[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 94 (Tuesday, July 19, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 19, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                  GOVERNORS, TAKE A LOOK AT NEW JERSEY

  (Mr. MENENDEZ asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, with the economy growing strongly, 
Democrats who passed the President's deficit-cutting budget package 
have reason to celebrate. The conviction of those who did the right 
thing is being rewarded.
  In my home State of New Jersey, it is also becoming clear who had 
conviction, and who did the right thing. Former Gov. Jim Florio made 
the tough decision to raise taxes to close the gap between the poorest 
and richest schools in New Jersey, as mandated by the State supreme 
court. The current Governor was swept into office on the politically 
popular promise to cut those taxes, a decision made possible by our own 
tough choices, which have led to economic growth across the country.
  Now the court has ruled that the State has failed to close the gap. 
And by how much? Oddly enough, almost precisely the amount by which 
Governor Whitman has reduced taxes.
  When the elections were over and the cheering stopped, we did the 
right thing, despite the political pressure to back away. I hope that 
our conviction can serve as a model for her, and for the other 
Governors who may shortly face this test.

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