Better Choices for New Jersey Coalition Sends Open Letter to State Legislators

Advocates Call on State Legislators to Support Gov. Murphy’s Compromise Proposal in Support of a Fair and Sustainable Budget

NEWARK – The Better Choices for New Jersey coalition today sent an open letter to state legislators, urging lawmakers to ensure that Fiscal Year 2019’s budget includes sustainable revenue streams that allow the state to meet its obligations and progressive policy goals.

“New Jersey working families depends on this moment and our lawmakers willingness to solve our state’s fiscal crisis. It’s time to stop the era of short sided gimmicks to balance our state budget.” said Analilia Mejia, Director of New Jersey Working Families Alliance and convener of the Better Choices Coalition. “We urge New Jersey legislators to consider the Governor’s proposals for a fair and sustainable budget that closes loopholes in corporate tax policies, re-calibrates tax policies to ensure all residents pay their fair share, and reverses ill-advised moves made under duress during the Christie administration.

The letter details concern over the Legislative budget proposal that was passed last week and falls $1 billion short of being able to support core investments and programs. It goes on to highlight the need for sustainable revenue raisers, including millionaires tax, reinstate the sales tax to 7%, and combined reporting.

Advocates points to the need to support sustainable revenue raisers and rebuild New Jersey’s economy and invest in its people after eight years of Christie’s austerity budget cuts that led to 11 credit downgrades, a dilapidated transit infrastructure, and the highest foreclosure rates in the country.

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Better Choices for New Jersey is a diverse coalition, convened by New Jersey Working Families Alliance, that advocates on issues concerning the state budget and fiscal choices of our state. Our partners represent a broad a diverse set of interests, as our members include faith-based groups, labor organizations, and advocates in areas such as public education, the environment, social justice, poverty alleviation, housing, and much more.  

Better Choices Coaltion Letter to Legislators 6-27