By ROBERT LINNEHAN
There’s no excuse for this year’s state aid to be eaten up by higher taxes, Gov. Christie warned municipalities, as the state leader pledged that aid to municipalities throughout would not be cut at all from last year’s rate.
In his budget address to the state legislature, Christie vowed to not cut aid to municipalities for the next fiscal year as a way to help ease in the new 2 percent property tax cap that all municipalities must adhere to for their next budgets. “
That’s right, mayors — at the exact same level as last year. So there is no excuse for this relief to be eaten up with higher local taxes, between receiving no further cut in municipal aid, and implementing a 2 year cap on property taxes,” he said.
Almost every year past the state has announced reductions in state aid to Evesham Township. Last year the township had its overall state aid cut by $880,000, to just a little more than $3.1 million for the year.
The township was still able to craft a budget with no property tax increases or layoffs at the township level. The feat was accomplished by the township’s clerical and public works unionized workers agreeing to open their contracts early and accept a 1.5 percent contribution to their healthcare benefits.
In addition to keeping municipal aid steady, Christie pledged $250 million more in school district funding. According to the governor each district in the state will receive a bump in funding.
“The decisions we make here do matter to the people of New Jersey. What we do affects their lives. It affects their families. It affects their prospects, and their hope for the future,” he said. “So I ask you to join me in making a difference. Pass this budget. Continue on our path of fiscal discipline and reform. And help me chart a path for growth again in New Jersey. There is no turning back — New Jersey is in the lead and victory is in sight — for all of us.”
