Families Need Relief from the Crushing Tax Burden

Families Need Relief from the Crushing Tax Burden

Finally a Legislator Who Gets It and Speaks Out!

New Jersey Assemblyman Lou Greenwald, a Democrat who has served as Budget Committee Chairman since 2002, has recently made a statement about the property taxes and the financial troubles this state now faces.

Once a strong supporter of McGreevey’s and Corzine’s spending sprees, Greenwald lamented: “I can tell you what my property tax bill is and it chokes me and I can’t justify it and it’s going to drive my family out of this state and it drives families out of this state every day.”

It’s about time an influential legislator publicly recognized the monetary battle New Jersey families have been fighting the past decade, and especially the past three years.  We are thrilled to see that the Democrats are beginning to understand the magnitude of the issue as they open their eyes to the many residents who want to see restraints on property taxes.

Back in July, the NJ legislature passed a measure to control property tax growth.  However, the governor’s toolbox to aid mayors and municipalities has not yet been passed.  Supported by Assemblyman Greenwald, the bill caps the property tax at 2 percent.  Now, Greenwald believes that even more needs to be done – such as reworking the tax structure.

He explains, “The property tax is blind to a family who has lost a job.  It is blind to a family who has had a pay cut.  It is blind to a family whose health insurance costs have gone up.  Unless we have a conversation about changing that tax, we are continuing to band-aid over the number-one crisis in this state.”

Greenwald’s words speak to why the property tax issue is so pertinent to the wellbeing of New Jersey families.  As Governor Christie stated in July, the stakes are too high for New Jersey families to delay in providing actual tax relief – many are struggling to make ends meet and to hold onto their homes.  While it is comforting to see that a Democratic legislator is recognizing the magnitude of this family issue, and the importance in acting swiftly, we appeal to the legislature, especially the Senate President and the Assembly Speaker, to pass the governor’s toolbox in order to give municipalities the tools they need to begin the process of controlling property taxes.

“Unless Assemblyman Greenwald takes the actions that reflect his remarks, then his words will ring hollow,” stated Len Deo, President of New Jersey Family Policy Council.

New Jersey Family Policy Council (1-800-FAMILY-1) is a non-profit public education and research organization, working to strengthen the family through informed citizenship and improved public policy. For more information regarding our programs, please contact us at the above number.