Garden State Times

Senator Carmen Amato, Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, and Assemblyman Greg Myhre are urging their legislative colleagues to retract support for 41 proposed tax and fee increases. These measures are projected to generate over $2.7 billion in additional revenue aimed at increasing state spending.

The 9th District Delegation issued a statement expressing their concerns: "Unquestionably, the imposition of more than 40 tax and fee increases will have serious repercussions, most especially for taxpayers and businesses who have already reached their financial limits with soaring costs. They don’t want and can’t afford for their state government to double down on failed policies of tax and spend."

They further stated: "We are warning constituents and letting them know that our delegation continues to fight against these fee and tax increases well in advance of the finalized state budget bill being prepared."

Among the proposed increases is a corporate transit fee that would lead to businesses paying $1 billion more in taxes, costs likely to be passed down to consumers. Payroll taxes are set to rise by over $800 million, while an increase on HMO assessment would generate $83 million in additional tax revenues.

"Commuters are set to pay more than $67 million more for toll hikes and $84 million in gas taxes," the delegation noted. "Our constituents are incensed by Trenton’s over-reliance on toll and gas tax increases which blatantly targets commuters in our area of the state where state public transportation has little to no presence."

Additionally, gun owners face nearly $4 million in new firearm fees. The lawmakers stated: "Like many of our constituents who support the Second Amendment, we find it unconscionable that Trenton would use a citizen’s basic constitutional right as means to generate excess tax revenue."

The delegation criticized supporters of the increases for focusing solely on potential revenue without considering the financial hardships imposed on taxpayers. They emphasized their commitment to serving constituents' needs for tax relief rather than increased taxes, fees, and politicized spending.

"Our Delegation is committed to serving the interests of our constituents needing tax relief, not more taxes, fees and politicized spending," they said. "So much for making New Jersey more ‘affordable,’ as some Trenton officials claim to support but yet, at the same time, are more than willing to reach further into taxpayers’ wallets."