suburban school districts. Another $420 million comes from cuts to municipalities. And $1.3 billion in property tax rebate checks are eliminated.

This all adds up to a massive suburban property tax hike.

Are these real spending cuts — as in cuts that reduce the size and scope of government — or simply a cover story that hides a 6 percent spending increase?

Whatever it is, Limbaugh is buying it. It doesn't matter to him that aid to taxpayers is cut by $2.56 billion, that the budget is down only $1.5 billion, with the other $1 billion being shifted to funding bigger government in Trenton.

State funding for pre-school programs, primarily in what used to be referred to as urban Abbott districts, is at a record $613 million, up from $593 million under Corzine. Christie called this "babysitting" during the election, but under him this "babysitting" is averaging more than $12,000 per child.

It's shocking when you consider that places like Hoboken — with six-figure median incomes — were actually classified as Abbott districts and receive millions in free day care provided by Christie's pre-school program.

Christie's budget sends a record 60 percent of our income tax to these districts. Under Corzine the amount was 54 percent. Christie is doing to the suburbs what Corzine would never have succeeded in doing.

To further burden taxpayers, the runaway debt continues with the state borrowing an additional $500 million in new debt for school construction — primarily in the Abbott districts — without voter approval. The beleaguered State Pension System receives not a cent of the state's required contribution, down from the $160 million budgeted by Corzine in 2009. This is not a cut — this is kicking the can down the road.

In this fragile housing market, homeowners can expect their home values to drop even further as buyers discount purchase prices due to higher taxes. The loss of school and municipal aid will drive up property taxes at a record pace, resulting in a corresponding loss in property values. This means a loss of annual income and a loss of wealth.

At a time when our nation is struggling to recover from a recession, this budget drives a dagger into our economic recovery. I wonder if Rush Limbaugh supports such policies?

Voters should urge their legislators to vote no on the Christie budget. A vote for this budget is a vote for record property tax hikes.

Christie’s latest offensive against teachers may prompt mass exodus of NJ’s best

BY PAT SUMMERS
NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

With a state budget that focuses almost entirely on cutting spending rather than raising revenues, it's no surprise that Governor Chris Christie has targeted publicly funded teachers and education — astutely transferring financial problems from the state to local municipalities.

As proven on April 20, he can persuade a majority of the voting public — a.k.a. the disgruntled property tax-paying public — to defeat school budgets in districts where teachers refused to accept a pay freeze. The incongruity of a governor acting against his own state education system and its students was obscured by the elections results: for the first time since 1976, the majority of New Jersey's school budgets were voted down.

Talk about a "bully pulpit." Or as a letter to the Times of Trenton had it, "in taking money from the needy and giving it to the greedy," Christie is a "reverse Robin Hood." And that's one of the nicest names he's been called lately.

Christie's latest maneuver against teachers is his plan to reduce pension and health benefits. Next month, he'll request the passage of bills (1) requiring those who retire after August 1 to pay more toward health benefits and (2) changing how pension benefits are calculated, resulting in a loss of income.

Obviously, Christie hopes that rather than continue teaching and accept the projected cuts, eligible veteran teachers may opt out this summer. (Those retiring by August 1 will get a free pass.)

Of course, if seasoned, master teachers are forced to retire early for this reason, the schools, and the students, will be the losers — only for starters.

Overall, according to a Star-Ledger analysis, 20 percent of the state's certified teachers are qualified for retirement. Should this happen, the two Mercer County districts probably most in need of excellent veteran teachers — the city of Trenton and the Mercer County Special Services District — could lose the highest number of them. In Trenton, those eligible to retire represent about 31 percent of the total, while the Special Services District virtually tied, at 30 percent.

And it gets worse, both for New Jersey students and fledgling teachers in the faculty room. More than 42 percent of those with doctorates and 25 percent of those with master's degrees would be eligible to retire.

Through this shortsighted approach, the old management axiom, "Trust the veterans," could become obsolete by September. Sure, the ranks may be re-filled with younger teachers inexplicably willing to enter a profession where they're insulted, devalued and threatened. But they'll lack for the "voices of experience" new teachers have traditionally had on staff, and their road to master teacher status becomes much longer.

