There's more? 23-cent per gallon gas tax could be just the beginning
If out-of-state drivers stop buying as much gas in New Jersey once the tax increases, it could push the hike above 23 cents. Lower sales would mean a higher tax. Continue reading…
View ArticleAtlantic City officials release more debt plan details
Atlantic City plans to sell land, lay off 100 more workers, pay down most of its $500 million debt and slash other expenses during the next five years to fight off a threatened state takeover of its...
View ArticlePrieto offers new map for school funding reform, rejecting Sweeney's
The Assembly speaker rejects the Senate president's approach to school funding. That makes three competing options, as Gov. Chris Christie has his own plan. Continue reading…
View ArticleNew push for higher tax credit for working poor: How NJ residents could benefit
Advocates for better anti-poverty tax credits for workers without children say a half-million could benefit in New Jersey -- at a cost to the state budget not yet calculated. Continue reading…
View ArticleCould this be the NJ gas tax version of 'Brexit'? Ballot question fuels...
A key portion of the Transportation Trust Fund plan can’t take effect without one final approval – from voters. Its rejection wouldn't nullify the gas-tax hike, though. Continue reading…
View ArticleNJ lawmakers on gas-tax ballot question: Don't trust us? Vote yes!
Proponents for dedicating all gas-tax revenues toward transportation are stepping up advocacy efforts, ahead of an Election Day decision by voters that could be a close one. Continue reading…
View ArticleNorth Jersey casino question may be dealt record-setting defeat
Polls show the proposal to allow two casinos in North Jersey might suffer the most overwhelming defeat of a statewide ballot question in New Jersey history. Continue reading…
View ArticleShould Christie be impeached over Bridgegate? New push after guilty verdicts
Christie, who has denied knowledge of his underlings' scheme, is in charge of President-elect Donald Trump's transition team. Continue reading…
View ArticleSweeney — This time, I can get Christie on board with pension fund payments
If the bill is enacted, it seems unlikely the Senate would vote to propose a constitutional amendment guaranteeing pension contributions be made quarterly. Continue reading…
View ArticleUnanimous lawmakers send Christie plan for quarterly pension payments
Lawmakers gave quick, unanimous approval Monday to a plan to require the state to make more frequent payments into public workers’ pension funds. Continue reading…
View ArticleSchool funding &'eliminating government'— Democrats' plans for NJ in 2017
Senate President Steve Sweeney said one of his main priorities is to make sure every school gets fair funding — but not Christies way. Continue reading…
View ArticleLawmakers react to Christie: Drug addiction important, but can't be only focus
Gov. Chris Christie focused almost exclusively on addiction in his State of the State. The reaction among Democrats: That’s great, but that’s all? Continue reading…
View ArticleEveryone wants to do something about school funding … but will they?
Democrats say they'll focus on school funding, the top driver of property taxes, though they don't agree on the path forward -- except to oppose Gov. Chris Christie's plan. Continue reading…
View ArticleNJ property taxes up $700M in 2016 — See how your bill compares
Property taxes increased by 2.54% in 2016 across New Jersey, a New Jersey 101.5 analysis finds. The average bill rose $196, or 2.35%, and now exceeds $8,500. Continue reading…
View ArticleNJ Senate moves to reimburse sanctuary cities if federal funds cut
The state Senate is set to vote Monday on a plan to give additional state funds to sanctuary cities, to make up for any losses if federal funds are withheld. Continue reading…
View ArticleChristie's final budget: 'Fairness formula' dead, but push for school aid...
Gov. Chris Christie says he'll work with lawmakers for a new school aid formula by June. He warns he'll act alone if that fails, but his leverage isn't clear. Continue reading…
View ArticleChristie pushes Horizon to voluntarily tax itself to help NJ's poor
Gov. Chris Christie says Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield has an "abundant surplus" it should pay from into a new health fund. The company says no. Continue reading…
View ArticleDemocrats say they'll fight Christie's expanded concealed-carry rule
It's not clear how many more New Jerseyans may get concealed-carry gun permits under a new rule taking effect April 4. Democrats may look to courts to block it. Continue reading…
View ArticleChristie to decide if unions to control police and fire pension fund
Despite concerns about possible costs for taxpayers, the Assembly voted 61-4 for a bill ceding control of the police and fire pension funds to a union-controlled panel. Continue reading…
View ArticleNJ lawmaker thinks towering wood-frame buildings are too dangerous
Legislation to improve fire protection and safety in multi-family dwellings has been rolled out by Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto. Continue reading…
View Article