Garden State Times

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) responded to Governor Phil Murphy's fiscal year 2026 budget address with a statement from NFIB New Jersey State Director Eileen Kean. The governor delivered his budget plan to the legislature on February 25, 2025.

Kean expressed cautious optimism from NFIB and small business owners in New Jersey, hoping that the budget would avoid increasing the already significant tax burden on Main Street businesses and taxpayers. "NFIB and small business owners across the state were cautiously optimistic that Gov. Murphy’s budget plan would spare Main Street businesses and taxpayers from hikes to the state’s already steep tax burden, and perhaps might even provide some relief," said Kean.

While pleased that there were no broad-based tax increases proposed, Kean noted disappointment over the inclusion of several new taxes and fees. She emphasized that "any honest look at the state budgets of the past eight years makes clear that New Jersey government has a spending problem, not a revenue problem." She called for lawmakers to recognize this issue to improve New Jersey's affordability and competitiveness.

Kean urged both the governor and legislators to enact a fiscally sound budget without adding further tax burdens on job creators and taxpayers: "Now, New Jersey small business owners look to the governor and legislators to work responsibly to enact a budget that is fiscally sound without adding to the tax burdens on job creators and taxpayers."

The NFIB has been advocating for small businesses for over 80 years across all U.S. states. The organization remains dedicated exclusively to supporting small and independent businesses since its founding in 1943.