Westfield, N.J. – On March 5, 2019 Governor Phil Murphy gave his State Budget address for Fiscal Year 2020. As expected, one of the key areas of discussion was the State’s proposals to combat property taxes as well as its plans to offer New Jerseyans some financial respite. However, to grant actual relief for residents of the Garden State it must be more than a talking point:

“The phrase “we’re going to lower your property taxes” is a common staple spoken by New Jersey’s elected officials and, more often than not, with no follow through,” said Brian Thomas, executive director of Fair Property Taxes for All New Jersey. “Governor Murphy mentioned the crisis yesterday, but talking about the issue and providing tangible, immediate financial relief are vastly different things.”

During the budget address, Governor Murphy highlighted last year’s school funding changes as an area where relief has been provided, but many property tax problems still persist. In 2018, rates decreased due to growth caps; however, the total amount of property taxes collected rose over $683 million, pushing closer to the $30 billion mark:

“There are underlying issues driving costs higher, without the will to challenge the status quo and invest in actionable proposals, the financial well-being of New Jersey residents will remain on life support.”

The Governor noted the allocation of $283 million for property tax aid; however, as Brian Thomas points out, it needs an infusion of funding which cannot be diverted to fix budget gaps:

“The $283 million allotted for property tax relief is funding for the Homestead Benefit program, but it too has been targeted for diversion in light of budgetary holes, only to be ultimately reinvested after bipartisan opposition. More aid is desperately needed which is solely dedicated to decreasing the burdens of New Jersey’s residents.”

Citizens for Accountable Taxation (501c3) launched the ”Fair Property Taxes for All New Jersey” initiative to break down property tax issues while offering easy access educational resources ensuring taxpayers are well-informed. Our organization was founded by Sarah Niebart, CAT president and Deputy Mayor of Mendham Township, New Jersey.

For more information, please visit: www.FairPropertyTaxesForAllNewJersey.com
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