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TIME: Almanac 1993
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TIME Almanac 1993.iso
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1992-08-28
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NATION, Page 24ELECTION NOTESA Tax Backlash Jolts Jersey Legislators
Although his name did not appear on any ballot, New Jersey
Governor Jim Florio was one of the week's biggest losers.
Elected by a landslide two years ago, the tough-talking Democrat
won praise for his willingness to use political capital to
eliminate a $600 million budget deficit and introduce $2.8
billion in new state and income taxes. Florio believed increased
spending on education and a soak-the-rich progressive tax
structure would appeal to the middle class. Instead, outraged
voters rejected his program.
Democrats lost 21 seats in the assembly and 10 seats in
the senate, providing the Republicans with vetoproof majorities
in both houses. According to an election-eve poll, more than
half of those questioned said Governor Florio's policies were
the major issue in the campaign. Republican leaders immediately
announced a rollback in the sales tax from 7% to 6%. But faced
with a potential deficit next year, they are unwilling to make
any additional promises.