Tax rebates out for many in N.J.

New Jersey had to do

something

to help fix its financial crisis.

That was the wary acknowledgment by some South Jersey residents following yesterday's announcement that property-tax rebates would be scaled back or eliminated for a large portion of the state's households under Gov. Corzine's budget proposal.

"I don't like paying the taxes, but what's [Corzine] going to do to try and straighten out the budget?" said Anthony Micsko, 58, of Riverton. "You've got to put some kind of Band-Aid on the bleeding."

Micsko received a $1,200 rebate check in 2008. He could see a lot less this year under a plan that would provide two-thirds of last year's rebate to homeowners who earn between $50,000 and $75,000. Like many local residents yesterday, he wasn't surprised that measures had to be taken by the state in the current failing economy.

"I would love to turn around and get the full rebate, like I got last year," Micsko said. "But what can you do about it?"

In Haddon Heights, homeowner Bill Lange likely won't see a check at all. His household income is more than $75,000, the proposed cutoff to receive a rebate for all but senior citizens and the disabled.

Property taxes "are definitely out of whack," Lange said. "There's so many items that lead to misspending, overspending," that cutting back on rebates "is just going to be a drop in the bucket."

"It gives some relief," he said, "but I don't think it's going to affect the problem the state faces that much."

Lange was much more upset about the plan to eliminate the property-tax deduction on next year's state income tax, especially after a recent revaluation in Haddon Heights caused his taxes to "jump astronomically" to over $9,000.

"We're going to be doubly hit," Lange said.

Senior citizens will be spared the budget pain. The elimination of the rebate and property-tax deduction won't apply to them.

"If it helps seniors, good, because some could really use the help," said Moorestown resident Joe Ochman, who gave his age as "over 65."

One Camden activist and taxpayer watchdog looked beyond Corzine and described a larger picture of the federal government's economic and regulatory policies trickling down to the state and local taxpayers.

"It's sad that it has to come to this," said Kelly Francis. "It's not only a national or state situation, it's a global situation. Unfortunately, most of it was created over the eight years of the Bush administration."

Cinnaminson homeowner Robert Helinger, 56, was stoic. The rebate check wasn't enough to get excited about anyway, he said.

"Everything's not rosy right now," he said. "There are some sacrifices we have to make."

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