Finally - Someone suggests a spending based budget cure!

At this site we have repeated many times the need to look at both side of the ledger when trying to fix the 3 plus billion dollar budget deficit. For some reason, Governor Corzine either doesn't have the brains, the guts or the disposition to look at cost based solutions. From Corzine's budget address on February 22, 2007:

I must say, it’s frustrating to have so few financial resources to invest in our future. I didn’t run for public office to be a number cruncher, or to play scrooge.

Like so many of you, I sought to serve because I care passionately about making New Jersey a better place for our families and communities.

I bet if you would poll New Jersey residents why they voted for Corzine, it was precisely because of his business experience which included being a number cruncher and alleged keen financial mind. As we have found out since, we were all sold a bill of goods.

Enter Mayor Steve Lonegan:

GOVERNOR CORZINE declared in his State of the State address that if anyone had a better idea than his asset monetization plan, which will raise a 35-cent Parkway toll to nearly $2, he wanted to hear it.

Here's the plan.

New Jersey's state spending has increased from $21 billion to $33 billion under Govs. James McGreevey, Richard Codey and Corzine. That's a 57 percent increase in just six years – far above inflation.

Lonegan then proceeds to describe a series of potential budget improving spending cuts and restructuring plans. As I read through them, they mostly involve mature decisions that may have some downside for some who work for the State, but would dramatically improve the life of the rest of the citizens of New Jersey. Isn't it time someone worried about the other 7.8 million people in New
Jersey that are not employed by the state? When do you take care of us Mr Corzine?

Read this excellent article here.

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