Background: Governor Chris Christie recently announced excessive budget cuts that will hurt the vast majority of New Jersey residents - while keeping tax cuts for New Jersey's wealthiest residents in place.

Governor Christie's proposed budget will cut funding to local school districts by 80% to 100%, and will cut $62 million from higher education funding.  These represent the largest cuts to education spending in New Jersey's history. In addition, Governor Christie is proposing severe cuts to NJ Transit (which will result in 25% fare hikes) and a 75% cut in funding to libraries. Meanwhile, Governor Christie broke a campaign promise to maintain the property tax rebate.

In short, Governor Christie's budget proposals mean higher taxes, serious reductions in the quality of education, and cuts to services such as transit and libraries. To note, Governor Christie has not made one proposal to increase revenue through job creation at a time when New Jersey is in a jobs recession. Is this what voters really wanted?

How you can help:

• Write a letter to the editor in opposition to Christie's budget proposals. Use our Action Center at http://www.usmediacorps.org/nj/action-center-mainmenu-40 to send your letter to newspapers in New Jersey and nearby media markets.  For ideas, refer to the talking points and references below.
• Contact your state legislators and ask them to oppose Governor Christie's budget: http://www.congress.org/congressorg/state/main/?lvl=L&state=NJ&view=myofficials