“Could Save Taxpayers More than $70 Million a Year”
Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) is answering Governor Corzine’s call to find cuts in state spending, as opposed to increasing tolls, in order to balance the budget and pay down state debt. Senator Pennacchio is calling on the Governor to reduce or eliminate the more than 1300 political appointees who are currently on the state payroll.
“At all levels of government we see that political patronage and political corruption run hand in hand,” stated Pennacchio. “If a position is necessary and needs to be filled, applicants should be hired based on merit, not on political party affiliation.”
Among the titles Senator Pennacchio has suggested to be cut are Government Representative, Confidential Aide, Aide to the Governor, Senior Executive Service, Legislative Liaison, Confidential Secretary, Confidential Assistant, and Administrative Assistant.
“A two thirds reduction in nonessential, nonunionized personnel could produce salary savings of almost $61 million a year,” concluded Pennacchio. “This coupled with the health care, pension, and prescription costs the state would be saving equals a total savings of at least $71 million a year.”
This is the third suggestion Senator Pennacchio has suggested since Monday to trim state spending. The other two suggestions include eliminating special municipal aid and ending Christmas tree spending. If all three suggestions are implemented it could save taxpayers nearly $350 million a year.
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February 5, 2008
