There’s nothing funny about what Chris Christie is doing to our families.

(NEW JERSEY) – Today, One New Jersey released its third television commercial - highlighting the huge disconnect between the Chris Christie yukking it up on talk shows and his real, regressive record in New Jersey.

The spot will run as an additional six-figure, state-wide cable buy for the next few weeks. It is being supplemented by a robust online ad buy. This new commercial is airing concurrently with One New Jersey’s other spots, which have been running on cable, broadcast television and radio for the past month.

It's easy to sell a bill of goods in a five-minute segment with softball questions on an entertainment show, but it's quite another thing to answer for consistently trailing America when it comes to jobs, vetoing women's health funding and vetoing an increase in the minimum wage while protecting a tax cut for millionaires. When you scratch the surface, there's an enormous gulf between Christie's manufactured image and the reality that New Jersey families are hurting under his watch -- because of regressive policies, backwards priorities and wrong decisions.

Under Chris Christie, New Jersey has America's 7th highest unemployment and is the worst state in the region when it comes to joblessness. Property taxes skyrocketed some 20% on Christie's watch, while services are slashed. Fiscal pain has been pushed along to municipalities, while local residents are paying more and receiving less from local government. Commuters are dealing with higher train tickets, bus fares and tolls. Schools are in disrepair, while teachers are disparaged. New Jersey also became home to the 2nd highest percentage of mortgage loans in foreclosure in America, even though rates nationally are falling to their lowest levels since 2008.

TV's Chris Christie is funny. But there's nothing funny about what Republican Governor Chris Christie is doing to our families.

"Gov. Christie seems unwilling to acknowledge that N.J. jobs crisis is real"

This Times of Trenton column by New Jersey Working Families Alliance Director Bill Holland, pointing out Governor Chris Christie's failure to adequately deal with or even acknowledge New Jersey's jobs crisis. Instead, the governor insists on doubling down on the discredited trickle-down policies of the past.

Times of Trenton

By Bill Holland

On Tuesday, Gov. Christie released the fourth and final budget of his term. Legislators and advocates will spend the next weeks poring over the budget to see what’s been funded and what’s been cut. But just as important as what is in the budget is what Christie seems to have left out: a comprehensive plan to deal with the state’s jobs crisis.

Unfortunately, the governor seems unwilling to acknowledge that the jobs crisis is real, much less to offer viable solutions. Instead, he doubled down on what has so far been his only big idea for jobs creation: paying off corporations in the hope that they will someday create jobs. In his budget speech, he touted more cuts for business. His budget summary also includes $2.3 billion in “targeted” tax breaks for corporations – meaning yet more subsidies and tax credits for businesses.

The problem is that these corporate giveaways haven’t been very good at creating jobs. In 2011, Campbell’s Soup took $32.4 million while laying off 130 workers in Camden, one of the poorest cities in America. That same year, the state also awarded $12.3 million to Citigroup to move New York employees to their New Jersey offices. Citigroup took the money and then cut 276 New Jersey jobs in Bergen County two months later. And Christie’s tax break for the developers of Revel Casino has been a spectacular failure. Just last week, the troubled casino announced it’s filing for bankruptcy.

We’ve tried corporate welfare for the last three years and it simply hasn’t worked. While other states are recovering from the 2007 economic crisis, New Jersey seems stuck in a rut. The state’s unemployment rate is the fourth-highest in the nation and it ranks a dismal 47th in economic growth. Pennsylvania has already restored 75 percent of the jobs lost there since the start of the recession. New Jersey has only restored 35 percent. If we stay on the same course, we’re not expected to return to pre-recession employment until 2018.

Worse yet, corporate tax cuts have come at a cost to working families in the form of higher tuition, transit fares, public school fees and property taxes. It’s also led to cuts to pro-employment programs such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, affordable after-school care and funding for our public colleges and universities. Non-partisan think-tank New Jersey Policy Perspective found that without the governor’s budget cuts, our unemployment rate would be down a point or more. Instead, working families are paying more, getting less and looking for jobs that just aren’t there.

Christie has it backward. Instead of buying the wealthy off with ineffective tax breaks and paying for them with budget cuts, he should be asking the wealthy and corporations to pay their fair share so that we can invest in strong, safe communities, a well-trained work force, a quality transit system and the fundamentals we need to make New Jersey a great place to live and do business.

