that natural skepticism and cynicism that many new jerseyans have has been undercut. in large measure by the fact that we have decided to work together to solve problems. we decided to compromise with each other. it does not mean i was get what i want. i wake up every morning security knowledge i will not get nearly everything i want. the good news is, so the steve. that partnership, the most consistent i have had over the last four years, with leaders in the democratic legislature, has led to the economic growth we are seeing in new jersey and an atmosphere that has convinced people there are times when government can work for them. we have had these for years and this progress and made difficult decisions. now, as we look forward to the next four years, are we going to go forward or backward? we see examples of this being not hypothetical questions, but actual questions. in issues we are confronting as we speak. first, people have complained in new jersey for as long as i have lived about property taxes. in the 10 years before i became governor, property taxes incre

his dry wit is a joy to hear and deeply appreciated by countless new jerseyans. he was honored to have -- new jerseyians. he was honored to have him as a professor in the early 1980's and recall fondly his superb teaching skills and generosity of spirit and time. as the class met weekly, the historic governor's residence in princeton, built by richard stockton, a signer of the declaration of independence. governor byrne is a wonderful father and grandfather, teacher and mentor, colleague and friend. his dynamic and vivacious wife, many yrne is known to for her significant charitable activities. they are an integral part of the fabric of new jersey. on his 90th birthday, i congratulate governor brendan t. byrne and wish him many years ahead of good health and happiness. madam speaker, i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman yields back. the chair recognizes the gentleman from north carolina, mr. holding, for five minutes. r. holding: madam speaker, last year we mourned the loss of a true servant of our community, garland scott tu

well, new jerseyans aren't buying it. quinnipiac poll asked people in that state whether the investigation was legitimate or a white wash. 56%, an unambiguous majority, say it was a white wash. that's in jersey. just 36% thought the report was a legitimate investigation. governor christie may have underestimated his own constituents, you might say they are too smart. joining us right now, chris cillizza and anna palmer, senior washington correspondent for politico. thank you, two. it's always interesting to see an entire state as a focus group, chris, and to watch and think how's he reacting. he's reacting the way most people would, it seems to me, this guy went out and paid $600,000 of state money to investigate at least his side of the story, and they presented his side of the story. and i think the voters are now saying when they are polled about it say, well, that's a white wash. i'm not sure it's a white wash, but anybody that thinks it's the whole story is missing the whole story. your thoughts? >> i don't think it'

only three in ten new jerseyans say it was a fair and unbiased investigation. we'll be right back. about business internet? ok, how about thirty seconds? at comcast business our internet is fast. up to 5x faster than dsl from the phone company. and our phone's better too. switch to comcast business internet. then add voice and tv for just $34.90 more per month. time to make the call. 800-501-6000 comcast business. built for business. >>> welcome back to "hardball." if you need a reminder what the future of republican-controlled congress would actually look like, look no further than paul ryan's bleak new blueprint with the deceptively benign title the path to prosperity. when he predicted what robert bourque's america would look like, paul ryan's america, millions who have health insurance would lose it. medicare is no longer a financial and medical bedrock for the elderly as he shifts to it a premium support model for future retirees. that's basically a voucher system that puts medicare on the path to privatization. paul ryan's america is a land that cuts medicaid for the needy an

not led to that natural skepticism and cynicism that many new jerseyans have has been undercut. factrge measure by the that we have decided to work together to solve problems. we decided to compromise with each other. mean i was get what i want. i wake up every morning security knowledge i will not get nearly everything i want. the good news is, so the steve. that partnership, the most consistent i have had over the last four years, with leaders in the democratic legislature, has led to the economic growth we are seeing in new jersey and an atmosphere that has convinced people there are times when government can work for them. for years andese this progress and made difficult decisions. now, as we look forward to the next four years, are we going to go forward or backward? this beingples of not hypothetical questions, but actual questions. in issues we are confronting as we speak. first, people have complained in new jersey for as long as i have lived about property taxes. in the 10 years before i became governor, property taxes increased 70% in 10 years. eventrend is so obvious

i've heard from republican new jerseyans and democratic new jerseyans. i've heard from military veterans and single moms. i've heard from folks who are so hungry to work. while they're working or looking to this body, to all of congress, to help them meet the basic minimum needs so that they can continue to have some stability, not swallowed up by the quicksand of economic crisis, to be able to continue to find a job. they are living examples, each and every one of these millions of americans are examples of what's at stake if we do not act. i've heard painful stories of people facing real crises from homelessness to skipping medications, doing everything they can to keep some semblance of stability so they can find a job. well, unfortunately, many are falling through the cracks. many are facing the darkest of days. as the senate prepares to vote on this incredibly vital, important bill, i want to stress this legislative body is only as effective as both chambers and parties being able to come together, to really follow in that great american tradition t