newjerseynewsroom.com

Ads featuring governor begin running this week in Illinois

BY TOM HESTER SR.

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

Imagine you're an Illinois business executive you've just settled back in your Chicago condo to watch some TV and forget about that stunning increase in income and business taxes the state government just slapped you with when a stocky guy who says he the governor of New Jersey unexpectedly appears on the screen and he urging Land of Lincoln businesses to bailout for New Jersey.

"Hi, I'm Chris Christie, governor of the state of New Jersey," the guy says. "I know what you're thinking, ‘Move my business to New Jersey? Really?' Really. My administration has worked hard to change the direction of our business climate, plus our state has many advantages. We have an incredible talent pool to drive your business ... Innovative financing, incentive and assistance programs ... And an exceptional quality of life for the people who live and work here.

"Oh, and one more thing," Christie adds, "As long as I'm governor, I will not raise your taxes. I am proud of the new direction we've brought to New Jersey: lower taxes, reduced government spending and less regulation: a better home for business – today and in the future. Don't let Illinois balance its budget on the back of your business. Choose New Jersey – we mean business."

The Christie administration Tuesday announced the launch of a new advertising campaign asking businesses to relocate and invest in New Jersey. The ad campaign, which targets financially-struggling Illinois, comes on the heels of news that the Midwest state enacted a 67 percent increase in income tax rates and a 46 percent percent increase in corporate tax rates.

Kevin Roberts, Christie's assistant press secretary, said that at this point, the administration is using approximately $300,000 in funds previously designated for business attraction and promotion to finance the ad campaign.

The print and radio ads reiterate Christie's effort not to raise taxes and declares that New Jersey is on the path to economic growth with stable, job-friendly policies. The advertisements will begin running this week in key Illinois markets and business publications, including: the Chicago Tribune; the Springfield Journal; the Wall Street Journal, Chicago, and, Crain's Chicago Business.

The ad campaign follows a 553 letter personal appeal from Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno sent to Fortune 500 companies and large and mid-sized business currently headquartered in Illinois that would be effected by the new tax increase.

"While state governments across the nation grapple with the budgetary problems caused by unsustainable levels of spending and weakened revenue sources, some misguided governments are looking to wring even more tax dollars from businesses and families," Christie said. "The job creators of our country are mobile, and they are looking for a climate that provides the certainty and stability that comes with a fiscally responsible government that manages its budgets accordingly. In New Jersey, we mean business. We've said ‘enough is enough' and made the tough choices to cut spending. By providing a positive, pro-growth climate we are making it easier for businesses to Choose New Jersey and welcoming jobs and economic growth for our residents with open arms."

Reacting to Christie's announcement of the ad campaign, state Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney (D-Gloucester) and Assembly Speaker Sheila Y. Oliver (D-Essex) said that while they appreciate the governor's effort to attract Illinois businesses to the state, they maintained he could enhance New Jersey's business climate immediately and make his sales pitch stronger simply by signing the mainly Democratic-sponsored "Back to Work NJ" job creation and economic development package legislators sent him.

"Businesses in Illinois are going to want to see that New Jersey is as good for business as the governor is saying it is, and signing the 30 bills on his desk would send the strongest signal possible that we're ready, willing and able to be their new home," Sweeney said. "There should not be a race to see who can make New Jersey more business-friendly first. When it comes to improving our economy, we're all in this together."

Oliver said, "I'm glad the governor finally realizes that to create jobs and revive the economy, an investment must be made. However, rather than spending money up front on a self-adulating ad campaign that doesn't necessarily guarantee returns, and can easily be accomplished behind the scenes, the governor should sign the Legislature's "Back to Work NJ" job package. Many of the bills in our package would only require spending in the form of tax credits when actual jobs are created and sustained. That is an investment taxpayers, particularly those struggling to find work, would surely prefer over a campaign that promotes the governor's image."

The Legislature passed a landmark "Back to Work NJ" bill package during two legislative voting sessions earlier in the month. The bills are designed to create jobs and jumpstart economic development throughout the state.

Christie has made economic growth and a friendlier business climate a priority.

Through the New Jersey Partnership for Action, the Christie administration has implemented an economic development agenda that includes overhauling state government's regulatory system and reducing the red tape that the governor believes stifles economic growth and imposes costs on businesses and citizens.

After 115 tax and fee increases over the last eight years, Christie is attempting to break what he sees as a pattern of higher taxes, increased spending and shortsighted economic policy. The governor boasts that he closed back-to-back budget shortfalls, amounting to about $12 billion, without raising taxes. He sunset the corporate business tax surcharge, put a 2 percent cap on property taxes and protected businesses from an average $400 per employee, or 52 percent increase in the unemployment insurance payroll tax.

The audio file of the ad can be accessed by clicking here.