The New Jersey Black Mayors’ Alliance for Social Justice is urging state legislatures to reject two proposals they say would damage cities and increase economic inequality.
The group is specifically referencing Gov. Chris Christie’s school funding and the proposal to eliminate the Estate Tax, both of which target the poor and disadvantaged.
The school funding proposal would give all school districts the same amount of aid. The “Fairness Formula” would provide $6,599 per student for each district but would reduce aid to urban schools and lower property taxes.
“Governor Christie’s proposal is truly breathtaking in its potential to damage education in New Jersey’s urban school districts,” the alliance said in statement. “If enacted, it would be an enormous step backward from the state’s commitment to educational equity for all children.”
A proposal is also on the table to eliminate the Estate Tax, which would affect the working poor. Removing the tax would raise the retirement income tax exemption. Democrats who oppose the elimination say it would help the wealthy and take away money from programs that need it.
“The plan to eliminate the Estate Tax also increases inequality in our state. It will give approximately 4,000 of New Jersey’s wealthiest residents yet another tax break, but does nothing to replenish the Transportation Trust Fund and invest in our crumbling roads, outdated public transit systems and unsafe bridges,” said the alliance.
