What happened at the school budget hearing last night?
Post new topic   Reply to topic    [http://cranbury.info] -> News | Events
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
Guest






PostPosted: Mon, Mar 29 2010, 3:12 pm EDT    Post subject: Re: What happened at the school budget hearing last night? Reply with quote

Guest wrote:
Guest wrote:
Guest wrote:
Guest wrote:
Linda Greenstein said she wanted to raise taxes at the meeting. That was her solution to offset the tax increase.


She was talking about the tax on people making more than 400k that expired.


Since it expired it would be raising taxes


Well, if we don't tax the few that make over 400k, then we all have to pay because property taxes will go up. Who can afford paying more in this economy? The richest 1% or the middle class of whom many are struggling these days.

Why should we not tax the rich? I am sorry when I consider individuals making more than 400k rich....I am sure some people disagree with that view. Historically, the federal top tax bracket (especially 1932-1986) was 50-94%. And way back then, the rich seemed to be doing ok. So, with the federal tax rate as low as it is, I think they richest 1% can pay a little more to the State. Sorry, but I don't feel any sympathy towards the few and their cries of injustice. I feel bad for the fixed income seniors or the unemployed worker that is going through his savings to make ends meat.


Since your willing to tax others, can we tax you more as well? In fact how about you give another 5% or 10% of your earnings each year along with 5% or 10% more in taxes on those rich fat cats that make over 400k.

Then we won't need to cut any government spending and we can hire more workers for the government payroll.

Makes perfect sense. I mean why should be cut anything right? Things are working so well now and this taxing the "RICH" thing that is really working too.

Sure lets keep it all going Great idea!
Back to top
Guest






PostPosted: Mon, Mar 29 2010, 3:30 pm EDT    Post subject: Re: What happened at the school budget hearing last night? Reply with quote

I'd rather a tax increase than private school.

Are they cutting the PTO clubs that we pay for or just the free ones?
Back to top
Guest






PostPosted: Mon, Mar 29 2010, 4:50 pm EDT    Post subject: Re: What happened at the school budget hearing last night? Reply with quote

Guest 2 wrote:
The state process calls for any voted down budgets to be reviewed by the TC and then approved by the state. The TC could change NOTHING and simply pass it on to the state. Or they could cut more.

They could not however, cut the teacher's raises. The raises are a contractual obligation. The fact that the teachers gave up 1/2 the raises was a gift, they were not obligated to do so. The TC cannot cut their salaries or their contracted benefits. That is the law. And a good one too.

Why do you feel the teachers need to bear the brunt of the current economic situation? Is it their fault the state has refused to pay into their pension fund for 10 years? Is it their fault the financial system in this country was poorly regulated or that people borrowed too heavily against their homes. Frankly, I would guess there are more residents of this town more directly responsible for that. Say thank you for the give back they have made to the town, vote yes for the budget and pay for the schools you want.
Back to top
Cranbury mom
Guest





PostPosted: Mon, Mar 29 2010, 4:58 pm EDT    Post subject: Re: What happened at the school budget hearing last night? Reply with quote

Guest wrote:
Guest 2 wrote:
The state process calls for any voted down budgets to be reviewed by the TC and then approved by the state. The TC could change NOTHING and simply pass it on to the state. Or they could cut more.

They could not however, cut the teacher's raises. The raises are a contractual obligation. The fact that the teachers gave up 1/2 the raises was a gift, they were not obligated to do so. The TC cannot cut their salaries or their contracted benefits. That is the law. And a good one too.

Why do you feel the teachers need to bear the brunt of the current economic situation? Is it their fault the state has refused to pay into their pension fund for 10 years? Is it their fault the financial system in this country was poorly regulated or that people borrowed too heavily against their homes. Frankly, I would guess there are more residents of this town more directly responsible for that. Say thank you for the give back they have made to the town, vote yes for the budget and pay for the schools you want.


