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Five cities set to share another $117.4 million
BY TOM HESTER SR.
NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
With Democrats voting in support and Republicans in opposition, the Legislature's Joint Budget Committee Monday approved $44 million in special municipal aid for financially-struggling city governments.
The action comes on the last day of the legislative session and with eight days remaining in the Corzine administration.
Gov.-elect Chris Christie opposes giving special aid to municipalities without strong supervision.
The action also comes as the state Local Finance Board is prepared on Wednesday to give $117.4 million to five cities. Jersey City would receive $14 million, Union City $11 million, Paterson $27 million, Camden $67 million, and Bridgeton $2.5 million.
Assemblyman Joseph Malone (R-Burlington), a member of the committee, strongly criticized the panel's vote."Today's decision is a continuation of the shell game being played in Trenton with taxpayer dollars the government doesn't have," Malone said. "The dollars appropriated were identified savings in order to close the $1 billion shortfall we have in this year's budget. Now those savings are being used before they were ever realized. No one is fooled by the cat and mouse antics that transpired at this morning's hearing.
"This is a not so clever attempt at keeping certain constituencies happy," he said. "Rating agencies have told us that the state could be insolvent before spring, yet somehow the urgency to reduce spending escapes some lawmakers. The reality of our financial crisis is that everyone must share the pain, at the state and municipal level. Today's decision is a denial that we are in a dire situation and is a disservice to the public."
Malone said there are few options for making up the $44 million.
"Reducing school aid or charity care funding may be the only places left to offset the impact of this decision," said Malone. "Given the financial crisis we are facing, it is shameful that some members of the committee refuse to believe what terrible shape state government is in."
Sen Steve Oroho (R-sussex) another committee member, said, "Corzine is arguing that we have $44 million in surplus at the same time we have a $1 billion plus deficit this year and a projected $10 billion deficit next year. It's incredible that this governor can expand the huge mess he's leaving for the man that the majority of voters selected to replace him."
