Fiscal Year 2012 began today with a new Republican budget that offers taxpayers much to celebrate, Assemblywoman Amy H. Handlin said today. “Our budget doubles direct property tax relief to middle class families and increases education funding by $850 million. The responsible budgets Republicans have delivered over the past two years is paying off and taxpayers can celebrate,” Handlin, R-Monmouth and Middlesex, said. “The best part of this budget is that is based on sound planning and certifiable revenue estimates so we know it is reliable and sustainable. That’s a refreshing break from Democrats’ budgets of the past that relied on hopes and prayers that did not fulfill their false promises.”

The Fiscal Year 2012 budget, signed yesterday by Governor Christie, spends $29.7 billion – $900 million less than the Democrats proposed. It increases education funding by $850 million, doubles property tax credits, increases funding to hospitals, funds health programs for low-income women, children and senior citizens, fulfills the state’s commitment to make a pension payment and provides $180 million in targeted tax cuts to grow the economy and create jobs.

“This budget will relieve taxpayers and create jobs while preserving our state’s most critical programs,” Handlin said. “Along with last week’s historic bipartisan pension and healthcare reform, this new year is starting off on the right foot for the people of New Jersey.”