Democrats Adopt Reforms For Tax Relief Test will be if “Christie Agenda” Really Works and Whether He is Ready to Take Responsibility

(Trenton) – Following passage of civil service and arbitration reform in the Legislature, New Jersey State Democratic Committee Chairman John Wisniewski offered the following comments:

“Civil service and arbitration reform were adopted as part of a historic compromise in which Democrats supported initiatives that the Governor argued would lower property taxes, which are too high in New Jersey,” said Wisniewski. “While the measures adopted will work in concert with the recently enacted property tax cap to help address high property taxes, they will not solve the problem by themselves.”

Published reports said that even with the reforms Christie demanded, a statewide review of new tax rates showed the average property tax hike in New Jersey will be 3.3 percent this year and will hit 23.5 percent after the loss of the homestead rebate is factored in.

"The question is, will the Governor continue to blame others for property taxes going up, or will he recognize that his cutting of homestead rebates, cutting of school aid and cutting of municipal aid has done more to raise property taxes than the measure passed by the Legislature will do to lower them. It’s time for the Governor to take responsibility for the consequences of his policies and decisions.”