To the "Guest 2" quoted above,

Thanks for clarifying the process. I should have clarified my point about he 2-4% pay increase, I was referring to increases to the administrative salaries not teachers. I agree with your point regarding teachers making concessions they are sharing responsibility for the financial burden left by the lack of state aid. Therefore, the adminstration should also be making a gesture to share the burden as well, and it is my understanding that they are still keeping a pay increase. Can anyone confirm?[/i]
Back to top
Guest






PostPosted: Mon, Mar 29 2010, 8:15 pm EDT    Post subject: Re: What happened at the school budget hearing last night? Reply with quote

Guest wrote:
Guest wrote:
Guest wrote:
Guest wrote:
Guest wrote:
Linda Greenstein said she wanted to raise taxes at the meeting. That was her solution to offset the tax increase.


She was talking about the tax on people making more than 400k that expired.


Since it expired it would be raising taxes


Well, if we don't tax the few that make over 400k, then we all have to pay because property taxes will go up. Who can afford paying more in this economy? The richest 1% or the middle class of whom many are struggling these days.

Why should we not tax the rich? I am sorry when I consider individuals making more than 400k rich....I am sure some people disagree with that view. Historically, the federal top tax bracket (especially 1932-1986) was 50-94%. And way back then, the rich seemed to be doing ok. So, with the federal tax rate as low as it is, I think they richest 1% can pay a little more to the State. Sorry, but I don't feel any sympathy towards the few and their cries of injustice. I feel bad for the fixed income seniors or the unemployed worker that is going through his savings to make ends meat.


Since your willing to tax others, can we tax you more as well? In fact how about you give another 5% or 10% of your earnings each year along with 5% or 10% more in taxes on those rich fat cats that make over 400k.

Then we won't need to cut any government spending and we can hire more workers for the government payroll.

Makes perfect sense. I mean why should be cut anything right? Things are working so well now and this taxing the "RICH" thing that is really working too.

Sure lets keep it all going Great idea!



I am sorry, you are right. Tax cuts across the board will solve all problems. I want to play less federal and state tax. We should abandon the government. Let's shrink it....yeah Rolling Eyes
Back to top
Guest






PostPosted: Mon, Mar 29 2010, 9:46 pm EDT    Post subject: Re: What happened at the school budget hearing last night? Reply with quote

I live in Cranbury. I moved here for the school. My household income is 400k(approx). I work in finance. I think it is fair to say that most of my immediate neighbors make around the same amount of money as I do. I have no problem paying teachers and cops. The salaries that they make is far less than what I make. Even with their pensions and benefits. A teacher with a masters degree making 80k after 15 years is not overpaid, even with a pension and health insurance. We have to be realistic. There needs to be some incentive for good people to go into teaching and other neccesary public service jobs like police.
Back to top
Guest3
Guest





PostPosted: Mon, Mar 29 2010, 9:56 pm EDT    Post subject: Re: What happened at the school budget hearing last night? Reply with quote

Guest wrote:
I'd rather a tax increase than private school.

Are they cutting the PTO clubs that we pay for or just the free ones?


They are not cutting the PTO clubs that we pay for.
Back to top
Guest






PostPosted: Mon, Mar 29 2010, 10:07 pm EDT    Post subject: Re: What happened at the school budget hearing last night? Reply with quote

Guest wrote:
I live in Cranbury. I moved here for the school. My household income is 400k(approx). I work in finance. I think it is fair to say that most of my immediate neighbors make around the same amount of money as I do. I have no problem paying teachers and cops. The salaries that they make is far less than what I make. Even with their pensions and benefits. A teacher with a masters degree making 80k after 15 years is not overpaid, even with a pension and health insurance. We have to be realistic. There needs to be some incentive for good people to go into teaching and other neccesary public service jobs like police.


Being reasonable will get you nowhere on this board.
Back to top
Guest






PostPosted: Mon, Mar 29 2010, 10:12 pm EDT    Post subject: Re: What happened at the school budget hearing last night? Reply with quote

Guest wrote:
I live in Cranbury. I moved here for the school. My household income is 400k(approx). I work in finance. I think it is fair to say that most of my immediate neighbors make around the same amount of money as I do. I have no problem paying teachers and cops. The salaries that they make is far less than what I make. Even with their pensions and benefits. A teacher with a masters degree making 80k after 15 years is not overpaid, even with a pension and health insurance. We have to be realistic. There needs to be some incentive for good people to go into teaching and other neccesary public service jobs like police.


Good for you, but I can tell you it will take me a few years to make that. My retired neighbor will never make that, nor will the mom next to me.