There are better choices available to him. Ending his tax cuts for the richest 1 percent of New Jerseyans could generate more than $1 billion in revenue that could help make college more affordable, keep our streets safe, and invest in transit and green jobs creation. Ending the corporate tax breaks included in this year’s budget could save $540 million more this year and much more in the years to come.

New Jersey can’t afford to double down on trickle-down policies that have failed us so far. We need a real jobs program and a way to pay for it. Legislators should have the courage and vision to fight for both this year.

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Bill Holland is executive director of the New Jersey Working Families Alliance and coordinator of the Better Choices for New Jersey campaign.

2nd Anniversary of Christie Lying About Jobs Relocating from Illinois Inbox x

Hold Christie Accountable

(NEW JERSEY) – Today marks the 2nd anniversary of Governor Chris Christie flying to Chicago and promising to bring jobs to New Jersey from Illinois, following his taxpayer-funded campaign to poach from the Prairie State. As much as Christie tries to use SuperStorm Sandy as a reset button in the public eye, the truth is Christie has a three-year track record of failed policies and failing to make good on promises. Lying about bring jobs to New Jersey from Illinois is just one stunning example in which Christie have never been held accountable.

On February 4th, 2011, Christie took a trip to Chicago which may or may not have been paid for by taxpayer dollars. This came on the heels of a major taxpayer-funded public relations blitz to lure businesses and jobs from Illinois to New Jersey. Christie’s administration spent over $300,000 in taxpayer dollars on glossy magazine advertisements and radio spots starring Christie himself. Newspaper ads ran up and down the state - from the Chicago Tribune to the State Journal-Register of Springfield - encouraging businesses to pick up stakes and relocate to the Garden State.

Christie deemed the trip an immediate success and claimed to have met with some 18 various business leaders. Kraft refused to meet with him, but according to Christie, one of the companies he allegedly met with told him they were "sold" on moving to New Jersey. Yet, two years later, New Jersey has absolutely nothing to show from this taxpayer-funded trip nor has Christie made good on his promise.

Christie’s failures when it comes to jobs is more important now more than ever to remember. Month in and out, New Jersey continues to consistently trail the rest of America when it comes to unemployment. Throughout Christie’s entire time at the helm, New Jersey’s employment rate has never been above 9%. New Jersey unemployment currently hovers near 10%. On the other hand, while Christie bashed Illinois when attempting the poach jobs, latest numbers show Illinois unemployment holding steady at 8.7%, with unemployment dropping in 9 of 12 metro markets.

Today, on this 2nd anniversary of a broken promise that has never been followed-up on - and as Christie yuks it up with David Letterman - we hope the press and pundits will reach out to the governor on this particular issue and ask: “Where are the jobs Christie promised from Illinois?” It is long past time for Christie to be held accountable.

On May 24th, 2012, OneNJ penned on op-ed in The Philadelphia Inquirer asking where the promised jobs are 16 months after they were promised. Click here to read the op-ed.

Two weeks later, OneNJ again asked where the jobs are, when Christie went back to the scene of the lie in Chicago on June 8th, 2012 to rub shoulders with right-wingers at the Conservative Political Action Conference. Again Christie remained silent – apparently more focused on his failed audition to become Romney’s VP candidate and deepen his tea-party contacts.

Christie suffers from a pattern of neglect when it comes to jobs and working families. He recently vetoed a minimum wage hike, instead saying it should be raised a measly 25 cents. Last year, CNBC rankings had New Jersey’s business climate slipping to 41st on Christie’s watch. Christie also cancelled the bi-partisan supported ARC tunnel linking New Jersey to Manhattan that would have created 6,000 immediate construction jobs and some 45,000 future jobs.

Moreover, this is just another example of Christie’s rhetoric not matching reality, and using taxpayer dollars to boost his own personal brand – much like his taxpayer-funded GOP rallies under the guise of town halls. Isn’t it time Christie was held accountable?

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One New Jersey is shining a light on politicians who act against the best interests of New Jersey’s residents and who seek to divide our state for their own political gain. It is giving voice to the important issues that affect our daily lives. One New Jersey will closely monitor policy positions and actions of elected officials and expose their records on the issues that matter. You can follow One New Jersey on Twitter (@OneNJ) or search for “One New Jersey” on Facebook.

Tell Mark Zuckerberg to #UnfriendChristie

From One New Jersey -

By now you might have heard that Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg is hosting a high-dollar fundraiser for Governor Chris Christie in California in a few weeks.

