Trenton, N.J. – Affordability, property taxes, and the economic viability of the Garden State were the foremost topics at hand as Fair Property Taxes for All New Jersey (FPTFANJ) hosted its inaugural Tax Talk Policy Luncheon in Trenton.

In an array of bi-partisanship, bringing together State Legislators, tax professionals, and concerned taxpayers, this nonpartisan event highlighted the fiscal realities and difficulties facing the State as well as proposals as to how the current course can be altered to provide relief.

“The most disconcerting issues facing New Jerseyans are our increasingly heavy financial burdens associated with property taxes and a general lack of affordability,” said Sarah Neibart, president and founder of Fair Property Taxes for All New Jersey. “Time and again, it is something that we hear from residents as to how greatly their lives are impacted.”

“Our events ensure their voices can be heard directly by policymakers and offers elected officials an opportunity to share their proposals, first-hand,” Neibart stated. “In-person interactions and the ability to speak unimpeded with representatives is crucial to building awareness of coming proposals that ultimately affect all taxpayers.”

Assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald (LD6) opened the discussions, detailing the overwhelming hardships facing New Jersey residents and stressed the importance of taking immediate actions to provide financial respite:

“School funding, foreclosures, high rates of millennials living with their parents, a dwindling middle class – these are the consequences of New Jersey’s sky high property taxes, and the problem is getting worse,” said Assembly Majority Leader Greenwald.

“[The] federal tax reforms have only exasperated the situation. And while we’ve worked on good public policy, including a 2% property tax cap and restoring the homestead rebate program, this has only slowed down the rate of increase. Now more than ever, we need to take bold action and enact sweeping tax reform if we’re ever going to get off the addiction of property taxes and provide meaningful relief to New Jersey families.”

Voicing his concerns regarding property taxes and general affordability, Assemblyman Anthony Bucco (LD25) commented on the necessity for groups such as Fair Property Taxes to aid in the public discourse:

“It was my pleasure to attend the event hosted by Fair Property Taxes for All New Jersey. In the Assembly, I’m fighting hard against outrageous tax and spend policies, but we need help on the outside as well,” said Assemblyman Bucco.

“Particularly outrageous in this state and in my district are property taxes, which is why I’m happy this group has been so active in fighting alongside us against heinous policies that are causing people to flee our state in droves,” Bucco continued. “We must all work together to keep New Jersey affordable for the middle class and our businesses.”

Professor Marc Pfeiffer of Rutgers University’s Bloustein School echoed the legislators’ sentiments, outlining coming legislation from the Path to Progress initiative based on the proposals from the bi-partisan Economic & Fiscal Policy Workgroup:

“The state legislature’s Path to Progress report effort should come to a head over the next few months as legislation will likely be introduced to implement many of recommendations,” said Pfeiffer. “In addition to the efforts undertaken by Administration’s team, this initiative should focus attention on the issues and move all parties toward actions we can take to resolve the fiscal challenges we currently face and have not yet resolved.”

Encouraged by the overwhelming participation, the nonprofit looks to host future panels to help residents stay informed and allow for continued, open discussions.

For more information, please contact Brian Thomas at 973-264-9353 or visit: FairPropertyTaxesForAllNewJersey.com
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