Fact-checking Gov. Christie's favorite budget boasts

[deminks]

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/03/fact-checking_gov_christies_fa.html

TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie likes to use numbers — a lot of them — to explain to people the enormity of the state's fiscal crisis. But like with many things, context can change the meaning.

(snip)

CHRISTIE: State workers got a 7 percent salary increase this year.

THE FACTS: They did in July 2010. But that's because they deferred for 18 months a 3.5 percent raise in 2009 as part of a deal with former Gov. Jon Corzine that guaranteed no layoffs. The 7 percent Christie cites combines the 3.5 percent raises over two years.

(snip)

CHRISTIE: Says Democrats want to raise income tax on those making $400,000 or more.

THE FACTS: That depends on your definition of "millionaire." Just before Christie took office, an income tax hike known as the "Millionaire's Tax" (even though it applied to those making $400,000) expired. The surcharge raised the income tax from 8.9 percent to 10.8 percent. Last year, Democrats tried to revive the income tax hike, but on those making $1 million or more. Christie vetoed it.

(end snip)

Kochthuglican fun with numbers.