Buono Statement On Christie State Of The State

New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial candidate Barbara Buono today released the following statement in reaction to Governor Christie’s State of the State Address:

“I wholeheartedly agree with Governor Christie that our state’s recovery from Hurricane Sandy must be a top priority for New Jersey. We will continue to work across party lines at the local, state, and federal levels to rebuild the homes, businesses, and lives torn apart by this devastating storm. The unified dedication to rebuilding our state is a tribute to every New Jerseyan.
“When the Governor said on Monday: ‘[O]nce Sandy came, I can’t imagine that there’s anything else that’s relevant as governor to talk about,’ he was wrong. And when he said today that Sandy hit ‘just when we were coming back from the national recession,’ he was wrong again.

“Repairing the damage wreaked by Sandy is necessary, but it is not sufficient.

“Before severe weather battered our state, New Jersey was already suffering from an economic storm – millions of residents struggling under the highest unemployment rate in three decades; property taxes that have soared by as much as 20 percent; public schools that are without the resources they need to succeed; and colleges and universities that are increasingly pricing our young people out.

“We need leadership from a Governor who understands that lifting our state means going beyond meeting our responsibilities to the victims of Sandy. It also means giving our middle class and working poor the chance they need to build a better life for themselves and their children.

“For three years, the Governor has championed income tax cuts for millionaires, while ignoring the needs of hard-pressed property taxpayers, the unemployed, and a whole generation of students being denied their ticket to chasing their dreams.

“As an immigrant’s daughter from a blue-collar family, a working mom, and former Senate Budget Chair, I’ve seen firsthand how real lives are impacted by the decisions elected officials make. I am running for Governor to be a voice for every New Jerseyan -- setting aside the bluster and bullying, and focusing on collaboration and solutions; and committing to solving the kitchen-table concerns facing families all across our state.”