Assemblywoman Heather Simmons, a Democrat in the 3rd legislative district, has introduced the “Live Within Our Means Act” to freeze state spending and taxes.
In a recent op-ed posted in the New Jersey Globe, Simmons, who also serves as vice president for workforce development and career and technical education at Rowan College of South Jersey, credited Gov. Mikie Sherrill for putting forward a budget that creates some property tax relief, meets full pension obligations and includes key investments.
But she also said the state must prioritize growing our economy and not raise taxes.
“If we are serious about avoiding new taxes, we also have to be serious about generating new revenue the right way,” Simmons said. “There is increasing consensus, from the Governor’s office and colleagues in the Legislature, that new revenue must come from economic growth, not from raising taxes.
“That means supporting business expansion by reducing barriers, aligning workforce development with industry demand, and ensuring reliable, affordable energy to support long term growth.
“New Jersey can invest in its future and remain accountable to the people who fund it. But only if we match ambition with discipline and growth with restraint,” Simmons said.
NJBIA Chief Government Affairs Officer Christopher Emigholz said the remains weeks before the FY27 budget needs to be finalized is an opportunity for the Legislature to learn from Simmons’ quest to make New Jersey more affordable through less spending.
That mindset was also echoed by the public in a recent Rutgers-Eagleton poll that supports Sherrill’s approach to reducing the state’s structural deficit, including her plan to downsize the Stay NJ tax program for seniors
To see Simmons’ full op-ed, click here.
To see more on Bill A-4447, click here.
