Pappas Applauds State Senate “Give It Back” Proposal to Return $4.3 Billion to Local Government and Urges Zwicker to Co-sponsor

May 24, 2023

Branchburg – Mike Pappas, candidate for New Jersey State Senate, endorsed the “Give It Back” proposal to return the State budget surplus of $4.3 Billion to local governments. This plan,  contained in S-3906, was announced by Sen. Declan O’Scanlon (District 13) and Sen. Michael Testa (District 1) and would help counties and municipalities lower property taxes or pay down debt.

“The New Jersey Legislature regularly creates worthwhile programs intended to make our State a better place. What almost never occurs, though, is full-funding for the state’s requirement for a local government or school district to implement. The result is higher property taxes, higher debt by local government or a reduction in another service that is not mandated by the State of New Jersey,” said Pappas.

“Andrew Zwicker doesn’t seem to understand the force of State government edicts on our communities. Senator Zwicker should sign on to see this legislation advance and support S-3906. There should not be a question in his mind that this is the right thing to do. It simply makes sense,” stated Pappas.

“S-3906 divides this budget surplus on a per-capita basis to each municipal and county in New Jersey. It is refreshing to see that this fair manner of returning these funds avoids any sense of political favoritism, which everyone should enthusiastically embrace. Will Andrew Zwicker?” concluded Pappas.