Chris Christie became governor promising to “shake up Trenton”–exactly what is needed to overhaul the state budget. He has been praised for taking on the Trenton establishment and the NJEA. Christie, however, has been accused of being a “bully” for “waging war” on teachers, cutting school aid to the suburbs, and failing to resurrect the so-called millionaire’s tax to help close the 2011 budget gap.
Archive for the ‘Politics’ Category
There’s school choice and there’s real school choice
05
May
In a speech before a school choice group in the nation’s capital Monday, Governor Christie announced his support for a bipartisan bill in the legislature that would allow corporations to receive tax credits for scholarships they provide to children in failing school districts. Parents would be able to send their children to public or private schools with a scholarship that would be valued at about $15,000 per student. The Governor also supports increasing the number of charter schools in the state.
Racism–and sexism–is alive and well in New Jersey
03
May
Governor Christie announced the nomination of Anne M. Patterson, a former deputy state Attorney General, to replace Justice John Wallace on the state Supreme Court. If Ms. Patterson is confirmed, a majority of the New Jersey Supreme Court Justices will be women. However, by not reappointing Justice Wallace, who could only serve for two years because he would have to step down when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 70 in 2012, Governor Christie will leave the Court without a black justice.
Dishonest ads from the NJEA and the CWA
05
Apr
The New Jersey Teachers Association is running a television ad asserting that Governor Christie has “given” tax cuts to “millionaires’ instead of fully funding state aid to local school districts. The ad featuring New Jersey’s Teacher of the Year is long on rhetoric and short on the facts. First, the governor cannot cut anyone’s taxes. Tax bills can be passed by the legislature and then signed by the governor. For taxes to be cut or raised both the legislative and executive branches have to agree to a change in the tax code. Neither branch of government can unilaterally raise or lower taxes.
Ron Paul for president…and DiLorenzo, Napolitiano, Rockwell or Woods for VP
14
Mar
Will Ron Paul run for president in 2012? That’s the question liberty lovers are asking around the country? And while Dr. Paul has been noncommittal, the groundwork is being laid, in my humble opinion, for another Paul for President campaign in 2012. Read the rest of this entry »