O’Scanlon, DiMaso: Jersey Shore is Taxed Enough

TRENTON, N.J. – Sen. Declan O’Scanlon and Assemblywoman Serena DiMaso criticized a budget compromise proposal to add a seasonal rental tax while shore communities are hit on multiple fronts in the budget this year.

“No one appears willing to have the truly difficult conversations about reforms that needed to happen months ago,” said O’Scanlon (R-Monmouth).  “We’ve been calling for cost-saving reforms for years. Instead what we are seeing is disagreements over how many taxes to raise. That isn’t the solution, and taxing seasonal rentals in our shore communities is certainly not the solution.  Tourism accounts for one-in-ten jobs in the state.  Small businesses along the coast are still struggling.  Hindering their recovery with new taxes is irresponsible.”

“The Jersey shore is truly bearing the brunt of Democrats’ infighting this budget season,” said DiMaso (R-Monmouth).  “Between multi-million dollar reductions in school aid that will harm Sandy-impacted communities and now the proposal of a shore seasonal tax?  The economic impact of tourism from coastal communities is critical to the state.  This is a dangerous proposal for small shore-town residents trying to get by.  The budget needs to be cut. We don’t need a handful of new taxes that will severely harm our summer tourism here at the shore.”