Published in the Press of Atlantic City on June 3, 2008
By THOMAS BARLAS Staff Writer
GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP - A coalition of Atlantic County Republicans - and at least one Democrat - is pushing an alternative state budget plan they contend will do away with government waste and increase fiscal aid to municipalities.
Coalition members contend the plan unveiled by state Senate Republicans last week is the best alternative to Gov. Jon S. Corzine’s proposed $32.8 billion spending plan.
Members said their minority status in the Legislature should not hinder the advancement of the proposed budget and urged residents to tell Corzine and majority Democrats they need fiscal help.
“Talk to your neighbors, talk to your friends,” said Assemblyman Vince Polistina, R-Atlantic, who organized Monday’s news conference on the front lawn of a home in an age-restricted community here.
State Senate Republicans said last week their plan shows the $32.8 billion budget can be balanced and transportation needs met without cutting aid for the nation’s highest property taxes and increasing tolls or the gas tax.
Republicans propose using $1.32 billion to restore rebates and municipal aid, eliminate charging rural municipalities for State Police patrols, constitutionally direct $500 million to replenish transportation funding through 2014, build surplus and possibly restore funding for hospitals, nursing homes and colleges, and eliminate proposed Medicaid co-payments and an income limit for college scholarships.
To pay for such moves, Republicans want to slash special state aid for cities and urban schools, government worker benefits, political appointees and welfare grants for single people and childless couples. They also want to delay salary increases for some state employees, among other moves.
The elected officials attending Monday’s event said that while Corzine’s budget adversely affects all residents, it’s especially tough on older New Jersey citizens.
“This gets to the heart of the problem,” Folsom Mayor Tom Ballistreri, whose municipality faces possible charges next year for State Police coverage, said of the Republican alternative. “This plan is very well thought out.”
Galloway Township Mayor Thomas Bassford said the Republican plan would provide needed relief to all residents.
“As I walk around the township, I hear everyone complain about high property taxes,” he said.
Polistina said the plan has some Democratic support, saying Estell Manor Mayor Joseph Venezia likes it.
Venezia is leading a push in Atlantic County to stop the state from charging for State Police coverage.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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