The TTF goes bankrupt at midnight tonight.

Weeks and months of discussion had led to viable options to fully fund the TTF and provide much-needed tax relief to the citizens of this state: the Assembly passed a bipartisan bill the Governor said he would sign and Senators Oroho and Sarlo developed a viable plan. The TTF proposals were fairly consistent and while the tax fairness proposals varied, the ingredients are there for compromise.  Yet the Senate gaveled out of session today with no action.  Each day we are without a solution, workers will be laid off.  This failure to act is now directly impacting the livelihoods of thousands of New Jerseyans.

Leadership is elected by the people and leaders they need to serve those people.  Today’s lack of action is not serving the residents of this state.

Every single legislative district in New Jersey will have workers who will lose their jobs by virtue of the fact that their elected representatives failed to act and the TTF was left to languish.  Many New Jersey families are in jeopardy, as is the state’s economy and reputation. 

We need Trenton to come together on a compromise so they don’t compromise the future of this state.  Inaction is unacceptable and we will continue to fight every day and every night until this is resolved.  The Governor and legislature need to come together sooner rather than later, as early as next week, to address this crisis.

Raymond M. Pocino is Vice President and Eastern Regional Manager for the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), representing more than 40,000 construction workers in New Jersey, New York City, Long Island, Delaware, and Puerto Rico. LIUNA is at the forefront of the construction industry, a powerhouse of workers who are proud to build America.

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