Christie Tells NJ to "Read the Fine Print" [VIDEO]

Governor Chris Christie held his fifteenth town hall of the year today in Springfield. He used a good portion of the program to bash a tax cut plan from the Assembly Democrats.

Assembly Democrats formed a plan they say can provide a 20% property tax cut for those who need it most, but Christie said, “You’ve got to look behind the numbers because they’re not telling the truth.”

Christie said because the Assembly Democrats’ plan collapses existing property tax relief programs into it, it doesn’t really reduce the taxes by 20%.

Also, to pay for the new revenue needed for the middle-class and lower-income property tax relief under the Assembly Democrats’ plan, the state’s income tax rate for those earning more than $1 million would be increased beginning next fiscal year.

Christie vetoed such an increase before, and he vowed to do it again.

Christie told the crowd today that a family making $50,000 would actually get 8% relief under the tax cut plan from the Assembly Democrats. The savings for a family making $75,000 would be 10%.

“They’re playing the oldest trick in the book,” Christie said. “They’re hoping you won’t read the fine print.”

Recently the Governor indicated he’d be more than happy to have a debate and discussion with the Democrats, anytime they want.

Taking the Governor at his word, Assembly Majority Leader Greenwald challenged him to a public debate. Christie has not yet officially accepted, nor has he declined.

Governor Christie has presented a plan to cut income taxes by 10% across the board. Democrats criticized the plan, saying it favors the wealthy.

Governor’s Office

Following Christie’s town hall, Greenwald released the following statement:

“There he goes again – misleading the public on his income tax scheme and showing how truly out-of-touch he is with the property tax crisis facing New Jersey’s middle-class and seniors.

“Then again, it’s not surprising Gov. Christie would twist the facts when it comes to his love for tax cuts for millionaires and his opposition to property tax relief. New Jersey’s middle-class needs the 20 percent property tax relief credit proposed by the Assembly Democrats and seniors need the 25 percent property tax relief credit.

“It’s that simple.

“We’re going to keep fighting for them each and every day, and the governor is welcome to finally join our property tax relief effort.”

 

Townsquare Media’s Kevin McArdle contributed to this report.