As 2012 agenda unfolds, to raise or cut taxes is the big question
As state lawmakers gather for their 2012 legislative sessions, taxes are emerging as a key issue, with at least half a dozen Republican governors pressing for sweeping tax cuts and just as many Democrats pushing for tax increases.
One of the biggest tax battles will be in New Jersey, where Governor Chris Christie is calling for an across-the-board 10 percent cut in the state income tax. 鈥淭his will send a loud signal,鈥 the Republican governor said in his state of the state speech this week. 鈥淭he New Jersey comeback has begun.鈥 Democrats, who control the legislature and went along with Christie鈥檚 plan to overhaul the state pension system last year, are scoffing at the tax-cut plan.