New Jersey State AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech on Gov. Murphy’s Budget Address

TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey State AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech today issued the following statement in response to Governor Murphy’s budget address:

“The New Jersey State AFL-CIO commends Governor Murphy for his efforts to make New Jersey a stronger and fairer state. His proposed investments and progressive agenda will help position our state for an even brighter future.

“Working families in New Jersey are over-burdened with high property taxes. However, this budget proposal would maintain Governor Murphy’s commitment to tax fairness and help build a more secure middle class by raising the top marginal tax rate on income over $1 million.

“Ultimately, the plan set forth in the Governor’s budget address demonstrates that his administration is committed to putting New Jersey’s working families first. A higher tax rate on New Jersey’s wealthiest families would not only promote tax fairness, but also allow the state to make more investments in public education, workforce development and apprenticeship programs, and infrastructure—in particular NJ TRANSIT.

“The New Jersey State AFL-CIO is also pleased that Governor Murphy plans to invest in meeting our state’s public employee pension obligation. We urge the legislature to continue to work with the Governor to fix our state’s ailing pension system and ensure a secure and sustainable retirement future for all public workers.”

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The New Jersey State AFL-CIO represents more than one million union members and their families, working collectively to promote middle class values at the workplace, in our communities, and through the democratic process.