What's UP with New Jersey?

[Charade]

I
But geez, 1%-do it, be done with it and move on. How much money is the state losing by NOT doing this? Ridiculous(and I don't mean Corzine).

.

Would you say that when they want to make it 8? Or then 9?

Why not just jump it to 9 and be done with it? Surely there would be plenty of money to balance the budget and bring back some cut programs.

I wonder what the original sales tax was in NJ and how the people felt about it then as it was introduced.

 

[Charade]

A short history of the NJ sales tax.

http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060625/OPINION/606250374/1029

Here's some food for thought — courtesy of an e-mail from state Sen. Stephen Sweeney — for lawmakers on the fence about whether to approve Gov. Corzine's proposal to increase the sales tax from 6 percent to 7 percent:
"Some New Jersey political history to consider . . .

July 1966: Democratic Governor & Democratic Legislature impose sales tax at 3%. Next election: Democrats lose 19 seats in the Assembly.

March 1970: Republican Governor & Republican Legislature increase sales tax to 5%. Next election: Republicans lose 20 seats in Assembly.

July 1990: Democratic Governor & Democratic Legislature increase sales tax to 7%. Next election: Democrats lose 22 seats in Assembly and 10 seats in the Senate.

July 2006 . . . . . . ."

It's a lesson that Sweeney, a Gloucester County Democrat in one of the few legislative districts that hasn't been gerrymandered to virtually guarantee re-election of the incumbent, has taken to heart. Despite being a business agent for an ironworkers union, Sweeney has led a high-profile campaign to cut state public employee salaries and benefits by 15 percent as an alternative to raising the sales tax.

Sweeney sees the handwriting on the wall. We hope his colleagues in Trenton will as well.

 

[lsyorke]

I trust Corzine with the finances of this state alot more than the Assembly and Senate, frankly. His resume is enough for me.

As for "pushing it through like a 5 year old toddler" I disagree. He knows what has to be done...the Legislature wants to do more of the same (borrow ). That is not the solution.

As for the 7% sales tax, it's less than NY and clothes are still tax-free.

I so with you!!! I'd rather put my faith in the "new guy" than the ones that have had decades to deal(and stop creating!) with the dilemma we are now in.

 

[LisaNJ25]

No but perhaps beach and park closures, the closures of the casinos, etc will make them think about going elsewhere. I would think that a state that depends upon tourism would consider those things, "essential business".

From this jersey girls point of view if they do close the state parks and casinos this week I will be taking my day trips and mini vacations out of NJ and giving my money to PA or NY.

 

[JVL1018]

Would you say that when they want to make it 8? Or then 9?

Why not just jump it to 9 and be done with it? Surely there would be plenty of money to balance the budget and bring back some cut programs.

I wonder what the original sales tax was in NJ and how the people felt about it then as it was introduced.

There's a reason for it needing to go up to 7%, we need the money..when was the last time it was raised? It has been 6% for as long as I can recall..so yes if in another 20 years or however long it's been since it was last raised they need to raise it again, sure I'll be fine with it.

I didn't even vote for Corzine and I think it's a good solution.

 

[Charade]

There's a reason for it needing to go up to 7%, we need the money..when was the last time it was raised? It has been 6% for as long as I can recall..so yes if in another 20 years or however long it's been since it was last raised they need to raise it again, sure I'll be fine with it.

I didn't even vote for Corzine and I think it's a good solution.

A short history of the NJ sales tax.

http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar.../606250374/1029


Quote:
Here's some food for thought — courtesy of an e-mail from state Sen. Stephen Sweeney — for lawmakers on the fence about whether to approve Gov. Corzine's proposal to increase the sales tax from 6 percent to 7 percent:
"Some New Jersey political history to consider . . .

July 1966: Democratic Governor & Democratic Legislature impose sales tax at 3%. Next election: Democrats lose 19 seats in the Assembly.

March 1970: Republican Governor & Republican Legislature increase sales tax to 5%. Next election: Republicans lose 20 seats in Assembly.

July 1990: Democratic Governor & Democratic Legislature increase sales tax to 7%. Next election: Democrats lose 22 seats in Assembly and 10 seats in the Senate.

July 2006 . . . . . . ."

It's a lesson that Sweeney, a Gloucester County Democrat in one of the few legislative districts that hasn't been gerrymandered to virtually guarantee re-election of the incumbent, has taken to heart. Despite being a business agent for an ironworkers union, Sweeney has led a high-profile campaign to cut state public employee salaries and benefits by 15 percent as an alternative to raising the sales tax.

Sweeney sees the handwriting on the wall. We hope his colleagues in Trenton will as well.

 

[NewJersey]

If the Legislature could come up with a better solution, I'd be all ears. I refuse to believe that we should borrow more money to just cover the hole like we've done in the past.

As a NJ resident and voter, I'm willing to take the hit with a 1 cent tax increase.

Like I said before, I trust Corzine alot more than these do-nothing politicans we've had in the NJ Legislature for years. He knows alot more about finances, per his stint as CEO of Goldman Sachs.