I think we need to consider all residents and the impact of taxes on all residents, not just those who make a ton and then feel that they want this and that because they can afford it.

It has nothing to do with are teachers paid high or low. A Cranbury teacher makes more than a Trenton teacher, but I would say the teacher in Trenton has a harder job. However, I think we attract better quality teachers and thus reward their quality.
Back to top
Guest






PostPosted: Wed, Mar 31 2010, 10:57 am EDT    Post subject: Re: What happened at the school budget hearing last night? Reply with quote

Just curious, if there were a salary freeze, would we have to cut anything?
Back to top
Guest 2
Guest





PostPosted: Wed, Mar 31 2010, 5:17 pm EDT    Post subject: Re: What happened at the school budget hearing last night? Reply with quote

Salary freeze would only ameliorate some cuts - not eliminate them. The amt. to be cut is BIG - a lot bigger than the raises.
Back to top
Guest






PostPosted: Wed, Mar 31 2010, 5:53 pm EDT    Post subject: Re: What happened at the school budget hearing last night? Reply with quote

I guess that is the question, how much would a salary freeze protect. Would it save the late bus? Would it save a teacher?
Back to top
Guest






PostPosted: Wed, Mar 31 2010, 7:55 pm EDT    Post subject: Re: What happened at the school budget hearing last night? Reply with quote

I do not think that there will be a salary freeze. If there was which programs would it be applied towards saving? What is important to me may not be important to others.
Also if there is a salary freeze now, then a few years down the road when things improve (fingers crossed) do the teachers get double raises to make up for it?
Back to top
Guest






PostPosted: Wed, Mar 31 2010, 8:35 pm EDT    Post subject: Re: What happened at the school budget hearing last night? Reply with quote

Guest wrote:
I do not think that there will be a salary freeze. If there was which programs would it be applied towards saving? What is important to me may not be important to others.
Also if there is a salary freeze now, then a few years down the road when things improve (fingers crossed) do the teachers get double raises to make up for it?


Why should they get double the raises? I got nothing last year and 1% this year. Should I expect triple if things improve next year?
Back to top
Guest






PostPosted: Wed, Mar 31 2010, 11:04 pm EDT    Post subject: Re: What happened at the school budget hearing last night? Reply with quote

Guest 2 wrote:
Salary freeze would only ameliorate some cuts - not eliminate them. The amt. to be cut is BIG - a lot bigger than the raises.


Don't kid yourself, the total cost of a 2% salary increase across the board for both teachers and admin + the increase to the health care cost (which is paid by the district) amounts to a pretty significant cost to the district. This savings may not be able to eliminate all cuts, but would certainly lessen the impact on students. Thus far, a majority of the budget cuts directly impact students ie. teacher cuts, programs, and services. Admin & teacher salary freezes would not directly impact students, which I believe is the overall all goal, to minimize the impact on students. Ask yourself...why should a administrator or teacher be entitled to a raise in a year when there is a tremendous financial burden on the district?
Back to top
Guest






PostPosted: Thu, Apr 1 2010, 12:05 am EDT    Post subject: Re: What happened at the school budget hearing last night? Reply with quote

Guest wrote:
Guest 2 wrote:
Salary freeze would only ameliorate some cuts - not eliminate them. The amt. to be cut is BIG - a lot bigger than the raises.


Don't kid yourself, the total cost of a 2% salary increase across the board for both teachers and admin + the increase to the health care cost (which is paid by the district) amounts to a pretty significant cost to the district. This savings may not be able to eliminate all cuts, but would certainly lessen the impact on students. Thus far, a majority of the budget cuts directly impact students ie. teacher cuts, programs, and services. Admin & teacher salary freezes would not directly impact students, which I believe is the overall all goal, to minimize the impact on students. Ask yourself...why should a administrator or teacher be entitled to a raise in a year when there is a tremendous financial burden on the district?


You were obviously not at the meeting. The teachers gave back half of their raise plus all there education reimbursements only yielded around a hundred thousand dollars.
Back to top
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    [http://cranbury.info] -> News | Events All times are GMT - 4 Hours
Goto page Previous  1, 2, 3, 4  Next
Page 3 of 4