From the AP:

Pre-emptive strike launched against more NJ rebate cuts

A pre-emptive strike is being launched against the possibility of additional cuts to New Jersey’s property tax rebates.

AARP New Jersey plans to rally at the Statehouse on Monday. It’s decrying talk of more cuts to the state-funded rebates, which help homeowners combat the state’s high property taxes, which average $6,800 per homeowner and are twice the national average.

“There are fundamental flaws in the state’s property tax system, and until those are resolved we cannot falsely balance the budget on the backs of the people struggling to pay their property taxes,” said Marilyn Askin of AARP New Jersey.

Democratic Gov. Jon S. Corzine has proposed eliminating rebates for households earning more than $150,000 to help slash spending amid budget troubles.

Under his proposal, households earning up to $100,000 would still get rebates averaging $1,115, while those making between $100,000 and $150,000 would get $665 after getting $960 last year. Renter rebates would drop from as much as $350 to $80, while senior and disabled citizens would still receive $1,266.