Shared Sacrifice? Christie to Cut Benefits for Unemployed; Tax for Millionaires Still Not an Option

Governor Chris Christie announced cuts to unemployment benefits in the midst of the worst job market in 70 years on Thursday, setting up a showdown with the Democratic-controlled state legislature.

The changes, which come on the heels of unemployment reaching a 33-year high in New Jersey last December, were deemed "ill-advised," and "insensitive and unsound" by Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver (D-Essex) and Assembly Majority Leader Joe Cryan (D-Union).

Back in December, Chris Christie said the budget crisis would mean everyone came together and shared in sacrifices.  “Everyone is going to have to, myself included, step up to the plate on things we don’t like, but that’s the crisis we’re in," he said.

But so far, the Governor's actions do not match his words.  Thursday's actions mark a reversal in position designed to help businesses from paying more into the state's depleted Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, and Christie still has no plans to renew the surtax on individuals making more than $400,000 a year. 

However, public services, public transportation, education, food pantries and now the unemployed are all facing steep cuts.

New Jersey's working families and those being displaced by the current recession have now seen several rounds of cuts.  When will Christie show that all New Jerseyans are going to have to share the sacrifices, and ensure that the wealthiest among us to their part?