O’SCANLON AND CASAGRANDE ASK WHEN WILL NEW JERSEY ADDRESS PROPERTY TAX RELIEF

Trenton, NJ – August 20, 2008 – (RealEstateRama) — As Governor Corzine joined Senator Robert Menendez and Congressman Rush Holt today in Monroe Township to discuss a new federal property tax relief initiative, Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon and Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande, both representing the 12th Legislative District, questioned why the governor has not devoted more attention to providing property tax relief to the people of New Jersey.

“It seems that New Jersey’s governor has more of an interest in national issues these days than those in his own state,” stated O’Scanlon (R- Monmouth). “Instead of finding ways to relieve the property tax burden of his own constituents, he is focused on what the federal government is doing or should be doing. He’s not a United States Senator any longer, but the Governor of New Jersey. There are more than enough problems to be fixed in New Jersey.”

“The governor refused to discuss the Republican budget alternative plan, which would have provided meaningful tax relief to all New Jersey citizens, commented Casagrande (R- Monmouth). “A press conference highlighting a federal program, which the Governor had no control over, may be a good idea. It’s obvious that Governor Corzine likes to talk about property tax relief; however, he himself has done nothing to enact real property tax relief in New Jersey.”

Surprisingly, Senator Frank Lautenberg did not attend the gathering to discuss the housing rescue and foreclosure law. Under the legislation signed by President Bush, a homeowner filing a single federal tax return may claim a standard $500 deduction on state and local property taxes paid, while those filing a joint return are permitted to take a $1,000 deduction.