Senator Joe Pennacchio said Trenton Democrats sound cartoonish with promises that they’ll deliver on their big property tax relief plan starting in 2026.

“Trenton Democrats are trying to buy votes this year with the promise they’ll deliver StayNJ property tax relief starting in 2026,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “They’re as believable as Wimpy from Popeye who promises, ‘I’ll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today.’”

An initial version of the StayNJ plan proposed making the first payments to property taxpayers in 2025.

A new version of the plan agreed to by New Jersey’s three Democratic leaders would delay payments until 2026 at the earliest.

“If StayNJ is really affordable and sustainable and something New Jerseyans should expect to provide relief for years to come, why make them wait three years to get a first payment?” Pennacchio asked. “The Democrats’ dark secret is that the flood of federal COVID cash is drying up. They can’t guarantee they’ll be able to fund the program they’re promising today in 2026, even though they’ll campaign on it this fall. It’s completely disingenuous and it defies belief.”

The veteran Republican senator said in contrast to the Democrats’ “flimsy promises” of tax relief years down the line, Senate Republicans have proposed providing $4.3 billion of immediate “Give It Back” property tax relief to towns and counties using idle funds that have already been set aside for debt relief.

The Republican plan would deliver the funds to local governments within 30 days of passage, ensuring immediate tax relief for property taxpayers.

“Republicans believe New Jerseyans deserve property tax relief today, not three years from now,” Pennacchio added. “Unlike what Democrats have proposed with StayNJ, there’s no opportunity for a bait and switch with our ‘Give It Back’ plan. Since the money is in the bank right now, we believe we should provide property tax relief right now.”