Christie Book Deal Bill Could Cost New Jersey Taxpayers Millions, Report Says
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- No citizen wants a tax increase, but sometimes they're part of life and something that's got to happen. For, you know, new schools, hospitals, roads, etc. Sometimes it's a necessary, justified evil.
But sometimes it's not. And this is probably one of those sometimes, as Gov. Chris Christie is looking to pass a bill to loosen state ethic laws, so he can write, and profit from, a book whilst in office, via NorthJersey.com. On top of that, the bill would include a cumulative $10 million tax raise.
But that tax raise wouldn't be going to, you know, new school, hospitals, roads, etc. It'd be going to "hefty raises" for Cabinet officials, state judges and others.
The law Christie's looking to circumvent is one that doesn't allow any outside income than the $175,000 he's compensated per year from taxpayers. It's currently being fast-tracked through the Legislature. Each of New Jersey's 120 lawmakers would be in line for a $30,000 pay raise should it go through.
State Sen. Jennifer Beck is none too pleased with Christie's attempt.
"I will be voting 'absolutely not' on this proposal," Beck said. "This is just another example of politicians attempting to pass legislation when they feel that people are not paying attention due to the holidays."