Garden State Times

Senator Jim Holzapfel has urged Governor Murphy to reinstate the transparent formula-based aid for municipalities in the fiscal year 2026 budget. This appeal follows the elimination of such aid from the FY25 state budget.

In his letter, Holzapfel highlighted the impact on municipalities within his legislative district due to a $150 million cut. "In my own legislative district, every municipality loses aid from the $150 million cut. Brick Township loses $562,020 and Toms River Township loses $886,036," he stated. He warned that these reductions could lead to property tax increases or affect local services if not addressed.

Holzapfel emphasized that the cuts would be particularly challenging for municipalities and taxpayers who have already been dealing with high inflation and recent premium hikes in state-run health insurance plans. "The cut to a fair formula property tax relief program will hit municipalities and property taxpayers hard after years of high inflation," he said.

He also criticized the allocation of state funds towards programs that he claims make New Jersey attractive for illegal immigration. "It is particularly discouraging that the $150 million cut to fair municipal aid funding took place while the State budget (though its taxpayers) is shelling out $210 million annually for extreme outlier programs created under your Administration that make New Jersey a magnet for illegal immigration."

Holzapfel suggested reallocating funds from these programs could help restore municipal aid and prevent negative impacts on property taxes and local services. "Even if you insist on continuing to fund your new outlier programs... embracing just a fraction of other ideas would more than pay for restoration of the cut," he added.

The full letter can be accessed online. For further comments, Senator Holzapfel's office can be contacted through Jennifer Collins, SRO Associate Director of Digital Communications.