Democrats are touting a new state budget, but there are some questions given that it has yet to be presented to the public. The Star-Ledger is reporting that
There are still some details to be worked out, Treasurer Bradley Abelow said at a news conference this afternoon. But he said Gov. Jon Corzine and the leaders of the Senate and Assembly have “reached a consensus on a framework to a final budget” for the year that begins July 1.
Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts (D-Camden) and Senate President Richard Codey (D-Essex) stressed the budget includes record amounts for property tax relief, including the tax credits of up to 20 percent to be sent to most state homeowners this fall.Codey also said lawmakers have “made great strides” in reforming the budget process to make it more transparent. Details of the budget and applications by lawmakers for grants and other changes are to be made public tomorrow, and there will be two public hearings before final passage, scheduled June 21.
An interesting development that could prevent a rerun of last year’s debacle.
And yet, there is this
But Republican leaders are concerned the Democrats are touting an agreement even before the public sees what changes have been made to Corzine’s original $33.3 billion proposal. “How is it possible an agreement has been reached before anyone has had an opportunity to review the budget resolutions submitted last week, including our proposed budget cuts?” said Assembly Minority Leader Alex DeCroce (R-Morris).
Election-year politics? Perhaps. But I can understand DeCroce’s skepticism and paranoia. The GOP has pretty much been excluded and the Democrats do not exactly have the greatest track record.
Then again, neither do the Republicans.
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Hank Kalet 