New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican, has swapped insults with Illinois and Maryland's Democrat governors over which state is the most business-friendly. But this weekend he put his money where his mouth is by paying for a trip to Chicago during which he attempted to lure major corporations to New Jersey.At a press conference at the New Jersey State House in Trenton today, thereported that Christie claimed to have "one major lead," following his trip. When asked about whether he felt badly about trying to lure away jobs from another state to New Jersey, Christie said that he felt no guilt, and continued to allude to future tax cuts for businesses. Christie declined to name the business that showed interest in New Jersey, or the names of the other businesses that he met with during his two-day trip. One business, though, made it clear that they were not interested in relocating to the Garden State.reported that Kraft spokesman Michael Mitchell said that, "We received an invitation to meet with the governor, but schedules were simply not conducive to a meeting at this time."Christie's visit to Illinois coincided with recent tax rate hikes for both individuals and businesses in Illinois. Last month, Illinois Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn signed a whopping 67 percent tax increase. Christie has even taken out print and radio advertisements in major Illinois cities Chicago and Springfield that repeat his promise to not raise taxes in New Jersey. The Star-Ledger has reported the Christie was elated upon hearing about the Illinois tax rate increases, saying, "I'll go and try to collect as many businesses as I can. And every job that I create, that I take from Illinois, which comes to New Jersey, will be a net plus for us." Former New Jersey Gov. Jim Florio has suggested that behind Christie's brash statements is a hefty dash of good timing, saying to thethat, "I think one of the things Gov. Christie has going for him is the fact that we're at least coming out of a very strong recession." Because Christie is at the helm at a time when the economy is naturally going to expand following a recession, he may be able to ride that wave to re-election as Governor or even the 2012 Republican presidential nomination.Thereported that the advertisements were followed with letters sent by the New Jersey lieutenant governor, Kim Guadagno, to 553 different Illinois-based businesses of varying sizes who will be affected by the recent tax increases, however neither Christie nor Guadagno has said how many of those businesses were open to meeting with Christie during his recent trip.Currently, New Jersey's business tax rate is 9 percent compared to Illinois's 9.5 percent, but thanks to other laws and their lower personal income tax rate, Illinois still ranks above New Jersey on the . New Jersey is currently considered the 48th worst tax climate for businesses, followed only by New York and California, while thenoted that the recent rate increases in Illinois would move the state into 36th place.Meanwhile, the noted that Christie's war of words with Maryland's Governor Martin O'Malley led O'Malley to snipe, "Gov. Christie has avoided the tough choices all governors face by making drastic cuts to schools, resorting to fiscal gimmicks like skipping pension payments, and putting New Jersey at a disadvantage for creating jobs and opportunity." New Chapter .Talking to You . Madhouse (538) live (14 february 2003) .Lyserd Dimention mixed by Tony Lizard .Jackpot
N.J. Gov. Christie Road Trips to Attract Businesses
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican, has swapped insults with Illinois and Maryland's Democrat governors over which state is the most business-friendly. But this weekend he put his money where his mouth is by paying for a trip to Chicago during which he attempted to lure major corporations to New Jersey.At a press conference at the New Jersey State House in Trenton today, thereported that Christie claimed to have "one major lead," following his trip. When asked about whether he felt badly about trying to lure away jobs from another state to New Jersey, Christie said that he felt no guilt, and continued to allude to future tax cuts for businesses. Christie declined to name the business that showed interest in New Jersey, or the names of the other businesses that he met with during his two-day trip. One business, though, made it clear that they were not interested in relocating to the Garden State.reported that Kraft spokesman Michael Mitchell said that, "We received an invitation to meet with the governor, but schedules were simply not conducive to a meeting at this time."Christie's visit to Illinois coincided with recent tax rate hikes for both individuals and businesses in Illinois. Last month, Illinois Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn signed a whopping 67 percent tax increase. Christie has even taken out print and radio advertisements in major Illinois cities Chicago and Springfield that repeat his promise to not raise taxes in New Jersey. The Star-Ledger has reported the Christie was elated upon hearing about the Illinois tax rate increases, saying, "I'll go and try to collect as many businesses as I can. And every job that I create, that I take from Illinois, which comes to New Jersey, will be a net plus for us." Former New Jersey Gov. Jim Florio has suggested that behind Christie's brash statements is a hefty dash of good timing, saying to thethat, "I think one of the things Gov. Christie has going for him is the fact that we're at least coming out of a very strong recession." Because Christie is at the helm at a time when the economy is naturally going to expand following a recession, he may be able to ride that wave to re-election as Governor or even the 2012 Republican presidential nomination.Thereported that the advertisements were followed with letters sent by the New Jersey lieutenant governor, Kim Guadagno, to 553 different Illinois-based businesses of varying sizes who will be affected by the recent tax increases, however neither Christie nor Guadagno has said how many of those businesses were open to meeting with Christie during his recent trip.Currently, New Jersey's business tax rate is 9 percent compared to Illinois's 9.5 percent, but thanks to other laws and their lower personal income tax rate, Illinois still ranks above New Jersey on the . New Jersey is currently considered the 48th worst tax climate for businesses, followed only by New York and California, while thenoted that the recent rate increases in Illinois would move the state into 36th place.Meanwhile, the noted that Christie's war of words with Maryland's Governor Martin O'Malley led O'Malley to snipe, "Gov. Christie has avoided the tough choices all governors face by making drastic cuts to schools, resorting to fiscal gimmicks like skipping pension payments, and putting New Jersey at a disadvantage for creating jobs and opportunity." New Chapter .Talking to You . Madhouse (538) live (14 february 2003) .Lyserd Dimention mixed by Tony Lizard .Jackpot