PARK RIDGE – Josh Gottheimer says he’s been talking to a lot of people in diners – and they agree about New Jersey:
“It’s just too damn expensive.”
That ain’t exactly a revelation, but it is the focus of Gottheimer’s campaign for governor.
When the now CD-5 congressman launched his campaign two months ago, he boldly pledged to reduce both the state’s income and property taxes.
On Wednesday, he came to PIM Brands, a maker of fruit and chocolate snacks in this Bergen County town near the New York border, to put some, if you excuse the cliche, meat on the bones.
Immediately into a presentation that was watched by about 100 company employees, Gottheimer reiterated plans to cut property taxes by about 15 percent.
That’s certainly a worthwhile goal, given the fact New Jersey property taxes are the highest in the nation.
At the same time, reducing them is not easy for any governor, the main reason being that property taxes are not levied by the state. They are controlled by local governments and support the needs of municipalities, school districts and counties.
So, whether he wants to or not, no governor can simply decree that property taxes be reduced.
His plan attacking the problem has many parts.
One is the realization that high housing costs lead to high property taxes. (Keep in mind that property taxes relate to a home’s assessment)
“As a result when demand outsrips supply, the costs go up – and that’s exactly where we are now,” Gottheimer says in a campaign release. He wants to ease the shortage by adding “more than 200,000 housing units.”
Then there’s encouraging municipalities and school districts to save money themselves, thereby reducing property taxes,
Gottheimer says he’s convinced he can cut the state’s budget through efficiency measures by at least 5 percent – and he wants local government units to do the same. Some of this can be accomplished by combining services among towns and school districts.
The concept is hardly novel. But the “home rule” nature of New Jersey and the parochial views of many local politicians make this harder than it should be.
He also wants to challenge a current system in which New Jersey residents working at home for New York-based companies pay income taxes across the river. Gottheimer wants that money to be paid to New Jersey.
Some of the savings realized by the above suggestions will be used to reduce income taxes.
As of now, the state’s income tax ranges from 1.4 percent to 10.75 percent, making it one of the most progressive in the nation.
Gottheimer says he likes that, but he wants to make it even better.
He proposes a “family tax credit” that would benefit every Jersey family with dependents – children or seniors.
Gottheimer calculates these credits would mean a 50 percent cut for those in the low brackets and a 25 percent cut for those in the middle.
Moreover, he proposes tax incentives to lure both residents and businesses to New Jersey. And he wants to aggressively go after tax cheats.
Businesses would get credits for every job they create and relocating families would be allowed to pay – temporarily at least – the presumably lower property taxes they paid in the state they are leaving.
“Property tax neutral” is the phrase he used.
More generally, Gottheimer began his presentation talking about how residents are fleeing New Jersey.
This, candidly, is what one often hears from Republicans.
In fact, Phil Murphy, who has the job Gottheimer wants, likes to push back on this notion. Just recently, he happily quoted Census data that says the state’s population has risen by about 2 percent since the 2020 count and is now at 9.5 million.
Those are the raw facts, but Gottheimer says there’s no doubt many residents find the state too expensive. He said:
“That has to change, it’s time for a reboot.”
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Josh Gottheimer, the Democratic congressman representing New Jersey’s 5th district, has put forth a comprehensive plan for the state that focuses on key issues such as infrastructure, healthcare, and economic growth. Gottheimer, who has been in office since 2017, has made it a priority to address the needs of his constituents and work towards improving the quality of life for all residents of New Jersey.
One of the main pillars of Gottheimer’s plan is infrastructure investment. He has advocated for increased funding for transportation projects, including repairing and modernizing roads, bridges, and public transportation systems. Gottheimer believes that investing in infrastructure not only creates jobs and stimulates economic growth but also improves the overall quality of life for residents by reducing traffic congestion and improving safety.
In terms of healthcare, Gottheimer has been a vocal supporter of expanding access to affordable healthcare for all New Jersey residents. He has worked to protect and strengthen the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, and has pushed for measures to lower prescription drug costs and improve mental health services. Gottheimer understands the importance of healthcare as a basic human right and believes that everyone should have access to quality, affordable care.
Economic growth is another key focus of Gottheimer’s plan for New Jersey. He has supported policies that promote small business growth, job creation, and workforce development. Gottheimer has also worked to attract new businesses to the state and create opportunities for entrepreneurs and innovators. By fostering a strong economy, Gottheimer aims to improve the overall well-being of New Jersey residents and ensure a prosperous future for the state.
In addition to these key issues, Gottheimer’s plan for New Jersey also includes initiatives to address climate change, protect the environment, and support education and workforce training programs. He is committed to working across party lines to find common-sense solutions to the challenges facing the state and to ensure that New Jersey remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
Overall, Josh Gottheimer’s plan for New Jersey reflects his dedication to serving his constituents and his commitment to making a positive impact on the state. By focusing on infrastructure, healthcare, economic growth, and other key issues, Gottheimer is working to build a better future for all residents of New Jersey.
