Twice denied in his first two budgets, Governor Phil Murphy this afternoon told reporters that he remains committed to a millionaire's tax. With Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver standing behind him, the Governor cited the tax as beneficial to prepare for a "rainy day."

Specifically, he noted his obligation to fund NJ Transit.

"It's the right thing to do," Murphy said. "It's fair."

The [bubbleAutoLink text="budget priority" id="54417"] has pitted him against the corporate tax-favoring Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-3).

"This is asking the wealthiest among us to pay a little bit more," Murphy told Charles Stile, columnist with the Bergen Record.

"The last time I checked the people of New Jersey agree with me," the Governor added. "Over 70% of the population agree its the right thing to do, including a majority of Republicans."

He is confident, he added, that elected officials will together navigate the political machinations "to get to a good right place."

"I'll continue to pound away," Murphy said.