NJGOP RELEASE (3/15/10) – Citing the state’s dire fiscal condition and looming $10+ billion deficit, New Jersey Republican State Committee Chairman Jay Webber today expressed outrage at former Governor Jon Corzine’s awarding of a $26,000 pay raise to transition spokesman Josh Zeitz on his last day in office, as reported by the Star-Ledger yesterday: 
 
“Even after his resounding rejection by New Jersey voters, Jon Corzine continues to find ways to waste taxpayer money and line the pockets of his friends.  This time, it’s by awarding a $26,000 pay increase to ‘policy adviser’ Josh Zeitz – from his $115,000 salary to $141,000 – on his last day in office.  Since then Zeitz, now earning a cabinet-level salary, primarily has served as a taxpayer-funded mouthpiece for an era New Jersey voters just rejected at the ballot box, and desparately are trying to forget.  
 
“While New Jersey families continue struggling with nearly 10% unemployment and the wrecked economy Governor Corzine left in his wake, it’s unconscionable that he would authorize a $26,000 pay increase to Zeitz and authorize his subsequent conduct.  Worse, Governor Corzine gave him the raise as the state faced a $2.2 billion deficit.  Given that Zeitz admits his work for Governor Corzine is almost done, and that the State faces historic budget challenges, I call on Zeitz to give back the raise the Governor snuck him in the waning hours of his administration.  No one else in this economy is getting a 25% pay raise, and Zeitz should be no different."