Democrats said Christie administration has not provided reports on possible fiscal impact of 11 bills, hampering their ability to consider them
Minority Leader Alex DeCroce points to the Democrats and says, "Tax, Tax Tax!" during a debate on the Assembly floor. DeCroce today said Democrats need to "get their act together" on the tool-kit bills proposed by Gov. Chris Christie earlier this year.TRENTON — Assembly Republicans continued pressuring their Democratic counterparts today to advance legislation designed to help towns lower property taxes.
Minority Leader Alex DeCroce (R-Morris) said Democrats need to “get their act together” on the so-called toolkit bills proposed by Gov. Chris Christie earlier this year.
“It’s quite obvious the Democrats have ignored the wishes of local mayors and the taxpayers of the state of New Jersey,” he said at a Statehouse press conference. “It’s apparent that Democrats are purposefully ignoring the pleas of taxpayers."
Republicans said Democrats are not tackling important issues, a charge Assembly Democratic spokesman Tom Hester refuted.
"The Assembly Republican disdain for women’s health care, middle-class tax breaks, job creation and affordable housing reform is stunning," he said in a statement.
Democrats said there has been more progress than Republicans give them credit for. They said six toolkit bills have been advanced, with some already approved by the Assembly.
In addition, Democrats said the Christie administration has not provided reports on the possible fiscal impact of 11 bills, hampering their ability to consider them.
There are two voting sessions scheduled before the end of the year, and Republicans said they're concerned there's not enough time. Assemblyman Jon Bramnick (R-Union) said voters will throw out Democratic lawmakers if more property tax bills aren’t passed.
“The Democrats are going to be responsible for these new higher taxes,” he said “Next November, I guarantee you voters of this state are going to step up and they’re going to change this Legislature if this Legislature led by the Democrats don’t change the direction of this state.”
A new 2 percent cap on property tax increases goes into effect in January. Mayors say they need the tool kit bills, which include measures to limit employee raises and make it easier to get around rules about layoffs and personnel changes, to lower costs and stay under the cap.
DeCroce said he has not had any discussions with the Assembly Democrats on tool kit legislation.
Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver (D-Essex) said her office has been communicating directly with the governor.
"The governor is the ultimate signer of anything that is enacted into law," she said. "We've been working with the governor to make determinations about something we can put on the table to be embraced by all parties involved."
Oliver said the Republicans' press conference was only political theater, adding that negotiations are on track.
"We are poised and positioned to get this legislation done by the end of this year," she said. "The Assembly is very proud of its record."
Previous coverage:
• N.J. Assembly won't take up Christie's property tax reform measures
• Democrats put monkey wrench in Chris Christie's tool kit; Gov picks up a hammer
• Gov. Christie issues ultimatum to N.J. Legislature on property tax proposals
• N.J. towns, cities face rise in appeals, less property tax revenue
• N.J. lawmaker to propose bill allowing property tax hike larger than 2 percent cap