While some claim a New Jersey comeback has begun, those who can’t find a decent job or cover their mortgage are left to wonder: when will we get to take part?
 
All of us are being asked to pay more and we are getting less. Transit fare is higher, even though services were cut. Property taxes are higher, but teachers and cops are laid off. College tuition has gone up. Tolls were hiked. Fees increased. Meanwhile, the state is handing out hundreds of millions of dollars in tax subsidies to business for new office buildings, shopping malls and luxury casinos.
 
A 10 percent across-the-board income tax cut would mean that New Jersey would lose $1 billion in revenues. This disinvestment in the state has to stop. If there is truly to be a Jersey comeback, the state must first recognize how far we have fallen and then commit to an agenda that will allow all of us to prosper.

For more on the State of the State address, see the governor’s prepared remarks here.