So, its up to all of us in New Jersey – who know the real Chris Christie – to show Zuckerberg exactly who he is aligning with. Tomorrow, let’s spread the word about Christie’s real record by tweeting some thoughts and facts under the hashtag #UnfriendChristie.

In case you need some info on Christie, please check out our “Christie By-The-Numbers” page, as well as some of our recent press releases and op-eds. We must speak up loudly about how Christie has turned his back on the middle-class and working families, while unemployment hovers around 10% and New Jersey residents suffered a gigantic net jump in property taxes since Christie took office – at one point reaching 20%.

There’s no better way for this to spread virally than to take to Twitter and make your point under the hashtag #UnfriendChristie. Heck, do a few tweets – because there are more than enough facts to open Zuckerberg’s eyes to.


Does Zuckerberg “like” stopping people from marrying the ones they love?
• Christie is the sole reason that NJ does not have marriage equality. He vetoed it… and has pledged to veto it again every time it comes across his desk.

Does Zuckerberg “like” stopping people from earning a living wage?
• Just this week, Christie vetoed a bill that would have increased NJ’s minimum wage $1.25 to $8.50… instead saying he wants to bump it up a measly 25 cents.

Does Zuckerberg “like” vetoing women’s health funding?
• Christie vetoed women’s health funding… Four times.

Does Zuckerberg “like” having the Koch Brothers call the shots?
• Christie spoke at the Koch Bros secret confab in Colorado.

Does Zuckerberg “like” that Christie fundraised & campaigned for Right-Wing Congressmembers who voted against Sandy aid?
• Just this Fall, Christie campaigned for Steve King, Susan Brooks, Ann Wagner, Tom Latham and V.P. candidate Paul Ryan… all of whom just voted against Sandy aid for New Jersey.

Does Zuckerberg “like” sticking his head in the sand on climate change?
• Christie pulled New Jersey out of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative… and allowed corporate polluters to rewrite the rules governing them.

Does Zuckerberg “like” failing on jobs?
• Under Christie, New Jersey has chronically trailed the rest of America when it comes to jobs…with unemployment hovering at 10%.

Does Zuckerberg “like” stopping middle-class families from affording college?
• Tuition at New Jersey Colleges and universities spiked under Christie…while Christie cut funding for low-income students.

Does Zuckerberg “like” 1% priorities?
• Christie turned his back on New Jersey’s middle-class & working families… while giving handouts to casino moguls, bailouts to mall developers and calling for borrowing money the state doesn’t have to subsidize a tax cut for multi-millionaires.

Perhaps Zuckerberg only knows about Christie from his carefully cultivated national image. But as noted above, the truth is that Christie’s out-of-the mainstream ideals and policies fly in the face of the narrative he’s conjured up via his manufactured youtube moments, softball network interviews and puff piece packages on the national news. Let’s show the world the truth about Christie’s record of misplaced priorities and failures.

Tomorrow, let’s keep up the fight for middle-class families in New Jersey… and throughout the country… by showing Mark Zuckerberg who he’s raising money for. #UnfriendChristie

The House Christie Built

The following Op-Ed appeared yesterday in  The Philadelphia Inquirer

By Joshua Henne

Leadership is, among other things, about taking responsibility. House Speaker John Boehner failed on that score when he caved to the tea partyers in his caucus and postponed a promised vote on Superstorm Sandy relief.

But by going off on one of his manufactured rants - this one against the radical elements that call the shots in his party - Gov. Christie also failed the responsibility test. Rather than being accountable for his year's worth of campaigning and keynoting for right-wing Republicans, Christie ducked it. And in an act of stunning hypocrisy, he slammed the very do-nothing GOP House that he was fighting and fund-raising for just a few months before.

There's no doubt Christie cares about those affected by Superstorm Sandy. And there's no doubt he was disgusted by Congress' abandonment of them. However, it's hard to believe he was shocked by it.

After all, these are the same representatives who have been consistent and clear in their opposition to most functions of the federal government. Steve LaTourette, a moderate Ohio Republican who just retired from the House, recently nailed the problem as "the same 40, 50 chuckleheads" who "have screwed this place up." They're simply making good on their promises by behaving in the halls of Congress precisely as they said they would on the campaign trail. Punting on Sandy relief was the inevitable result of a Congress dominated by representatives who simply don't believe in government.

These are the folks Christie crisscrossed the country to put in power. And now he seems as shocked as Capt. Renault finding out about gambling in Casablanca.