All that will make a difference very quickly. Everyone in a town loses when school funding is cut. Ultimately, students who are less well-educated can only contribute less to their communities. Possibly less likely to get or hold jobs, they could become additional drains on the already reeling economy.

Not only does Christie dismiss the incalculable value of teacher experience, but he's also treating the state's fiscal problem with woefully outdated — and discredited — management techniques of his own. He's practicing top-down, power-over "Scientific Management" — whereby employees lose dignity and are treated like machines, with money as the incentive.

Our state's fiscal problems are not unique in the country. But Christie's answer — a focus on cutting spending — has put New Jersey into "a small peer group," the New York Times reported last month. Florida, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia are all led by Republicans, a number with national aspirations.

As has been counter-argued on line and on the street, Christie's selective about the groups he asks to sacrifice. He's not calling on doctors, lawyers or bankers; nor is he asking millionaires to do their bit — which would be easy enough through re-enactment of the "millionaire's tax," which he insists won't happen.

Finally, the ranks of those exempt from sacrifice also include the political appointees on Christie's staff. Their salaries reportedly exceed the total for the same group under Governor Corzine.

Health insurance reform: How will it affect YOU this year!

From my friends at Newjerseynewsroom.com:

"Health care reform has been a long time coming - almost 100 years in the making," said U.S. Rep Rush Holt (NJ-12). "Yet, the benefits will be felt immediately, giving families and small businesses control over their health care.

"Small businesses will soon receive tax credits, patients will no longer lose coverage when they get sick, and seniors will have help paying for prescription drugs and have access to free preventive care. And as it turns out, lawyers combing the legislation have failed to find any death panels."

The following are key provisions that take effect within a year:

FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

SMALL BUSINESS TAX CREDITS — Offers tax credits to small businesses to make employee coverage more affordable. Tax credits of up to 35 percent of premiums will be immediately available. Effective beginning for calendar year 2010. (Beginning in 2014, small business tax credits will cover 50 percent of premiums.)

FOR SENIORS

BEGINS TO CLOSE THE MEDICARE PART D DONUT HOLE — Provides a $250 rebate to Medicare beneficiaries who hit the donut hole in 2010. Effective for calendar year 2010. (Beginning in 2011, institutes a 50% discount on brand-name drugs in the donut hole; also completely closes the donut hole by 2020.)

FREE PREVENTIVE CARE UNDER MEDICARE — Eliminates co-payments for preventive services and exempts preventive services from deductibles under the Medicare program. Effective beginning January 1, 2011.

HELP FOR EARLY RETIREES — Creates a temporary re_insurance program (until the Exchanges are available) to help offset the costs of expensive health claims for employers that provide health benefits for retirees age 55-64. Effective 90 days after enactment

FOR THOSE PRIVATELY INSURED

NO DISCRIMINATON AGAINST CHILDREN WITH PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS — Prohibits health plans from denying coverage to children with pre-existing conditions. Effective 6 months after enactment. (Beginning in 2014, this prohibition would apply to adults as well.)

NO RESCISSIONS — Bans health plans from dropping people from coverage when they get sick. Effective 6 months after enactment.

NO LIFETIME LIMITS ON COVERAGE — Prohibits health plans from placing lifetime caps on coverage. Effective 6 months after enactment.

TIGHTLY REGULATES ANNUAL LIMITS ON COVERAGE — Tightly restricts new plans' use of annual limits to ensure access to needed care. These tight restrictions will be defined by HHS. Effective 6 months after enactment. (Beginning in 2014, the use of any annual limits would be prohibited for all plans.)

FREE PREVENTIVE CARE UNDER NEW PLANS — Requires new private plans to cover preventive services with no co-payments and with preventive services being exempt from deductibles. Effective 6 months after enactment.

NEW, INDEPENDENT APPEALS PROCESS FOR NEW PLANS — Ensures consumers in new plans have access to an effective internal and external appeals process to appeal decisions. Effective 6 months after enactment.

MORE FOR YOUR PREMIUM DOLLAR — Requires plans to put more of your premiums into your care, and less into profits, CEO pay, etc. This medical loss ratio requires plans in the individual and small group market to spend 80 percent of premiums on medical services, and plans in the large group market to spend 85 percent. Insurers that don't meet these thresholds must provide rebates to policyholders. Effective on January 1, 2011.

