How can the State provide needed relief to local governments and, more importantly, to property taxpayers?

There are a number of ways, such as:

  1. Annually adjust property tax relief funding to account for inflation and increased population;
  2. Refuse to impose new mandates, new costs and new responsibilities on municipalities, counties and school districts, without full State funding;
  3. Repeal, modify or fully fund existing mandates;
  4. Expand and increase payments in lieu of taxes to more adequately reimburse local governments for money lost due to state mandated property tax exemptions; and
  5. Pass legislation that would ask the voters to authorize a special convention for property tax reform, and a concurrent resolution that would allow the convention to propose statutory changes.

Show All Answers

1. Why is talking about tax relief important?
2. How is the responsibility for taxing and spending divided between the State and local governments in New Jersey?
3. Why do New Jersey local governments need funding from the State?
4. Why do you call it “municipal property tax relief” and not “State aid”?
5. What about user fees?
6. That leaves property taxes and property tax relief funding from the State. What is the deal with State funding?
7. How does New Jersey’s property tax burden compare with other States?
8. Can cutting local budgets reduce property taxes?
9. Can local governments hold down the costs of public services?
10. How can the State provide needed relief to local governments and, more importantly, to property taxpayers?