Taxpayers need power of initiative and referendum

The education funding letter ("Education funding change would help public," June 7) did not consider our existing progressive New Jersey income tax. Presently, this tax supports half the $20 billion education cost.

We can give a $3,000 exemption to all residential school property taxpayers by using the new penny sales tax, current rebate systems replaced, and the $400 million pork added at the last minute to the present New Jersey budget.

In the two examples of that June 7 letter, the widow likely pays no present income tax and would be exempt from $3,000 of her $3,600 school tax. A $3,000 savings replaces her $1,200 planned rebate.

The wealthy person would continue paying the New Jersey income tax of about $90,000 plus a property tax reduced by this $3,000 exemption, also.

This is the system that should be forwarded to Trenton. Or, give us the power of initiative and referendum. We will bypass Trenton and have true tax reform, end pension abuse (retroactively), and dedicate most funding so our legislators are less vulnerable to special interests and their lobbyists!

Matthew House

North Brunswick