NO DISCRIMINATION BASED ON SALARY — Prohibits new group health plans from establishing any eligibility rules for health care coverage that have the effect of discriminating in favor of higher wage employees. Effective 6 months after enactment.

FOR THOSE UNINSURED

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR THE UNINSURED WITH PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS (INTERIM HIGH-RISK POOL) — Provides immediate access to insurance for Americans who are uninsured because of a pre- existing condition — through a temporary high-risk pool — until the Exchanges up and running in 2014. Effective 90 days after enactment. (Beginning in 2014, health plans are banned from discriminating against all people with pre-existing conditions, so high_risk pools would phase out).

EXTENDING COVERAGE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE UP TO 26TH BIRTHDAY THROUGH PARENTS' INSURANCE — Requires health plans to allow young people up to their 26th birthday to remain on their parents' insurance policy, at the parents' choice. Effective 6 months after enactment.

GENERAL REFORMS

COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS — Increases funding for Community Health Centers to allow for nearly doubling the number of patients served over the next 5 years. Effective beginning in fiscal year 2010.

MORE PRIMARY CARE DOCTORS — Provides new investment in training programs to increase the number of primary care doctors, nurses, and public health professionals. Effective beginning in fiscal year 2010.

HEALTH INSURANCE CONSUMER ASSISTANCE — Provides aid to states to establish offices of health insurance consumer assistance to help consumers file complaints and appeals. Effective beginning in FY 2010.

CREATES NEW, VOLUNTARY, PUBLIC LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE PROGRAM — Creates a long-term care insurance program to be financed by voluntary payroll deductions to provide benefits to adults who become functionally disabled. Effective on January 1, 2011.

MORE REFORMS THAT BEGIN IN 2014 (WHEN EXCHANGES HAVE FORMED)

NO DISCRIMINATION AGAINST ADULTS WITH PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS

BAN ON HIGHER PREMIUMS FOR WOMEN

PREMIUMS BASED ON AGE CAN ONLY VARY BY A MAXIMUM OF 3 -TO -1 RATIO

CAP ON OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES for private health plans.

Women Turn Away From Christie Over Mammogram Issue

NewJerseyNewsroom -

Democracy Corps poll finds Corzine now ahead of Republican challenger by 3 percentage points

With less than four weeks remaining before Election Day, a new Democracy Corps poll made public Thursday gives Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine a 3 percentage point lead over Republican challenger Chris Christie.

Corzine leads 41 percent to Christie's 38 percent with Independent Chris Daggett garnering 14 percent, his highest level yet.

Earlier in the week, another poll showed Corzine with a 1 percentage point lead.

The poll found that a barrage of criticism by Corzine's campaign over Christie's position on insurance coverage for mammograms for women turned potential women voters, especially independent women, against the Republican.

The poll was conducted for Washington-based Democracy Corps by Greenberg Quinlan, Rosner Research. James Carville and Stan Greenberg, who run the non-profit Democracy Corps have worked in the past as Democratic Party strategists.

The poll found Corzine has consolidated the vote among his base, crossing the 80 percent threshold among Democrats and winning for the first time more Democrats that Christie has Republicans.

The poll also found Christie's standing has declined markedly in the last two weeks, with 42 percent now rating the Rep ublican as unfavorable versus 30 percent who rate him favorably. The 12-point favorability decline equals a 10-point decline from two weeks ago.

Corzine is rated favorably by 37 percent of voters and unfavorably by 46 percent.

The poll states, "As he faced a withering assault from Corzine and independent groups over the issue of insurance coverage of mammograms, Christie has lost significant ground with women, especially independent women. He now posts a net favorability rating of -19 with women, down from -7 two weeks ago. Among independent women, the drop is even more pronounced: from -7 two weeks ago to -34 today, with half the independent women giving him an unfavorable rating. This has clearly benefited Corzine in the vote as the governor now leads among women by 14 points, up from 6 points two weeks ago.''

Daggett is identified by 45 percent of voters, an increase of 16 points over the last two weeks, though his overall favorability ratings remain only lukewarm at -4 points, about where he has been since the poll began tracking the race in August.

