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Can Voters Really Handle the “Truth”?
Steve Adubato, Ph.D.
CBS 2 Political Analyst
New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine delivered his State-of-the-State address today. Governor David Paterson in New York delivered his last week. None of the news was good. Both talked about sacrifice, pain and tough choices— and the fact that both states were short on money big-time.
Neither Governors Paterson or Corzine want to raise income taxes. (Remember, they are politicians, both of whom want to serve another term). But there’s a funny thing about important political speeches, like a State-of-the-State address. Most people say that they want the truth from our political leaders; they say they don’t want any BS. But then again, when a Governor talks about cutting important state services, and gets into the details of what that means, people start freaking.
Further, most voters want taxes raised on everyone else except them. That’s why in New York, when Governor Paterson talks about increasing fees associated with cigarettes and iPod downloads, many New Yorkers get angry. But if he wants to raise taxes on those earning over $250,000 that’s fine.
In New Jersey, Governor Corzine has proposed cutting state aid to local governments and higher ed institutions. Nobody wants that, but then again, isn’t that cutting government spending? No one disagrees sacrifice is necessary, but when Corzine calls for a freeze in the salaries of state employees, the unions go on the attack, claiming that this breaks an existing contract.
The numbers speak for themselves. New Jersey has a budget gap between $3-$5 billion. New York State’s budget gap is much higher. If people really want the truth, and want honest talk from politicians, then it’s simple. There’s no way to balance the state budget without cutting services and programs that some people really like, as well as raising taxes and fees in order to bring in more revenue. It’s like the old expression “Don’t tax me—Don’t tax thee—Tax the guy behind the tree.”
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