Despite what his State of the State address this week would have you believe, Christie didn't become governor the moment he walked alongside President Obama and gave Bruce Springsteen a hug in the wake of Sandy. New Jersey's unemployment hovers around 10 percent, and Yahoo Financial ranked it among the five worst-run states in the Union. A major reason for these sad facts is that Christie is more focused on his national brand than on the people of his state. He has a three-year record of governing recklessly, just as he has campaigned recklessly.

Last summer, after Mitt Romney announced Paul Ryan as his running mate, Christie gave the ticket a full-throated endorsement. Ryan was one of the 67 members of Congress who recently voted against legislation to pay flood insurance claims.

Republican Rep. Steve King of Iowa threatened to vote against Sandy aid for the same reason he opposed Katrina relief - because the recipients might spend the money on "Gucci bags and massage parlors." Last summer, Christie campaigned for King, whose state is home to crucial presidential caucuses - another in a string a choices that put the governor's political ambitions ahead of the interests of New Jersey.

During Sandy and its immediate aftermath, Christie did his state proud. But now he should be held culpable for supporting the right-wingers who are selling out New Jersey and the storm victims. He can go around pointing fingers, but he ought to look in the mirror first.

After all, Christie isn't just another typical politician who thinks he can say one thing and do another. Is he?



Joshua Henne is the spokesman for One New Jersey. He can be found on Twitter at @JoshuaHenne.

One New Jersey: Gubernatorial Candidate Blasts Governor Christie

(NEW JERSEY) – Despite the buckets of spin Governor Chris Christie is dumping atop New Jersey's ghastly unemployment numbers, it is clear that Candidate Chris Christie would be very disappointed in where things stand.

Three years ago, Christie slammed Governor Jon Corzine when July 2009 numbers showed the unemployment rate ticked up a mere .1% to 9.3 % - even though 5,900 jobs were gained in New Jersey following 17 months of losing jobs.

Candidate Christie said: "Look, unemployment is up again this month. I don't know how when unemployment continues to go up that you can say that's a success. That shows the low standards the governor has set for economic success in the state."

Christie should use his own stated metrics when evaluating his dismal record at the helm. Last month, New Jersey's unemployment spiked nearly half a point to 9.6%. This marks the most severe monthly increase since 2009. And with America's unemployment at 8.2%, this is the largest disparity from the national average since 1978. Nonetheless, Christie continues trying to apply lipstick to this pig of an economic mess he's created.

Here are the facts when it comes to Governor Christie's "economic success":

• New Jersey's unemployment is a whopping 9.6% - well above the national average. While other states are creating jobs, New Jersey continues to lag the rest of America with chronic unemployment.

• New Jersey's state economy ranks an anemic 47th.

• New Jersey now has the 2nd highest percentage of mortgage loans in foreclosure in the nation. 1 in every 12 mortgages is in the foreclosure stage. This number continues to rise as rates nationally fall to the lowest levels since 2008.

• New Jersey residents have suffered a 20% net jump in property taxes since Christie took office.

• New Jersey's business climate has slipped to 41st nationally under Christie.

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One New Jersey is shining a light on politicians who act against the best interests of New Jersey’s residents and who seek to divide our state for their own political gain. It is giving voice to the important issues that affect our daily lives. One New Jersey will closely monitor policy positions and actions of elected officials and expose their records on the issues that matter. You can follow One New Jersey on Twitter (@OneNJ) or search for “One New Jersey” on Facebook.

Christie Returns to the Scene of the Lie

For Immediate Release:
Friday, June 8th, 2012


Will Christie Answer For Failure to Bring Promised Jobs From Illinois During his Latest Romney Audition

(NEW JERSEY) - With Chris Christie in Illinois today to continue auditioning for Mitt Romney, will he take the time to put aside politicking at the Conservative Political Action Conference to follow-up on the jobs he promised to bring to New Jersey over 16 months ago?

In January 2011, Christie took a trip to Chicago on the heels of a major taxpayer-funded public relations blitz to lure jobs from Illinois to New Jersey. His administration spent over $300,000 in taxpayer dollars on glossy magazine advertisements and radio spots starring Christie himself. Newspaper ads ran up and down the state encouraging businesses to pick up stakes and relocate to the Garden State. Christie deemed the trip an immediate success and claimed to have met with some 18 various business leaders - one of whom apparently told him they were "sold" on moving to New Jersey. Yet, 16 months later the reliably mouthy governor is tight-lipped about the end outcome of his much-ballyhooed trip to poach jobs from the Prairie State.

