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It's budget season in New Jersey, and this year, the debate centers on how the state's expenditures and revenue plan can accelerate the "New Jersey comeback." In these discussions, it's typical for both sides to claim that their budget plan results in the best investments for the future.
One school of thought says that we should reduce the income tax rate to leave money in the hands of business owners who can invest in creating jobs. Others want to invest in property tax relief and an earned income tax credit that will help working families, and increase funding for education that will help children grow up to become productive workers and citizens.
Late last year, I attended the release of two Kids Count demographic studies that persuaded me that this state budget is critical for New Jersey's children.