Assembly Budget Committee Chair Vincent Prieto (D-Bergen/Hudson) released the following statement Monday as the committee heard from the Dept. of Community Affairs:
“This budget is a continuation of the Governor’s unnerving silence on the issue of property tax relief in New Jersey. Just because we instituted a 2% cap on the property tax levy does not mean we can declare mission accomplished on the issue.
“The administration has proposed an eight percent increase in spending this year, yet it seeks to cut direct municipal aid while continuing to protect millionaires’ tax breaks. This will leave towns in the lurch once again as they struggle to deal with the rising costs of things such as health benefits with the burden ultimately falling on middle class property taxpayers.
“The residents of this state have seen a 20 percent net increase in their property taxes under Governor Christie due to his cuts in municipal aid and the Homestead rebate program. Clearly more needs to be done. That’s why the governor needs to get behind the Assembly Democratic plan for a 20 percent property tax relief credit.”