Today - as Christie returns to the scene of the lie - it is more imperative than ever to answer the question: "Where are the jobs Christie promised from Illinois?" With a penchant for finger-pointing and name-calling, it is Christie who must be held accountable for broken promises and failures that fly in the face of his laughable "Jersey Comeback" - especially when it comes to jobs.

Month in and out, New Jersey continues to consistently trail the rest of America when it comes to unemployment. Throughout Christie's entire tenure, New Jersey's employment rate has hovered at 9% or higher. And this week, it came to light that New Jersey ranks 47th in economic performance and that the state's economy shrank .5% last year - even as 43 other states enjoyed economic growth.

As more and more bad statistics trickle out, those who live in New Jersey know that Christie's claims of a "Jersey Comeback" are pure myth. The state now has the 2nd highest percentage of mortgage loans in foreclosure in the nation. This number continues to spike as rates nationally have fallen to the lowest levels since 2008. Since 2009, New Jersey's homeless population rose 7% and food stamp usage is up 23.2%.

New Jersey is looking at a revenue shortfall anywhere from Christie's rosy projection of $600 million to the non-partisan Office of Legislative Services estimate of nearly $1.4 billion. Just this week, OLS reported revenues are likely to fall another $50-$100 million below earlier forecasts. Nonetheless, Christie doubled down on his pledge to veto a millionaire's tax, while still moving ahead with his plans to borrow money to finance a tax cut to the wealthy.

Rather than hobnobbing with national right-wing radicals in a bid to audition for Romney's VP slot, Christie instead should be in Illinois following up on his promise to bring jobs to New Jersey. Once again, Christie cares more about speaking to a fawning out-of-state audience than focusing on making life better for New Jersey's middle-class. Apparently, Christie is already on message with Romney. Much like Massachusetts was 47th in jobs under Governor Romney, New Jersey's economy is 47th under Christie.

To all those at CPAC who come away from this morning's bombastic speech saying Romney should choose Christie for his Veep slot, I suggest looking back just four short years to the last time a GOP nominee chose a running mate with less than 3 years experience who is far better at being provocative than productive. Try as he might, Christie can't put lipstick on the failure of his so-called "Jersey Comeback."

Here's some free advice to Governor Christie from one constituent: Don't come back to Jersey unless you come back bearing new jobs. Don't audition for a new job until you've done the job you already have. And that means creating the jobs that you bragged about and never got around to actually producing.

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One New Jersey is shining a light on politicians who act against the best interests of New Jersey’s residents and who seek to divide our state for their own political gain. It is giving voice to the important issues that affect our daily lives. One New Jersey will closely monitor policy positions and actions of elected officials and expose their records on the issues that matter. You can follow One New Jersey on Twitter (@OneNJ) or search for “One New Jersey” on Facebook.

Facts Show Tough Week For Governor Christie

For Immediate Release: 
Friday, May 18th, 2012
 

Christie Clearly Cares More About YouTube Hits Than the Negative Numbers Plaguing New Jersey

(NEW JERSEY) – Several clear-cut facts and statistics released this week prove that the reality in New Jersey fails to match Governor Chris Christie's rosy rhetoric. At best, Christie's "Jersey Comeback" is delusional… at worst, it is an outright fib.

Governor Christie runs a remarkable public relations machine and does a tremendous job bending the narrative in his favor, while covering up bad news. So it's no wonder the only numbers that Christie and his press secretary keep talking about this week are the number of YouTube hits for his adorable, humorous video clip co-starring Mayor Cory Booker. Christie should spend less time troll-tweeting Jimmy Fallon, Conan O'Brien, Jerry Seinfeld and Tim Tebow links to his video in a bid for attention and more time getting to the bottom of why New Jersey is limping backwards under his watch.

Numbers don't lie. And here are several numbers that came to light this week alone:

