Garden State Times

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TRENTON, N.J. – Assemblyman Brian Bergen has strongly criticized the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) for its advocacy of a sales tax increase as a solution to NJ Transit's budget deficit. This criticism came after Michele Siekerka, the president of NJBIA, suggested during a press conference the possibility of raising the state sales tax rate to 7% to provide a dedicated revenue source for NJ Transit, opposing Governor Phil Murphy's proposed corporate transit fee.

Siekerka stated, “There is the opportunity to go back to that seven [percent sales tax] because we are in the realm of it and dedicate that amount.” In response, Bergen, a member of the Republican Party representing Morris, expressed his strong disapproval, labeling the proposal as "moronic" and emphasizing the negative impact of such a tax increase on individuals, especially those in lower-income families. He added, “In a time when people are struggling, raising taxes of any kind is crazy talk."

Following the public backlash, NJBIA attempted to clarify its position, indicating support for dedicating sales tax revenue increases to NJ Transit rather than advocating for an increase in the sales tax rate. However, Bergen dismissed this clarification as inadequate, questioning the credibility of NJBIA's advocacy efforts. He criticized the organization, stating, “The NJBIA is completely ineffective in advocacy. They have been excluded during Republican and Democrat administrations." According to Bergen, businesses join NJBIA for various reasons, but not for its competence in advocacy.

The controversy surrounding the NJBIA's advocacy for a sales tax increase as a solution to NJ Transit's financial challenges continues to spark debate among policymakers and stakeholders in New Jersey.