The poll was conducted Tuesday and Wednesday among 614 likely voters. The margin of error is plus or minus 4 percent.

Commentary:In tough times, schools provide hope; Education is the key to economic recovery

BY BARBARA KESHISHIAN
Newjerseynewsroom.com

Labor Day is behind us, the beaches are nearly empty and school buses are on the road in force. It can only mean one thing: class is back in session for nearly 1.4 million public school students in New Jersey. While I'm sure many of them would have opted for just a little more summer vacation, it is time to get down to the business of learning again. And there is no better place to do that than New Jersey.

This summer brought news that New Jersey's schools are leading the nation in closing the achievement gap. The work isn't done, but we are making significant progress. Just a couple of weeks ago, the New Jersey Department of Education released information showing that 99.7 percent of our teachers are rated Highly Qualified according to federal guidelines, with almost no gap remaining between low-poverty and high-poverty districts. And New Jersey still has the nation's best graduation rate, turning out students who are well prepared for both college and work.

That is the kind of good news we've come to expect from our public schools, but it does not happen by accident. It takes a combination of talented teachers and school employees, hard-working students, involved parents and communities committed to public education. Fortunately, New Jersey has all of those in good supply.
We will need all of that and more as we enter a particularly challenging year. Times are tough here, just as they are across the country. The economy is wearing on all of us, and I'm sure that many students feel that stress and carry some of it with them to school.

Fortunately, school remains a place of hope and possibility. Because of our state's commitment to a thorough and efficient free public education, no child will be turned away from a public school this year because his or her parent lost a job or is struggling to make ends meet. In fact, for many children, school is also a place to get a nutritious meal or two along with an education.

Times like these remind us why public education — true public education — is so critical. It has always been the cornerstone of the American Dream, and the ladder that any child could use to rise above his or her circumstances and secure a better future.

That is why I am so proud to live in a place where that ideal still flourishes. Our current economic crisis has only highlighted the depth of New Jersey's commitment to its students. In a year when billions of dollars were slashed from the state budget, Gov. Corzine and the Legislature protected public schools, and even increased funding. When students returned to school, they found the people and programs in place to help them succeed.

It was an act of political courage to protect schools when so many important programs and priorities were on the chopping block, and it proved that our elected leaders have a long-term vision for New Jersey. Gov. Corzine has often repeated his belief that investing in education is an investment in New Jersey's future economic prosperity. He and the Legislature have backed that up with action.

Barbara Keshishian, a mathematics teacher in New Milford, is the elected president of 200,000 teachers, certificated staff, educational support professionals, and retired members of the New Jersey Education Association.

Number of New Jerseyans without health insurance dropped by 11 percent in 2007-08

The newjerseynewsroom.com published an artilce today detailing how the number of New Jerseyan without health insurance dropped more than 11 percent thanks mainly to the efforts of Governor Corzine and the NJ Health Care Reform Act of 2008, which he signed into law in July.

The NJ FamilyCare Program is a free or low-cost program for income-eligible families. A family of four earning up to $77,175 or 350 percent of the federal poverty level, can qualify to insure their children for about $130 a month in the state and federally funded program.

Below is an excerpt from the Tom Hester's column at the newsroom followed by a video released earlier today by the Governor's office which announced the remarkable drop in the number of uninsured New Jerseyans:

"The number of New Jerseyans without health insurance decreased by more than 11 percent or by 147,000 individuals, the second largest reduction in the nation between 2007 and 2008, Gov. Jon Corzine said Monday.

At the same time, the number of uninsured in the United States rose by 1.5 percent, according to a U.S. Census report on the income, poverty and health insurance coverage nationwide in 2008.

Corzine credited what he described as aggressive initiatives aimed at enrolling the uninsured for the declining New Jersey rate. He also credited the decrease to the landmark New Jersey Health Care Reform Act of 2008 that he signed into law in July, which expanded health insurance eligibility and provided more access to affordable health insurance for children.

"Families cannot build a strong economic future for their children without stable, secure and affordable health insurance and that is what our administration has been working to accomplish," Corzine said.

