N.J. Democrats announce proposed budget, including millionaires' tax, increased aid for schools, sen

[ProSense]

Source: The Star-Ledger - NJ.com

TRENTON — After months of negotiations, Democratic lawmakers unveiled a state budget today that restores up to $1.6 billion to underfunded school districts, pumps millions back into property tax relief and sets the stage for a new battle with Gov. Chris Christie.

The proposal announced by Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester) pours $1.1 billion back into poor school districts whose funding was slashed last year. Another bill would reinstate a "millionaires tax" on New Jersey’s wealthiest, setting aside $500 million for suburban schools.

That maneuver is not likely to please Christie, who has refused to raise taxes and vetoed a similar bill last year.

"This is about what we believe in and what we stand for," said Sweeney. "It honestly recognizes the principles of the people in this state that do care about the middle class and the poor."


Read more: http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/06/nj_lawmakers_reach_deal_on_sta.html

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NJ Dems reject GOP budget plan, to draft their own

Democrats who control the New Jersey Legislature have decided to reject the budget Republican Gov. Chris Christie proposed for the coming fiscal year and draft one they say will be fairer to working families and the state's most vulnerable residents.

Democratic leaders in the Senate and Assembly agreed Wednesday to draft an alternate budget bill. They said they'll discuss funding priorities with fellow Democrats in private meetings Thursday. The bill will be drafted over the weekend.

The Legislature has eight days to get a bill passed both houses and to the governor. If a new budget isn't signed into law by the start of the new fiscal year July 1, state government technically would shut down. Neither Democrats nor Republicans want that to happen.

Senate Majority Leader Barbara Buono said the Democrats' budget bill will reflect the party's priorities to provide property tax relief to the middle class, more funding for public schools and restore programs and services to the state's most vulnerable residents.

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9O1LI180.htm

[Iliyah]

1. With Dems who

voted in favor of the Union busting rights for health care and pension, this will not pass the mustard because of these sell outs.

[Ed Suspicious]

2. Off topic...

"pass muster" I used to write milk-toast when it should have been written milquetoast, so know that I'm no looking down, just a friendly hopefully helpful correction.

[juajen]

3. Good for them. I'm so glad to hear they are fighting.