WEST ORANGE – “People are really struggling.”
That’s what Josh Gottheimer said at the beginning of his comments Friday morning at the First Mountain Preschool.
Before reading to students, the CD-5 congressman and Democratic gubernatorial candidate, said he aims to fix that.
New Jersey, by any measure, is an expensive state.
Republicans have long talked about the state’s “unaffordability” In this election cycle, at least, many of the six Democratic candidates for governor are doing the same.
Gottheimer touted a “Lower Costs Plan.”
He said a preschool was the perfect setting because preschool and child care costs are “just too expensive.”
As governor, Gottheimer said he would double the child tax credit from $500 to $1,000 and make pre-K and the school breakfast and lunch program universal.
Housing is another problem.
He said the state needs more housing, which in itself could lower, or at least stabilize, the overall cost of new houses for families.
One of the problems, he said, is an approval process that can take time – and then, more time. Local planning and zoning boards have control of local development and Gottheimer wants to offer incentives and regulatory changes to accelerate that process.
Moving onto rising utility bills, Gottheimer said, generally speaking, that we need more of everything. That means solar, wind and nuclear.
He said producing more energy in New Jersey means the state would no longer need to buy energy generated by coal-fired plants in West Virginia.
“That’s the dirtiest energy on the planet,” he said.
The congressman also talked about lowering health costs by making sure drug prices are as low as they can be and by promoting better care.
He also wants the state to produce more food, pointing out that his district includes the farmlands of Sussex County.
A Democratic event would not be complete these days without a Donald Trump mention.
Gottheimer faulted the president’s recent address to Congress for saying nothing about lowering costs or restoring the SALT deduction, which Trump seemed to endorse during the transition period.
That makes it imperative for a governor to act.
Gottheimer previously announced plans to reduce both property and income taxes.
Combined with his proposals unveiled today, this seems like an awfully large lift.
And the congressman acknowledged there will be naysayers who will say his plans are impossible.
“I won’t accept that,” Gottheimer said, contending that of all the candidates in the race, he has presented the most detailed plans on making New Jersey less costly.
Josh Gottheimer, the Democratic congressman representing New Jersey’s 5th district, has been making waves with his refined economic platform. According to Insider NJ, Gottheimer has been focusing on key issues such as job creation, infrastructure investment, and small business support.
One of the main pillars of Gottheimer’s economic platform is job creation. He has been a strong advocate for policies that promote job growth and economic development in his district. Gottheimer believes that investing in infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and public transportation, can create jobs and stimulate the local economy. He has also been a vocal supporter of small businesses, which he sees as the backbone of the economy.
In addition to job creation, Gottheimer has also been focusing on improving access to affordable healthcare and education. He believes that everyone should have access to quality healthcare and education, regardless of their income level. Gottheimer has been working to expand access to healthcare services in his district and has been a strong advocate for affordable education options for students.
Gottheimer’s economic platform has been well-received by many in his district. His focus on job creation, infrastructure investment, and support for small businesses has resonated with voters who are looking for solutions to the economic challenges facing their communities. Gottheimer’s commitment to improving access to healthcare and education has also garnered support from those who believe in the importance of these issues.
Overall, Josh Gottheimer’s refined economic platform is shaping up to be a key component of his re-election campaign. With a focus on job creation, infrastructure investment, and support for small businesses, Gottheimer is positioning himself as a strong advocate for economic growth and development in New Jersey’s 5th district.
