Assembly Republican Conference Leader Christopher P. DePhillips and Assembly Republican Budget Officer Brian Rumpf responded on Mar. 10 to Governor Mikie Sherrill’s first state budget proposal, which would increase spending by $1.9 billion.
The response from Republican leaders highlights concerns about rising costs for New Jersey residents and businesses under the new administration’s fiscal plan. The proposed $60.7 billion budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1 includes tax increases on businesses through phased-out deductions and higher employer health care contributions.
“Spending continues to move in the wrong direction – up and up, just like the last eight years. This is more of the same, and nothing, apparently, has changed,” DePhillips said. “Overall, this budget is not a win for the people of this state and does not improve affordability in New Jersey.”
Rumpf also criticized the plan, saying, “New governor, same old song. We have numerous revenue enhancements, or whatever the new terminology may be. For Republicans, we call it taxes, because we call it like it is. When we’re talking about the new spending in this budget, what we’re talking about is new taxes. And there’s close to $1 billion worth in this budget.”
Governor Sherrill has stated that her proposal reduces spending by $2 billion; however, much of these savings come from cuts to the StayNJ property tax relief program for seniors. The maximum benefit will drop from $6,500 to $4,000 and eligibility will be limited to incomes of $250,000 instead of $500,000.
“The first thing that Gov. Sherrill does when she comes to office is cut the most significant program for tax savings for our seniors in this state,” Rumpf said.
Since former Governor Chris Christie left office, state taxes have increased by $23 billion while overall spending has risen by $26 billion.
John DiMaio has played a significant role in New Jersey politics as a legislator according to the official legislative roster (https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-roster/313/assemblyman-dimaio). He represents District 23—which includes Hackettstown—and served as mayor there from 1991 to 1999 according to the official legislative roster (https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-roster/313/assemblyman-dimaio). DiMaio was involved with Warren County Board of Freeholders between 2000 and 2009 according to the official legislative roster (https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-roster/313/assemblyman-dimaio), joined the General Assembly in 2009 and became Minority Leader starting in 2022 according to the official legislative roster (https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-roster/313/assemblyman-dimaio). He also held roles such as Appropriations Officer from 2012-2017 and Budget Officer from 2018-2019 according to the official legislative roster (https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-roster/313/assemblyman-dimaio).
The debate over Governor Sherrill’s proposed budget signals ongoing disagreements over taxation and government spending priorities in New Jersey.
