New Jersey’s state budget for 2012 is up for debate, and Gov. Christie’s proposal does not look good for us seniors.
It not only continues to block new applicants to the Property Tax Reimbursement program (PTR), but it also caps reimbursement payments for 2010 to recipients’ 2008 level. Although the PTR was designed to protect residents in the program from rising property tax rates, we will in fact face higher property taxes once again this year. I have worked my entire life, yet right now I rely entirely on Social Security. With such a limited income, I depend on the PTR to help paymy bills. Without it, I may lose my home. If this happens, I will be placed in a nursing home at the state’s expense.
By limiting funding to the PTR, the state will spend hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to keep seniors in nursing homes rather than a few hundred to help mitigate property tax increases. Is this the budget fix we need?
If you believe that our government should not treat our most vulnerable like “throw-away” citizens, then contact your legislators and demand full funding for the Property Tax Reimbursement program.
RuthannWohlforth
AARP Outreach Volunteer
Ocean View