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There's not a lot of good happening for the state of NJ in the link provided Kate. The shades of misery are just somewhat greater according to what link you click onto. And yet, NJ has the highest median income per capita. That means you have a population that ranks 10th out of 50 states with a VERY healthy personal tax base, and yet, the state always needs a little more. Kind of reminds me of the church a little bit.
There's not a lot of good happening for the state of NJ in the link provided Kate. The shades of misery are just somewhat greater according to what link you click onto. And yet, NJ has the highest median income per capita. That means you have a population that ranks 10th out of 50 states with a VERY healthy personal tax base, and yet, the state always needs a little more. Kind of reminds me of the church a little bit.
Thanks for posting about this. It's discouraging to visit the NJ board and see nothing but posts for "moving to this town..." or "where can I get a good pizza?" when our state is facing bankruptcy and the middle class is being taxed to the point of leaving the state.
The taxation problem exists because politicians...AND VOTERS are irresponsible. From the state agencies all the way down to the local municipal level, the politicians are trying to get as much of the revenue as they can. From sidewalk studies to solar panels to cell phones for school bus drivers...fiscal responsibility has been tossed out the window.
In 1970 New Jersey ranked 33rd in total state & municipal tax burden; in 2007 we ranked 10th. In 1970 New Jersey ranked 22nd in overall tax burden; in 2007 we ranked 3rd.
Quote:
In 1966, we had the 3rd highest property taxes in the country, but NO sales or income taxes. Those days sure look good now.
Then Trenton told us a temporary 3% sales tax would cut property taxes. In 1971, that temporary sales tax became a permanent 5% sales tax! Now, at 7%, the sales tax is the highest in the nation and there has been no property tax relief.
In 1976, Trenton told us that a new 2.5% income tax would cut property taxes. (Notice a pattern here?). That income has steadily risen to the current 9% and property taxes are as high as ever.
What can I say, Mamabee. I tried to use my voice and influence and vote the way I thought proper at the ballot box. And it still doesn't matter. I did what my dad always quoted:"Vote with your feet". I didn't take much joy in doing it, but ultimately, in a democracy, I chose the final solution.
You have too much of a) a permanent underclass entrenched in the large cities b) tremendous power on the part of the public worker's unions and c) a burgeoning immigrant class from non-first world nations that lack an understanding of capitalistic cultures. Everyone one of these groups votes straight line Democrat ticket. If you vote for a Democrat, the result will be higher taxes. It's kind of like stating "Tonight it will be dark, followed by widely scattered light in the morning". But this is the desired option. These groups prefer security over liberty. That's while you will never, ever, see the culture in New Jersey change.
Thats because noone wants to admit that all these ridiculous feel good programs, which benefit very few people, even fewer legitimately, cost us a buttload of money. They want to say how "nice" and "sweet" and "caring" everyone is for having these programs, but don't want to admit that they are the reasons we are being taxed like a socialist country, without any of the benefits.
Its rather disgusting. But supposedly I put money ahead of people I care about, so noone wants to side with me
I agree with everyone so far. In addition to all the good points that have been made, I would like to add something. While I usually think about this for federal taxes, it would apply to NJ income and other payroll taxes as well. Starting tommorow-no payroll taxes will be deducted from your paycheck-none. Instead, at your current tax rate, you have to write out a check every month for your taxes. A check to social security, one to medicare, one for your federal income taxes, one for NJ state income taxes, one for NJ unemployment, one for NJ disability. I think part of the problem is that people become used to taking "x" dollars home a pay. With direct deposit and for many people their paycheck is the same amount every payday. Instead of really concentrating on the taxes that come out every week, they concentrate on their take home pay and budget accordingly. If everyone had to physically write checks for their taxes every month, along with their mortgage, etc., it might open up a few more eyes in regard to how overtaxed we are in this country.
What can I say, Mamabee. I tried to use my voice and influence and vote the way I thought proper at the ballot box. And it still doesn't matter. I did what my dad always quoted:"Vote with your feet". I didn't take much joy in doing it, but ultimately, in a democracy, I chose the final solution.
You have too much of a) a permanent underclass entrenched in the large cities b) tremendous power on the part of the public worker's unions and c) a burgeoning immigrant class from non-first world nations that lack an understanding of capitalistic cultures. Everyone one of these groups votes straight line Democrat ticket. If you vote for a Democrat, the result will be higher taxes. It's kind of like stating "Tonight it will be dark, followed by widely scattered light in the morning". But this is the desired option. These groups prefer security over liberty. That's while you will never, ever, see the culture in New Jersey change.
mike - Well said! I also voted with my feet when I realized the political process was permanently broken. If you expect your taxes to decrease anytime soon, forget about it. Not until the state revamps its pension system and all of the "Baby Boomer Teachers and Cops" go to the "Great Retirement in the Sky", will any possibility for a tax decrease ever exist. Until that happens, given NJ's precarious financial state, your taxes are going to go even higher! I suspect that the Tax Freedom Day will end up being July4th for NJ residents in 10 years. NC & me, "Perfect Together!
I agree with everyone so far. In addition to all the good points that have been made, I would like to add something. While I usually think about this for federal taxes, it would apply to NJ income and other payroll taxes as well. Starting tommorow-no payroll taxes will be deducted from your paycheck-none. Instead, at your current tax rate, you have to write out a check every month for your taxes. A check to social security, one to medicare, one for your federal income taxes, one for NJ state income taxes, one for NJ unemployment, one for NJ disability. I think part of the problem is that people become used to taking "x" dollars home a pay. With direct deposit and for many people their paycheck is the same amount every payday. Instead of really concentrating on the taxes that come out every week, they concentrate on their take home pay and budget accordingly. If everyone had to physically write checks for their taxes every month, along with their mortgage, etc., it might open up a few more eyes in regard to how overtaxed we are in this country.
Nicolem
Nicolem
Nicole,
We've discussed this through DM before, and I could not agree with you more. Prior to 1942, gross=net. Then a government bureaucrat by the name of Beardsley Ruml came up with a scheme I consider to be one of the main schisms in modern economic American history. The withholding tax.
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I suspect that the Tax Freedom Day will end up being July 4th for NJ residents in 10 years. 
