NJ Governor Vetoes ‘Jersey Shore’ Tax Break

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has stripped “Jersey Shore” of a tax credit used to lure TV and film productions to the state. Christie, an avid fan fried food and lethargy, was reportedly offended by the “G” in GTL.

Gov. Christie squashed a controversial $420,000 tax credit called the “Snooki subsidy” for the first season of the hit MTV show, saying taxpayers could not afford to support a program that tarnishes the state’s reputation.

“I have no interest in policing the content of such projects,” the governor said in a news release. “However, as chief executive I am duty-bound to ensure that taxpayers are not footing a $420,000 bill for a project which does nothing more than perpetuate misconceptions about the state and its citizens.” [NJ.com]

Actually, that sounds pretty reasonable. But let’s not kid ourselves about New Jersey’s reputation. It’s not like anyone’s ever thought of Jersey as some pristine Valhalla. I lived in central Jersey twenty years ago, and even back then my family called it The Garbage State. So Christie can go ahead and bash “Jersey Shore” all he wants, but that’s not going to get rid of Atlantic City or Newark or Trenton. I’m on to you, fatty.