E-mail: info@votecullen.com
Tax Plan
I am proposing a tax plan that will bring much needed relief to the residents of New Jersey, as well as create a recurring revenue stream. My plan allows towns, where sales tax is generated, to keep one out of the seven percent, to be used for property tax relief. This is a two-prong attack on taxes as our State income tax was put in place for general property tax relief. Under my plan, we will have the property tax relief that is needed; making the income tax obsolete. My plan to lower property tax concludes with the abolishing of COAH and Abbott programs.
Lower Taxes
Lower taxes and create incentive to bring business back to New Jersey - The tax burden has become too much to bear and the well is dry. There is nothing left for Trenton to take, yet they continue to take their disproportionate share of the pie. If the Government continues to extort money from the small business owner, the ultimate result will be the loss of that individual. Trenton seems to be on a mission to drive business out of the State and take away any incentive for a new entrepreneur to take a risk and start a business. What will Trenton do when there is no one left to tax? I am proposing a progressive tax cut. My plan will continue for four years, allowing time to reallocate responsibility and funds for different programs, and eventually eliminate the State Corporate Tax. I will create a welcoming environment for new, and returning, business from all across the country.
Line Item Veto
Use line item veto to eliminate wasteful spending - In a Cullen administration, wasteful spending will be a thing of the past. I will go line-by-line and veto any and all spending that does not have the interest of the People in mind. By reducing wasteful spending, we can efficiently implement a progressive tax reduction.
Smaller Government
Smaller and more efficient Government - We are currently experiencing the largest, and fastest, expansion of government in the history of the nation. This is causing a great strain on our freedom, our economy, and the American way of life. As the Government grows, so do the wasteful spending and ineffective programs. The size of government, and their outlandish spending, need to be immediately controlled and reduced. It is time for fiscal responsibility and common sense. When elected, I will pull government out of your way, and out of your wallet, which will afford you the opportunity of a successful pursuit of happiness.
Education
I believe in choice; I value the decisions made, by parents, to ensure their children are afforded the best educational opportunities possible. It is no secret that education is the key to a successful tomorrow. I will sit down with the teacher and parent associations. We will work together, to create the right learning environment, for our children. We will raise the bar for academic standards and give the education that our children truly deserve. I have a plan to make public schools more competitive. After all, healthy competition is what creates results. I am in favor of a Universal Education Tax Credit for parents who wish to home-school or send their children to private school. Many parents make this choice not because it is more convenient or cost effective; they do this to ensure the best quality education possible, and right now that is not found in our public school system. Some may say this will encourage parents to not send their children to public school. I say this is an opportunity for public schools to raise the bar of academic excellence and prove to the parents why their children should continue their education with them.
Crime and Immigration
I long for a state where we can all feel safe, walking down the street, at night. Too many of our towns have become overridden with crime and gang violence. Even some of our quieter, more affluent towns are starting to feel the presence of danger. I will work with State and local police to crack down on the gangs that are infiltrating our neighborhoods.I will also crack down on our growing problem with illegal aliens. As the amount of illegal aliens increases, it continues to drain our health-care system, our schools, and our economy. We are a nation of laws and those laws should be respected. I will not allow illegals to obtain drivers' licenses or other benefits given to legal residents. No-one should, nor shall, be rewarded for breaking our laws; those companies who hire illegal aliens should and will be punished.
Health Care
The health-care system desperately needs structural changes that create real competition. Make consumers the key decision makers. In a consumer-centered health care system, individuals make the crucial decisions on medical treatment and insurance. The Government's role should be limited to providing means-tested, financial assistance and ensuring transparent pricing to increase consumer choice. Allow individuals to buy and own their coverage. Empower consumers to choose the right plan for them. Remove barriers that prevent a range of choices and allow for interstate commerce on insurance.
Gun Control
I am a strong advocate for the Second Amendment as the right to bear arms is a Constitutional right. We, as citizens, have every right to defend ourselves, our property, and our loved ones. Gun laws do not deter criminals from getting guns, as they are just that... criminals. The only people guns laws affect are the law-abiding citizens. As Governor, I will veto any anti-gun legislation and protect your Constitutional rights so you can protect yourself.
Abortion
I believe in the sanctity of life; that abortion should not be used as a form of birth control and should only be used under extreme circumstances. I will allocate funds to programs that will encourage and allow for pregnant woman to put babies, from unwanted pregnancies, up for adoption. The State will fund all medical expenses as well as the adoption process. I will make it easier for couples to adopt children from this program. There are so many wonderful, loving people throughout the State who cannot have children. Together, we can make that dream a reality.
COAH
I do not believe that hard-working citizens of New Jersey should be forced to subsidize low-income housing for people who can not afford to own a home. It is not the responsibility of the taxpayer to bear the financial burden of home ownership for his or her neighbor. I will return the zoning and planning to the local municipalities. COAH is just another example of big government thinking they can make better decisions, that affect your life, than you do.
Employee Benefits
No new employees or part-time employees in the pension system; stop pension system abuse. - Part-time employees will not be eligible for the pension system. By removing appointees who are paid to attend monthly meetings of a board of which they are a part, I will eliminate abuse of our pension system. New state employees will not be a part of the pension system because we can not afford it. They will, instead, receive a 401k or another suitable program of their choosing.
Tort Reform
Stopping “trip-and-fall” lawyers from ruining the lives of innocent people, by bringing frivolous cases to the courts and winning, is a big part of the massive overhaul needed in health-care reform. Tort reform is also key to lowering many other insurance costs.
Vaccine Choice