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Monday, May 4, 2009
Roberts: all options on the table for budget

Senate President Richard J. Codey (D., Essex) and Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts Jr. (D., Camden) met with Gov. Corzine this afternoon to talk about the latest grim budget news: a new shortfall that could be as large as $2 billion.

"This began as a dreadful budget year and unfortunately it's only getting worse and worse," Roberts said after the meeting.

Roberts said the three did not discuss specific solutions, but he noted that municipal aid and school aid are two of the largest items in the budget and said property tax rebates, another large line of spending, is "an area that we're going to have to continue to talk about."

He said all potential solutions are on the table for discussion. We took a look at some of the possible budget fixes and fall out from the latest revenue shortfall on Saturday.

Roberts added that Corzine is hoping to lobby the Obama administration for additional federal aid and more flexibility in spending some of the money Washington has already awarded to New Jersey.

He said tax increases should be a last resort.

Click here for Philly.com's politics page.

Posted by Jonathan Tamari @ 3:56 PM  Permalink | 1 comment
Comments   
Posted 09:44 AM, 05/05/2009
jotronicss
Roberts,Codey, Sweeney, & Corzine need to look the "bear" in the eyes and begin the process of creating a modern State. They need to eliminate over 600 municipalities, school districts, police department, etc into "21" County operations. The State needs an "ENEMA." A 100% roto-rooter operation, The State needs to reform government at all levels. (1) Consolidation can be achieved everywhere, just like private industry, (2) A revised form of elective government, Their is no reason to have a mayor and council in a town 1-square mile, DUH!, Each County should consider all the towns and boroughs with a local government be drawn down to 1 to 2 elected officials put town or borough, a bi-cameral or a unicameral type of county government.... With my "plan 21" NJ, will move from 16th century governance to 21st century government, property taxes not more than 1% of the assesed value of the home, and the State growth and treasury will be filled with enough greenbacks to fund many projects and sustain current projects. I also suggest allowing casino's along all the borders of New Jersey, especially in North Jersey along the New York State Border and in Camden city and possibly Gloucester County to take business from Philadelphia and New York Slot parlors. Joe www.lumberkings.biz
1 comments
About Garden State Grapevine
Garden State Grapevine covers politics and government in Trenton and South Jersey.

Cynthia Burton has covered politics and politicians in Philadelphia, Trenton and South Jersey. She wrote about Frank Rizzo's last mayoral race, was Philadelphia City Hall bureau chief, and now covers the New Jersey races for the House and U.S. Senate.

Jonathan Tamari has reported on New Jersey government and politics since 2004, including the 2006 state government shut down. He joined the Inquirer this year.

Adrienne Lu returned to the Inquirer, where she first worked in newspapers, in 2008. She writes about state government and politics in New Jersey. She has also worked at The News & Observer in Raleigh, N.C. and The Record of Bergen County.
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