TRENTON, NJ—Chris Widelo, State Director of AARP New Jersey, issued the following statement in response to Governor Mikie Sherrill, Senate President Nicholas P. Scutari, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, and legislative leaders reaching agreement on the Stay NJ property tax relief program as part of the FY27 budget:

"As older New Jerseyans continue to face rising property taxes, utility bills, housing costs, and other everyday expenses, meaningful property tax relief remains critical to helping residents remain financially secure and continue living in the homes and communities they love."

"AARP New Jersey applauds Governor Sherrill, Senate President Scutari, Speaker Coughlin for reaching an agreement that preserves Stay NJ and maintains the program's full $6,500 maximum benefit for eligible homeowners. This agreement reflects a continued commitment to helping older residents age in place and providing relief to those who need it most."

"For months, we have heard from older adults across New Jersey who were counting on this benefit. Many have already planned their household budgets around the promise of Stay NJ, and today's agreement provides important certainty for residents facing ongoing affordability challenges."

"The need for property tax relief remains clear. AARP New Jersey's recent Vital Voices survey found that more than one in three New Jersey residents age 45 and older have considered leaving the state in the past year, with affordability concerns among the leading reasons. Helping older adults remain in New Jersey requires continued action to address the costs that are putting pressure on household budgets."

"We look forward to reviewing the final details of the budget and Stay NJ legislation as they become available. AARP New Jersey remains committed to working with Governor Sherrill, Speaker Coughlin, Senate President Scutari, and members of the Legislature to make New Jersey more affordable for older adults and ensure residents can age with dignity, independence, and financial security."

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About AARP New Jersey
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose  how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most  to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment.  AARP also produces the nation's largest-circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.