Garden State Times

District 10 lawmakers, Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and Paul Kanitra, have criticized Governor Murphy and the Trenton Democrats for proposing the largest budget in New Jersey's history, amounting to $56 billion. They argue that the budget sets the state on an unsustainable path for the future.

Holzapfel expressed skepticism about the Governor's claims regarding tax reductions for the middle class, stating, “The proposed budget fails to mention all of the more subtle, yet still substantial, tax hikes supported by this administration."

McGuckin highlighted the consequences of one-party rule in Trenton, stating, "Higher taxes, transit fare hikes, and school funding cuts—this is what happens when you have one-party rule in Trenton. Democrats only seem interested in pursuing their own agenda." He also criticized the lack of oversight and a sustainable path for the future in the proposed budget.

Kanitra pointed out discrepancies in the Governor's address, emphasizing the impact of funding cuts on schools, saying, "What the Governor doesn’t mention is that under the current, outdated school funding formula, 140 districts will actually see cuts in funding. That will have a severe impact not only on academic programs, but on music and sports programs at hundreds of schools."

The lawmakers raised concerns about new tax increases, toll hikes, and the overall approach to budgeting under the Murphy administration, indicating a lack of transparency and long-term planning in the proposed budget.