• 230 - On Tuesday, a Department of Treasury report warned that tax collections are falling $230 million short of original budget projections in New Jersey.
• 121 - Yesterday, the Office of Legislative Services warned the state is facing an additional $121 million revenue shortfall in terms of energy tax receipts.
• 351 - When the numbers are crunched, New Jersey is looking at a combined $351 million miss of revenue projections for the year… yet Christie stubbornly continues to push an income tax cut that overwhelmingly benefits the super-wealthy, rather than more equitable property tax cuts that help middle-class families.
• 9.1 - Yesterday, the state Labor Department released April numbers showing that New Jersey's unemployment rose to 9.1% - a full percentage point higher than the national rate of 8.1%.
• 8.4 - Yesterday, the Mortgage Bankers Association reported that New Jersey now has the 2nd highest percentage of mortgage loans in foreclosure in the nation. This number continues to spike as rates nationally have fallen to the lowest levels since 2008.
• 54 – Yesterday, the Star Ledger reported that - over the past 8 months alone - Christie has taken 54 out-of-state trips (not even including trips to New York, Philadelphia or the Super Bowl). Ranging from last month's Wisconsin fundraising jaunt in support of union-busting Governor Scott Walker, to this month's Washington D.C. banquet with the right-wing Cato Institute, to last year's secret confab in Colorado with the Koch Brothers, Governor Christie has been more focused on burnishing his right-wing credentials and auditioning for Mitt Romney than he is on New Jersey. (This weekend, Christie will take his 55th trip when he heads to Lexington to headline a fundraising dinner for the Republican Party of Kentucky).

This week's numbers show unemployment and foreclosures going up and tax revenues going down. With depressing trends like this, the biggest question is now wondering which Christie staffer will be tasked to sheepishly take down the gigantic "Jersey Comeback" banner from Christie's taxpayer-funded political rallies.

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One New Jersey is shining a light on politicians who act against the best interests of New Jersey’s residents and who seek to divide our state for their own political gain. It is giving voice to the important issues that affect our daily lives. One New Jersey will closely monitor policy positions and actions of elected officials and expose their records on the issues that matter. You can follow https://twitter.com/#!/OneNJ or search for “One New Jersey” on Facebook.

One New Jersey: GOVERNORS ONE PERCENT UNITE IN WISCONSIN

For Immediate Release:
Tuesday, May 1st, 2012
 

Christie Rushes To Help Embattled Walker in Shared War Against Middle-Class Families

 
(NEW JERSEY) – Today, America’s two most anti-middle-class governors are joining forces, as One Percent Governor Chris Christie heads to Wisconsin to headline two fundraisers for fellow One Percent Governor Scott Walker. By rushing to Walker's aid during this historic recall, it is clear which side Christie stands on in the struggle between middle-class families and corporate interests.


Walker and Christie are cut from the same Koch Brothers cloth. They both do the bidding of deep-pocketed backers at the expense of the middle-class and share the same political D.N.A when it comes to harming the working families who make up the backbone of their states. Just like Walker, Christie demonizes public unions and puts collective bargaining in the crosshairs as the centerpiece of so-called “reform”.

While raking in the right-wing money for Walker, Christie will undoubtedly tout his self-serving and factually-challenged “Jersey Comeback” - while conveniently neglecting to mention that New Jersey consistently lags the rest of the nation when it comes to unemployment. Considering how he shares the same warped worldview as Walker and the donors who support them both, Christie should have little trouble finding red meat to offer fawning audiences in Milwaukee and Green Bay. For once, Christie can rely on the truth – that he and Walker are kindred spirits in promoting the interests of the powerful and politically-connected ahead of the well-being of seniors, children and middle-class families. Tonight, Christie can easily clasp Walker’s hands as, together, they wave the banner of corporate interests while demonizing cops, firefighters, teachers and other public workers.

In New Jersey, Christie has championed rolling back environmental protections, union contracts and health benefits. He’s claimed fiscal discipline in cutting services, while giving handouts, bailouts and tax breaks to casino moguls, mall developers and the wealthiest One Percent. Christie refuses to even contemplate a millionaire's tax, while his much-ballyhooed income tax plan won’t help middle-class families in any meaningful manner. If Christie had his way, a family earning $50,000 would save a piddling $80.50 and a family earning $100,000 would get back just $275. Of course, millionaires will benefit most - by getting back a whopping $7,265.

In taking his swagger to Wisconsin, Christie is clearly embracing both Walker’s regressive policies and his politics of divisiveness. This is no surprise to anyone who has followed Christie’s record in New Jersey – where he has showered the super-wealthy with benefits and freebies, while hammering middle-class families. With a Walker-like reputation of his own, it will only be a matter of time before the people of the Garden State come to the same obvious conclusion against Christie as Wisconsin voters have against the out-of touch governor in the Badger State.

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One New Jersey is shining a light on politicians who act against the best interests of New Jersey’s residents and who seek to divide our state for their own political gain. It is giving voice to the important issues that affect our daily lives. One New Jersey will closely monitor policy positions and actions of elected officials and expose their records on the issues that matter. You can follow One New Jersey on Twitter or search for “One New Jersey” on Facebook.