"In New Jersey, we are setting the national standard to ensure our families have secure and affordable health care and our children have a healthy start in life. We have ramped up our enrollment efforts and worked fervently by expanding NJ FamilyCare to include a child mandate. We said, ‘No,' to the Bush administration when it tried to cut 10,000 kids out of New Jersey's Family Care Program and we have implemented a new Express Lane option to reach and enroll every eligible child. Providing access to affordable health insurance and expanding eligibility has and will continue to be a priority of my Administration."..."

Read more >>> Here

Thanks Governor Corzine!: inVentiv Health expands, moves into new headquarters in Somerset County

Tom Hester, NewJerseyNewsroom.com

More than 500 inVentiv Health employees Wednesday joined business clients and state and local officials in Franklin at the company's new four-story, 154,000-square-foot headquarters to celebrate the firm's decision to remain and attempt to expand in New Jersey.

inVentiv Health, a leading provider of commercialization services to global pharmaceutical and health care industries, recently relocated to new headquarters at 500 Atrium Drive. The location is enabling the company to consolidate several offices in the region.

"inVentiv Health's choice to expand its operations in the Garden State is good news for New Jersey," Gov. Jon Corzine said. "The company's investment here is evidence that even during a global economic recession, this state remains a desirable location for business growth and expansion.''

"Creating and retaining jobs in New Jersey is the major focus of Governor Corzine's comprehensive Economic Growth Strategy," said Jerry Zaro, chief of the Governor's Office of Economic Growth, who attended the event along with Caren S. Franzini, chief executive officer of the state Economic Development Authority. "We applaud inVentiv Health's choice to expand its operations in New Jersey, particularly during this tough economic period as we emerge from a national recession, and we are pleased that some of our state's incentive programs were instrumental in the company's decision to remain in our state."

In support of inVentiv Health's decision to try to grow in New Jersey, the company recently finalized a grant under the state's Business Employment Incentive Program associated with its plans to create 150 new full-time jobs at the location. The company has also been approved for incentives under the state's Business Relocation and Retention Assistance Grant Program for maintaining over 400 jobs in the state.

"inVentiv has been based in New Jersey for the past decade, and we are very pleased to be maintaining our headquarters in the state," said Terry Herring, president of inVentiv Health. "The new building will not only support our continued growth, it also will bring more of our capabilities together under one roof, making it easier for us to share resources and deliver integrated solutions for our clients."

The company currently employs nearly 550 people in New Jersey, including almost 100 temporary workers. It plans to move approximately 50 jobs from Pennsylvania to New Jersey before the end of the year. The new headquarters has enabled inVentiv Health to consolidate operations previously centered in Franklin, Somerville and Newtown, Pa.

The company had considered expanding its Newtown facilities before deciding to secure its future in New Jersey.

inVentiv Health supports over 350 client organizations globally, including all top 20 global pharmaceutical companies as well as emerging and specialty biotech leaders.

1,660 Jobs Coming Back to New Jersey

Lost during this holiday weekend was news about how new jobs are being created in the State,both the New York Times and the New Jersey Newsroom published stories about it on Friday. Here is what both reported:

The New York Times - New Jersey Wins 1,600 Financial Jobs

The fierce tug of war between New York and New Jersey over 2,300 financial jobs in Lower Manhattan is just about over.

New Jersey has come out ahead, winning most of the jobs, said government officials and real estate executives. But New York keeps the headquarters.

The Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation, a critical part of Wall Street’s financial machinery, had threatened early this year to move its entire operation to New Jersey, enticed by lower costs and a subsidy package worth well over $70 million.

Then followed nine months of wooing and pleading by top officials on both sides of the Hudson River, including Gov. Jon S. Corzine of New Jersey.

Now, Depository Trust appears to have reached a decision to keep its headquarters and roughly 700 employees at its current home at 55 Water Street, according to the officials and executives, who declined to be identified because the company has not formally announced its decision.

Most of its work force, however, will move to the Newport office complex on the Jersey City waterfront.

Read more >>> Here

New Jersey Newsroom - New Jersey support brings EvaTees and 60 new jobs to the state.

New Jersey and local officials Thursday toured Eva Tees Inc. a company that moved to Piscataway in March with 60 new jobs.

