N.J.'s delegation divided on paying for Katrina

GOP, DEMS DIFFER

N.J.'s delegation divided on paying for Katrina

Published in the Asbury Park Press 09/22/05
BY LEDYARD KING
GANNETT NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON — Delay the Medicare drug benefit plan. Scale back President Bush's tax cuts. Scrap a number of pet highway projects.

Congress hasn't gotten the full tab for Hurricane Katrina, but some Garden State lawmakers already are divided on how to pay for relief efforts that could exceed $200 billion. Much of the rift falls predictably along party lines, with Republicans urging cuts in spending and Democrats pressing for fewer tax breaks.

"How is it that New Jerseyans who depend upon transportation to earn their living . . . (see) their transit funds are going to be cut, but by the same token, millionaires still get their tax breaks?" asked Rep. Robert Menendez, D-N.J. "That's not shared sacrifice."

But Republicans representing the state say any delay in tax relief is unacceptable.

"Katrina gave our economy a kick in the gut, and we should not give our economy another kick in the gut by raising taxes," said Rep. Mike Ferguson, R-N.J.

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