Governor to Ban Blue?

Governor Christie proposed raising $65 million in sales tax revenue by repealing the county’s longstanding ban on Sunday business.

Paramus could become the last bastion of blue laws if the state law is repealed.

Those quiet Sundays may be a mere memory as the roar of traffic drones out the sizzling sound of the steak on the grill. Impromptu invitations will be replaced by planned parties to allow for travel time through the neighboring Bergen towns.

And that's just one issue of change!

Here are several other ways the Budget changes could affect you:

• Property tax rebates are being cut 75 percent. The money would not be mailed to you in check form but instead will come as a credit on property tax bills in May 2011.
• A reduction in state aid to municipalities and school districts by more than $1.2 billion in total. If Gov. Christie doesn’t get new laws limiting property tax increases, local government may raise the tax — or drop services and lay off workers.
• Seniors will pay more for prescriptions. Co-pays on name-brand drugs could increase from $7 to $15, in addition to a $310 deductible.
• Student financial assistance would be cut $15.2 million. Tax credits for high-tech businesses will be cut in half, to $30 million. Few of the 2,112 line items in the budget were not touched.
• Long-term, the calls for public employee pension reforms and push for laws allowing towns and school districts to get the upper hand on employee unions could cut property taxes.

Let your voice be heard....