Elections Have Consequences

Well New Jersey?  You elected Chris Christie as Governor because you didn't like Democrats anymore.  His first major act as Governor?  Freezing all state spending by executive order in a recession.

Calling New Jersey's budget a "shambles," Gov. Chris Christie announced Thursday he is immediately freezing all state spending.

Saying New Jersey is on the verge of bankruptcy, Christie declared a fiscal emergency, announcing drastic cuts. Among them, aid to school districts that have excess surpluses.

"Today we are going to act swiftly to fix problems too long ignored. Today I begin to do what I promised the people of New Jersey I would do," Christie said.

The move had Democrats in an uproar, angry the governor used his executive powers instead of working with the Legislature.

"What that's going to mean is that those school districts without that money are going to be raising property taxes in the upcoming year to make up for that shortfall," said Assemblyman John Wisniewski, D-19th District. 

And when those property tax measures are defeated and other tax measures have to be taken to make up the resulting shortfall and schools, roads, police, and other infrastructure and services suffer the way they are in places like Colorado and California, you might want to remember that the next time an election rolls around.

Cutting spending and raising taxes in a recession will not create job growth, folks.  Add New Jersey to the list of states who are going to find out the hard way.