Smile NJ: Gov. Christie Proposes 10 Percent Cut For All Income Tax Brackets

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie delivered his State of the State address this afternoon and proposed some big tax cuts for Garden State residents.

Christie is proposing a 10 percent cut in every income tax bracket, which the governor says will provide direct relief for struggling families and small businesses.

“In my budget, I will fulfill a promise I made to all the people of New Jersey in 2009. Real relief from the heavy income tax burden that has strangled our families and forced many to move away. I propose to reduce income tax rates for each and every New Jerseyan. In every tax bracket. By 10% across the board,” Christie said.

The proposed cuts could begin in January 2013 and be phased in over three years. The governor says the new rates will make New Jersey more competitive and lift the burden on small businesses.

“This will send a loud signal to New Jerseyans and would-be New Jerseyans, to families here now and families who have left, to businesses and job creators thinking of coming here and those who have struggled to stay: New Jersey is once again a place to plan your future, raise your family, grow your business and someday retire. The New Jersey comeback has begun,” Christie said.

Christie has popular support on many issues, says Peter Wooley, director of the Fairleigh Dickinson PublicMind Poll.

“Here we have a governor, who in very poor economic times, has taking an axe to the budget and has survived in the public approval ratings despite that,” said Wooley.

Christie maintains a 53 percent approval rating even after outrage over a 50 percent increase in New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway tolls.

Christie’s speech was originally scheduled one week ago, but it was delayed because of the death of Assembly minority leader Alex DeCroce.

{CBS Local/Matzav.com Newscenter}