Chris Christie, the governor-elect of New Jersey who will take office in January 2010, is considering declaring a financial emergency in his state, according to
NorthJersey.com. This would invoke the Disaster Control Act, a law which also applies to hurricanes and such, although Christie's apocalypse is purely fiscal.
In Jersey, a financial emergency basically endow the governor with superpowers—in the case of Christie, he'd be able to void the agreement his predecessor Jon Corzine made with the Communications Workers of America (CWA), the biggest state workers union. Corzine promised to give CWA members 3.5 percent raises in July 2010 and January 2011, in addition to initiating a layoff freeze through 2010.
The problem is: Christie has inherited quite the financial mess. The governor-elect needs to come up with a state budget by March, and analysts estimate he'll wind up $8 billion short.
But in a way, that's the perfect out. Quoth NorthJersey.com:
New Jersey's Constitution mandates a balanced state budget, so if a budget is not in place or if the spending plan is out of balance, government lawyers believe that is a legal "emergency."
Corzine declared a similar emergency in 2006, when he mandated a week-long government shutdown after being unable to settle budget disputes with state legislature. Christie has promised to be fair, even if he does invoke Jersey's emergency law.
But a spokeman for the CWA called Christie's potential plan "dictatorial." And all hyperbole aside, it does seem like a sour note on which to start a governorship.
Is declaring a fiscal emergency an easy out, or is it Christie's only option? How important is it for a governor to honor agreements made by his predecessor?
Comments (3)
When it comes to politics, often times it isn't what is in the best interest of the constituents, but more often what's in the best interest of their political party. I have hesitations when special powers are granted to any politician, there needs to be checks and balances in place. I don't believe in an "only option", there is always another choice, and the right choices aren't always the popular choices, but good luck trying to convince a politician to do something unpopular.
Right now there is a financial crisis in New Jersey. If he has the ability to undo any damage that Corzine has brought upon this state, than by all means, let him! New Jersey is, and has been a democratic state, so for a Republican Governor to come into office, it just proves how much of a crisis the state of New Jersey's in. We are counting on Christie to lower taxes and unnecessary state spending. Hopefully by doing this, we will attract new businesses back into New Jersey instead of driving businesses out out like Corzine did!
i'm.. not educated enough to give an opinion.
but i really wish i could vote. rawr.