Tuesdays Ballot Questions a Yes Vote Means More Taxes
Most often a YES vote means more taxes…… vote NO
Please use this information to inform your friends and family, and tell them it is critical for them to get out to vote!
Important Questions on the ballot, Tuesday, November 4
There are two State questions that are proposed constitutional amendments. One relates to your right to bail and pretrial release, and the other is on Open Space.
Public question No. 1 – End the Right to Bail !!!!
A “yes” vote on this constitutional amendment would END yourcurrent right to release on bail prior to trial. You’re being asked to abolish this Constitutional right, and find out later what will replace it. It could allow a court to order indefinite detention pending trial in a criminal case; it does not require “a speedy trial.”
Recommendation: Vote NO!
The question says, in part, “This would change the current constitutional right to bail. The change to the Constitution would mean that a court could order that a person remain in jail prior to trial, even without a chance for the person to post bail, in some situations”. Article I, Sec. 11 of the NJ Constitution presently says, …”All persons shall, before conviction, be bailable by sufficient sureties.” This amendment would abolish that right.
Public question No. 2 – Divert Corporate Income Tax, then increase it
This would amend the Constitution to “Dedicate State funds for Open Space, Farmland, and Historic Preservation, and change existing dedication for water programs, underground storage tanks, and hazardous site cleanups”.
A “Yes” vote would divert 4% of NJ corporate income tax funds, or $150M per year (NO SUNSET CLA– USE!), then increase that dedicated tax to six percent, or $200M in 2019. You will notice that there is NO reference to the cost on your sample ballot. Nor is there mention of how programs currently funded with the 4% that is to be diverted will be funded after this change. A convenient oversight?
There are NUMEROUS reasons to vote “No” :
1) it is unconscionable that New Jersey attempts to manage its annual budget by Constitutional amendment, without a sunset clause. Why would we bind the state FOREVER, rather than do this through legislation, that could be changed when necessary? THIS IS LUNACY! (will cause your taxes to rise)
2) NJ already has already protected 31% of its land area, equivalent to the state of Delaware, from development. Approval of this question would take more land off the tax rolls – equivalent to Rhode Island! (will cause your taxes to rise)
3) The precedent for government owning so much (formerly) private property is greatly disturbing. Such land is forever removed from the tax rolls (and from any potential to generate revenue or profit for either the State or for private business), and that cost is shifted to the already over-burdened NJ taxpayer. (will cause your taxes to rise)
4) NJ already ranks dead last in terms of growth and business climate, and #1 in taxation, according to the Tax Foundation. (more taxes)
5) An Allied Van Lines report indicates that, for every one customer they move into NJ, almost two are heading out. NJ is listed as the #1 outbound state for two of the last three years.(more tax for you!)
6) Our state is approaching bankruptcy, with everything from the State’s pension system, to roads and transportation, education, and everything in between scrambling for funds. Our unfunded liabilities for pensions and healthcare benefits is $254B (seven times the annual budget!), according to Americans for Prosperity, and the annual budget shortfall is nearing $1.6B. (even more taxes for your and your family)
7) Even some of the environmentalists are concerned, because of the reallocation of the corporate tax that they fear could negatively impact currently funded programs.
(eventually more taxes for you)
IF YOU NEED TO READ MORE ABOUT OPEN SPACE QUESTION 2:
What Will Question 2 Cost Taxpayers? October 24, 2014 by Richard Miner
https://watchdogwire.com/new-jersey/2014/10/24/nj-open-space-ballot-initiative-would-give-govt-control-of-43-3-of-state-land/
