The so-called “Homestead Rebate” program has been a costly program for New Jersey taxpayers. Under this program the State takes money only to issue checks just prior to election time at a huge administrative expense. Under the current budget situation these checks are actually borrowed money which must be paid back by future generations … with interest. The Lonegan plan is to put the elimination of this program on the ballot.

In Bogota Lonegan was faced with a similar situation concerning a proposed tax to pay for pensions for “volunteers.” As Mayor, Lonegan was the deciding vote and, as a tax cutter, he voted “No.” After many complaints from the citizens Lonegan put the question on the ballot. By the time Lonegan explained to the citizens that this was a permanent tax, and in 10 years it would add up to a new school building, some of the volunteers went to City Council and said they didn’t want it. By the time the vote happened it was voted down by more than 70% … in a town that voted two-thirds for Barack Obama. Lonegan is the only candidate willing and able to make the hard decisions needed to stop the spiraling tax burden in New Jersey.