Eva Tees, a wholesale distributor of clothing and other merchandise, was awarded a Business Employment Incentive Program (BEIP) grant from the state Economic Development Authority (EDA). The move also included a capital investment of over $17.9 million.

"Attracting jobs and encouraging private investment is critical to ensuring New Jersey emerges from the national economic recession," Gov. Jon Corzine said. " We've taken measures to encourage business growth during these challenging economic times and Eva Tee's decision to make New Jersey its home is great news."

Eva Tees was originally established by Mayer Neuhoff in 1950 as Eva Hosiery and Underwear Company. In 1974, Neuhoff's son joined the company and expanded the business to include imprintable active wear. Over three decades later, the company continues to grow and is now run by the third generation of the Neuhoff family.

Eva Tees offers a full line of active wear, corporate casual wear and accessories. Its product line includes styles from popular manufacturers like Hanes, Bill Blass, Izod, Fruit of the Loom, Gildan, Jerzees and Van Heusen. The state grant, which will amount to an estimated $153,900 over 10 years based on 57 new jobs, was a major incentive for Eva Tees to consolidate three sites in New York and establish a larger site in Piscataway.

Read more >>> Here

Corzine wants to streamline creation of new charter schools

Keeping in the spirit of "back to school", the following article published yesterday at the New Jersey Newsroom.

The number of charter schools in the state and the students that participate in the has seen significant growth 2006 and the Governor announced that As a result, he is recommending to the state Board of Education that a new process be adopted to expedite charter approvals. He said an expedited process would cut the approval process time from 18 months to about 11 months, allowing more charter schools to open within a shorter time frame:

Gov. Jon Corzine Wednesday announced significant growth in both the number of New Jersey charter schools and the number of students.

Since 2006, the number of charter schools has increased by 34 percent while student enrollment rose almost 55 percent, the governor said in Paterson.

As a result, Corzine said he is recommending to the state Board of Education that a new process be adopted to expedite charter approvals. He said an expedited process would cut the approval process time from 18 months to about 11 months, allowing more charter schools to open within a shorter time frame.

"Community Charter School in Paterson mirrors the growth that is occurring at charter school throughout the state," Corzine said during a visit to the school. "I am proud of the work that is occurring at charter schools in New Jersey, as well as the work ongoing in many of our traditional public schools. Both our traditional public schools and our charter schools are preparing our students with the skills they will need to compete in the ever-evolving global economy and to secure a brighter economic future."

Corzine's action comes as a rival for the governor's post, Republican Chris Christie campaigns that he would allow for the opening of more charter schools and provide parents a choice on where to have their children educated.

Currently, there are 68 charter schools operating in the state. Six of these will open for the first time this month. Approximately 14,496 students attended charter schools in 2006. That number is projected to increase to more than 22,000 by October.

The Community Charter School opened last September. It was founded by the New Jersey Community Development Corporation and provides education for 350 kindergarten through third grade students. This year, the school has expanded to fourth grade and will serve 450 students.

"New Jersey is fortunate to have a number of charter schools that have been providing high-quality educational programs to children for nearly a decade," state Education Commissioner Lucille E. Davy said. "New Jersey should welcome people with a track record of success who want to open additional charter schools by providing an early decision process. The proposed application procedures will recognize the effective work of proven charter school operators but still give additional time to applicants who are new to the process."

Charter schools are public schools operated by a charter granted by the Department of Education. A charter school is open to all students on a space-available basis with preference being given to students who live nearby. All classroom teachers and professional support staff must hold appropriate state certification.

Read more >>> Here

Gov. Corzine: Children only get one shot at being a child — one chance at a quality education

As my two boys get ready to for their first day of school today, I thought that the following piece written by Gov. Corzine would be of interest to some of you.

This commentary appeared at the NewJerseyNews Room:

Next to fixing the economy, nothing has been more important to me during my four years in office than educating our children. As we faced a global recession in a year of declining revenues, our funding for education increased because I believe we have an obligation to provide adequate funding for public education.

The reason is simple. Children only get one shot at being a child — one chance at a quality education.

