Cranford Seniors Divided on Christie's Budget Proposal

Charging into change just a few months in office, Gov. Chris Christie's proposed state budget has Cranford seniors around town talking today.

Many of those who voted for him admit they considered him the "anti-Corzine" and knew only that he had been a corruption-busting U.S. attorney under President George W. Bush.

With the release of Christie's budget recommendations, he has established himself as something of a political pugilist. It's become clear that what's in store for New Jersey residents includes deep cuts and no apologies.

Even the "budget-in-brief" is 148 pages, so here is a short-list of the points most relevant to seniors:

• Name-brand drug co-pay for seniors on PAAD to increase from $7 to $15
• Seniors to pay new PAAD deductible of $310
• Senior Gold co-pay to increase to $15, deductible now $310
• No new applicants for senior property tax freeze--for those already enrolled, rebate amount limited to what was received last year
• State rental assistance program for low-income residents to be reduced
• Hagedorn Psychiatric Facility to be shut down
• New Jersey Transit rate hike, service cuts
• Department of Health and Senior Services funding to be reduced 6 percent
  

After talking to several Cranford seniors, there is no consensus as to how well these measures may address the state debt and what impact they may have on older residents. 

Lynn Mac Whirter suggests keeping an open mind. 

"Of course, the budget will affect those in education a great deal," she said. "It's still up in the air what will happen. We'll have to wait and see, but certainly people are talking about it."

Her husband, John Mac Whirter, was more emphatic in voicing his opinion. 

"Some of the cuts are drastic, no doubt about it," he said. "Are they necessary? Maybe they are. It's like medicine--it may taste bad, but you just have to take it. Seems like it has to be done. A lot of people will resent some of the things taking place."

He wonders how effective these proposed cuts will be. 

"To some extent, the jury is out on how well Gov. Christie will do, but there are some things we have to do. We're not going to like doing them. My overall view is that the debt has to be reduced somehow."

Retired teacher, Fred Faulkner, sees the proposed budget as a step in the right direction. 

"I think Christie's got the right idea," he said. "I don't know if he's got all the right answers, but you've got to cut. You can't keep spending;  you've got to cut somewhere."

Of course, school systems throughout the state will be hit hard, but Faulkner thinks such cuts are justified. 

"I taught in Elizabeth for years, and I think some of the cities take advantage of the money that's given. They get more than they deserve. It's a hard thing to do, but this has to be done."

Faulkner also feels that there is some level of misappropriation of current funding. 

"Teachers aren't the problem, it's the other people in the school systems who seem to have no particular job but make a lot of money."

Although he gives Christie credit for his efforts, in general, Faulkner does not feel that politicians are necessarily above reproach. 

"You can't give the money to politicians because they're going to squander it," he said. "They need to take away some of the extra (funding) and figure out how to put the remaining pieces together. Same problem on the federal level--why are we spending money on health care reform when nobody has a job? It might become a legacy issue for the President, but in a negative sense."

One Cranford senior wishing to remain anonymous had strong opinions on the subject. 

"Some things I'm glad he's brought out--the pensions, and these people, like the teachers, who don't pay anything for health benefits. I mean, come on! That really bothers me. Look at us--we have Medicare. People think it's free. It's not free! We pay into it $96.50 a month, and with supplements, we're into the thousands. And then, how about the cost of drugs? When you're paying hundreds of dollars for 90 pills? The teachers should pay, just like we have to pay."

For Peg Dooley, the expected cuts may be a challenge for neighbors and friends with little means.

"When I read that Christie was going to cut back on seniors' programs, I thought that it would be devastating," she said. "I don't know how people will manage. The co-pay, the deductible... it all adds up. It's dangerous for people who already don't have much because they'll cut down on food, they'll (conserve) medication. Things they really shouldn't cut out."

Dooley offers a few alternate options to cut the fat in New Jersey's budget.

"I really think instead of going after the middle class and the little people, they should go after those boards that are all political appointments. (Editor's Note:  there is a recommendation to this effect in the proposed budget.) All they have to do is go to a meeting, once, twice a month and they get paid for it. Also, (Christie's) not going to tax the wealthy, and I think that's wrong. Most people struggle to make ends meet."

Family members will also be affected, says Dooley. 

"I have a daughter who's a teacher, and a son who's a firefighter, so they'll be (affected by the proposed budget) as well."

Dooley believes Christie was better off as a U.S. attorney.

"I think that job was where he should have stayed," she said. "He was doing a wonderful job there, cleaning up corruption. He came in (as governor) all gangbusters, but time will tell."