Republicans blast Democrats for soaking residents with ‘rain tax’

TRENTON, N.J. – New Jerseyans are inundated with taxes, some of which are among the highest in the country, and now they could be taxed based on how much it rains.  Republicans blasted Democrats for considering the proposal (S1073 : Authorizes municipalities, counties, and certain authorities to establish stormwater utilities) at an Assembly session Thursday.

Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips was strongly opposed to raising taxes on people based on the weather.  He also took issue with how financially irresponsible the bill is, allowing unlimited bonding and ever-more debt on the backs of property-tax payers.

“The last thing this state needs is more debt and another runaway tax.  Especially one that taxes the weather,” said DePhillips (R-Bergen).  “I implore my colleagues on the other side of the aisle: let’s not do this, let’s vote down this bill together, let’s vote no and consider financially responsible alternatives to this legislation.”

WATCH: DePhillips implores NJ Democrats not to pass a tax on rain (They Did)

Assemblyman Hal Wirths pointed out that the need for a $15 minimum wage is mostly because Democrats keep raising taxes.  Thursday’s session passed seven tax and fee hikes along mostly party lines.

“I don’t know if a snow tax is coming next year and I’m not being sarcastic,” said Wirths (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris).  “This is just another tax, a rain tax on the people of New Jersey and I urge my colleagues to vote no on this because it is just never-ending down here.”

WATCH: Wirths frustrated with Democrats’ Rain Tax

Assemblyman Kevin Rooney was troubled that Democrats are so quick to increase the burden on property-tax payers but won’t address ways to lower the burdensome tax.  More people are moving out of New Jersey than any other state, which is becoming an annual problem.

“This is just another new tax. We are now taxing the weather; we are taxing the rain in this case,” said Rooney (R-Bergen).  “I implore us to continue in a fiscally responsible way and not continue to raise taxes.  I’ve spoken to mayors within our district; they see it as a new tax.   They cannot raise the taxes in their municipalities anymore.  We are driving residents out of this state.”

WATCH: Rooney tells Dems property-tax payers can’t afford a rain tax

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