An investment in education is an investment in the economic well-being of New Jersey. Companies come to New Jersey or remain in the state if there is a well-educated workforce that can meet the company's needs. For years, this state has had a reputation for having such a workforce. By spending wisely on education, that tradition will continue.

That is why I have refused to cut state aid to education. Across the board, communities in this state saw their state education aid go up or remain level this year — a remarkable accomplishment given the economic downturn the state faced.

Since I became Governor, state aid to education has gone up $1.8 billion including federal funds. From preschoolers to college students, we have worked to protect children and to ensure we are continuing to deliver a world class education.

Let's talk about preschool. Chris Christie has called it government sponsored "babysitting." His statements suggest he has not paid attention to the research. The evidence shows that disadvantage kids often arrive at school two or three years behind their peers because they have not been exposed to the kind of early learning experiences that enrich a child's life and prepare him or her for kindergarten. We are seeking to reverse that trend by providing preschool to all at-risk students and by expanding full day kindergarten. When school starts this September, more than 51,000 children will be enrolled in preschool statewide. No other state in the nation has invested more in preschool than we have here in New Jersey.

Five years into this effort, it is clear we are laying a foundation that will give these children a chance to excel as they continue in school. Just this year, a new study on the effects of preschool found that children who attended high-quality preschool programs outperformed their peers in first and second grades. In short, our efforts are paying off.

In the world in which we live today, we cannot wait until children are 5 years old to begin to expose them to learning. If we are going to compete in the global economy, children have to start early. So even though we faced tremendous stress on our budget, I was committed to funding preschool in communities where it has already started. In fact, we increased funding for preschool by almost $50 million, largely in the former Abbott districts. And, we are now spending nearly $600 million on preschool in New Jersey.

We are able to achieve some of this because of support from the federal government. Like Governor Sarah Palin and other Republicans, Chris Christie would have turned down billions in federal educational funds. That's just plain irresponsible.

Read more >>> Here

As School Year Begins, A Record Number Of New Jersey Children Enrolled In Pre-School

My wife and I's all time favorite television commericial is the Staples back to school ad. It's the one where the kids look miserable but the dad is floating around the store, in apparent bliss as crooner Andy Williams sings in the background " It's the most wonderful time of the year".

We love it so much because for a parent, who has had to deal with kids all summer saying that they are bored and have nothing to, back to school time for us really is the most wonderful time of the year.

Back to school time will also be a wonderful time for the tens of thousands of parents who have kids enrolled in pre-school programs through out the state. Thanks to the Corzine administration, a record number of children, 51,100, our now enrolled in the state's pre-school program.

How important is pre-school to a childs later success in school? A recent study on the effects of pre-school found that children who attended the Abbott pre-school education program outperformed their peers in first and second grades, and children who had two years of pre-school rather than just one had double the advantages.

So, it really is a happy and wonderful time of year for the parents of these kids. Getting them off to an early start on education is a sure way to make sure that they succeed later as they progress through higher levels of schooling.

You can read more about this >>> here from Tom Hester at the newjerseynewsroom.

Monmouth County Town Hall Meetings Not For Faint Of Heart

Congressmen Pallone and Holt take on raucous crowds over health care reform

If you would like to read my take on the recent Rush Holt Town Hall Meeting in Middeltown you can read what I have to say about it at the New Jersey News Room, here's a sample:

All across the country this summer, members of congress have been holding town hall meetings in their respective districts to discuss health care reform. These meetings have been widely reported as being loud, raucous, boisterous and at times downright obscene. Often hecklers and rowdy misinformed attendees have been rude and disrespectful of others' opinions and have taken over the proceedings.

Frank Pallone (D-NJ6) and Rush Holt (D-NJ12), two members of congress that represent constituents in Monmouth County, were no exception. Each found out first hand just how rowdy and unruly these meeting could be when they held town hall meetings last week.

While I didn't have the opportunity to attend Frank Pallone's town hall meeting in Red Bank on Tuesday night August 25th, I've read a few accounts and have talked to some individuals who were there. They said what went on was a travesty of the political process, where it was all right to express one's First Amendment right of free speech as long as you yelled, shouted or screamed out in opposition to socialism, illegal immigration and abortion, as well as health care reform — the purpose of the town hall meeting itself...

Read more >>>> Here