Like a zombie, tax cuts are back on center stage in Trenton. Like last time around, they are the wrong prescription for our ailing economy and won’t deliver the jobs that New Jersey needs.

The rhetorical drumbeat about taxes being “too high” is often like complaining to a friend about the exorbitant price of a recent meal out, but not remembering whether you’d ordered French fries or filet mignon. It leaves out a crucial part of the conversation: What we’re getting for what we spend. And we are getting a lot.

The state’s aggressive uptick in incentives has been heralded as the way to put New Jersey’s economy back on track, but making this tool the sole focus of our economic development efforts, the state’s approach is severely out of balance.

The education commissioner promulgated the superintendent salary cap regulation under authority granted in emergency legislation. The flight of experienced, respected leaders should be enough to catch the commissioner’s attention and to reverse a seriously damaging policy.

Kirp, an esteemed scholar and magnetic writer, has written a book that should be read by everyone who cares about improving opportunity and results in the United States. I’m honored to host a conversation with him this coming Tuesday in Union City, and I hope that you’ll join us.

New Jersey is still mired in the basement with the 4th highest unemployment rate in the nation. Worse, we’re one of only two states that saw its rate increase from 2011 (from 9.4 percent to 9.5 percent). This should pour ice water on New Jersey’s leaders. The problem is not tax rates – the problem is jobs.

No question about it: The economy and uncertainty about employment are the two biggest issues for New Jersey voters. Not Hurricane Sandy, not even taxes nor the size of government. Jobs and the economy. Today’s budget message would be a good time for Gov. Chris Christie to put this issue front and center, where it belongs.

Gov. Rick Scott of Florida ran for governor on a platform to do everything in his power to prevent Obamacare. Two years later, he has put the interests of his constituents above the interests of his party ideology. Gov. Christie should do the same.

Will New Jersey join 18 other states and expand Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act, providing decent health care to over 300,000 struggling adults and stimulating the state’s economy with more than $15 billion in estimated federal funds over nine years? Or will the governor side with Republican governors in states like Alabama and South Carolina, denying very poor New Jerseyans health care and sending tax dollars and job opportunities to states that choose to participate?

If Gov. Brewer can buy into state savings, support for safety-net hospitals, protection and creation of jobs, an infusion of federal funds and health care for struggling citizens, so can Gov. Christie.