 

[Kimberly]

I trust Corzine with the finances of this state alot more than the Assembly and Senate, frankly. His resume is enough for me.

As for "pushing it through like a 5 year old toddler" I disagree. He knows what has to be done...the Legislature wants to do more of the same (borrow ). That is not the solution.

As for the 7% sales tax, it's less than NY and clothes are still tax-free.

Point taken... but shutting down casinos which bring in 2 million dollars a day in taxes alone is just stupidity. There are other, and more diplomatic ways of pushing a higher sales tax...

 

[LoraJ]

I trust Corzine with the finances of this state alot more than the Assembly and Senate, frankly. His resume is enough for me.

As for "pushing it through like a 5 year old toddler" I disagree. He knows what has to be done...the Legislature wants to do more of the same (borrow ). That is not the solution.

As for the 7% sales tax, it's less than NY and clothes are still tax-free.

And where I live, we are actually in a 3% sales tax zone. There are a few of them here and there.

 

[LoraJ]

Charade,
You're posting exactly what the problem is. These politicians are only thinking about one thing come election time. That the campaign ads will say "voted for tax increase." That's all they care about. Not for fixing the problem. If they can come up with a solution or compromise, then I hope they can do it.

 

[DawnCt1]

New Jersey would benefit from a simplified tax form;

How much did you make?
Deduct the amount of $$ you sent to the IRS
Send the rest to the state of New Jersey.

 

[NewJersey]

Point taken... but shutting down casinos which bring in 2 million dollars a day in taxes alone is just stupidity. There are other, and more diplomatic ways of pushing a higher sales tax...

I totally agree with you there.

Charade,
You're posting exactly what the problem is. These politicians are only thinking about one thing come election time. That the campaign ads will say "voted for tax increase." That's all they care about. Not for fixing the problem. If they can come up with a solution or compromise, then I hope they can do it.

I voted for Corzine, was skeptical of him post-election, but I'm back on his side after seeing how he is handling this.

 

[phillybeth]

I couldn't care less what they do in NJ, but if they wanted to bump PAs tax to 7%, I'd be a little PO'd. Checking the recent election results in the state tells me other citizens here would, too.

Don't come to Philly then. We pay 7% sales tax in the city.

 

[Mandabella]

What's this "sales tax" you people keep speaking about?

 

[LoraJ]

I was just out watching fireworks with my neighbors. All of them agree that they should raise the sales tax to 7%. One of my neighbors works for the state and was just told this morning she wouldn't be getting paid for this time off. She's not happy.

She also confirmed that the police blitz is not just for out of towners. She got pulled over on Sunday for going 40 in a 35. So I guess the listeners on that right-wing talk show that Dawn listens to had their own agenda.

 

[DawnCt1]

I was just out watching fireworks with my neighbors. All of them agree that they should raise the sales tax to 7%. One of my neighbors works for the state and was just told this morning she wouldn't be getting paid for this time off. She's not happy.

She also confirmed that the police blitz is not just for out of towners. She got pulled over on Sunday for going 40 in a 35. So I guess the listeners on that right-wing talk show that Dawn listens to had their own agenda.

I noticed when Ct. had to furlough non essential workers, that most state employees would have been happy for the rest of the citizens to pay higher taxes so they could get a pay raise and or keep their jobs. They are hardly 'unbiased' in their opinions. If she is furloughed for any length of time however, she will be able to collect unemployment. One wonders if the "police blitz" as you refer to it is to promote safe driving or enhance the revenue stream. It is supposed to be altruistic but driving violations in most states become revenue enhancers. As to the "right wing talk show listeners", don't assume they have agenda. The rumor started somewhere and NJ wouldn't be the first, nor would it be the last state to target out of staters. Its hardly a new concept.

 

[LoraJ]

Only my one neighbor on the roof works for the state. The other 9 people do not. They would all rather see an increase in sales tax as opposed to income tax or property tax. This tax would be the fairest for all of the citizens of NJ.

I'm sure the police blitz is to insure safe driving during the holiday. You're the one who is implying it is something else.

 

[lsyorke]

Point taken... but shutting down casinos which bring in 2 million dollars a day in taxes alone is just stupidity. There are other, and more diplomatic ways of pushing a higher sales tax...

I believe that number is more like $500,000/ day.

 

[lsyorke]

It's a lesson that Sweeney, a Gloucester County Democrat in one of the few legislative districts that hasn't been gerrymandered to virtually guarantee re-election of the incumbent, has taken to heart. Despite being a business agent for an ironworkers union, Sweeney has led a high-profile campaign to cut state public employee salaries and benefits by 15 percent as an alternative to raising the sales tax.

Sweeney sees the handwriting on the wall. We hope his colleagues in Trenton will as well.

And how will he deal with CONTRACTS that are binding with the Unions and would cost the state millions in lawsuits? I believe it was Cody who said "I could lay off every state employee and STILL not close the budget gap".

 

[Mr.MouseFan]

$500,000 a day? Try $1.3 million according to the CCC.