New Jersey governor Chris Christie has done it. The NJ Legislature passed his budget that cuts 11 billion dollars out of the state's expenditures. It raises no taxes, although there are some increases in use fees. The cuts are spread around with every state department affected. There is also a minimum level for collective bargaining agreements for public employees who will be required to contribute at least 1.5% of their income towards health insurance and pension benefits. Christie calls this changing to a contribution model from an entitlement model.
This is earth shaking. As long as I can recall, state governments have "cut" by slowing the rate of increase. An actual major cut is unheard of. Christie accomplished this in the face of a huge onslaught of commercials from the unions and a neverending round of criticism from the usual liberal sources. The fact that in blue New Jersey this could happen is proof of the sea change in American politics that has happened in the last two years.
Christie is also a warm, engaging, good natured guy who seems to be quite well spoken. He would make a great Vice Presidential choice on the Republican ticket in 2012. Needless to say, that is very premature, but it is still true.
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