Senator Joe Pennacchio said on Mar. 16 that New Jersey residents are facing high utility bills due to state policies, and called for the removal of sales tax and the Societal Benefits Charge from electric and gas bills.
The issue is important because many families in New Jersey continue to struggle with rising energy costs, which are made worse by additional state-imposed charges. Pennacchio argued that these policies have led to increased financial burdens for ratepayers across the state.
“New Jersey families are still opening their utility bills and asking the same question: why are they still so high? Well look no further than the years of misguided energy policies have driven up costs for residents across the state,” Pennacchio said. He added, “Instead of changing course, Democrats seem determined to keep going down the same road. And what’s worse is the more expensive your bill is, the more money the State collects in sales tax. How is that fair? That’s why Senator Tiver and I have introduced legislation to eliminate the sales tax and the Societal Benefits Charge on electric and gas bills.”
Pennacchio also said, “If Trenton is serious about providing relief, removing these unnecessary charges is an easy step to immediately lower costs for ratepayers.”
In related legislative activity, Senator Anthony M. Bucco provides constituent services through a district office and email for legislative inquiries according to his official website. Bucco serves as a member of both the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee according to his official website. He engages in legislative work such as sponsoring bills and participating in committee discussions on key issues according to his official website.
Bucco holds leadership roles including Senate Republican Leader and chairing the Senate Judiciary Committee while serving on other committees according to his official website. He has led as Senate Republican Leader and chaired important committees according to his official website, representing New Jersey’s 25th Legislative District as a senator according to his official website.
The proposed legislation by Pennacchio aims at immediate cost relief for consumers by targeting taxes directly tied to rising utility expenses. Observers will be watching how lawmakers respond as debate continues over how best to address energy affordability.