The timing and location of Gov. Chris Christie’s announcement of a $190 million payroll tax reduction today is curious. The legislation passed in May, was a Democrats’ bill, and was voted down by the Republican lawmakers who represent the district where Christie plans to make his announcement.
The bill, S2609, sponsored by state Sens. Fred Madden, (D-4), of Washington Township, and Shirley Turner, (D-17), of Lawrenceville, and Assemblyman Matt Milam (D-1) of Vineland passed earlier this year, allowing the Department of Labor to reduce the state temporary disability insurance surtax.
Christie heads to Little Falls, Passaic County this afternoon to trumpet the state’s fiscal windfall as a result of the bill, but state Sen. Kevin O’Toole, (R-40), of Cedar Grove – who represents Little Falls – voted against it.
O’Toole wasn’t alone. Six other Republican state senators joined him: Anthony Bucco, (R-25), of Boonton; Andy Ciesla, (R-10), of Brick; Christipher Connors, (R-9), of Lacey Township; Mike Doherty, (R-23), of Washington Township; Steve Oroho, (R-24), of Franklin Township; and Joe Pennacchio, (R-26), of Pine Brook.
Also, O’Toole’s mates in the lower chamber, Assemblymen Scott Rumana, (R-40), of Wayne, and David Russo, (R-40), of Ridgewood, voted down the bill in its final passage.