Applying for property tax relief this year is about to get a whole lot easier for many New Jerseyans, the Department of the Treasury announced on Tuesday. Over 1.3 million taxpayers who received property tax relief benefits through the Affordable Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR) program last year will soon receive a letter confirming their eligibility for this year’s program and notification that they will not need to re-file an application to receive a check or direct deposit in most circumstances.
“This will no doubt be welcome news for millions of residents across the Garden State,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Not only will the benefit increase considerably for many seniors, but the process will be a whole lot easier for residents across the board. I want to thank Treasury and the Division of Taxation for working around the clock to simplify the road to a more affordable New Jersey.”
“The Division of Taxation has worked diligently to build off the success of last year’s ANCHOR program and ensure every eligible New Jersey resident receives this crucial property tax relief,” said State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio. “We’re pleased to be able to distribute benefits automatically to many ANCHOR eligible households this year, making the process far more simple and convenient for the majority of qualifying homeowners and renters.”
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Governor Phil Murphy signed A4284/S3508, which prohibits sellers from imposing certain surcharges for credit card transactions and establishes certain notice requirements regarding surcharges. The legislation builds upon the Murphy Administration’s efforts to protect New Jersey consumers by improving transparency and curtailing unfair practices that disproportionately burden low- and moderate-income New Jerseyans.
“As our post-pandemic economy continues to grow and evolve, we too must adapt to best safeguard New Jersey consumers against unfair practices,” said Governor Murphy. “All residents and visitors doing business in New Jersey deserve the utmost transparency with respect to their transactions, especially given the affordability challenges experienced by our low- and moderate-income families. Today’s legislation marks yet another step New Jersey is taking to ease those pressures and put well-earned money back in the pockets of hardworking New Jerseyans.”
Governor Phil Murphy signed S3989/A5675, which establishes the Boardwalk Preservation Fund and appropriates $100 million for the renovation and repair of boardwalks in Shore communities across the state. Primary sponsors of the legislation include Senator Paul Sarlo, Senator Michael Testa, Assemblyman Louis D. Greenwald, and Assemblyman William Moen; co-sponsors include Senator Vin Gopal and Senator Vince Polistina.
Additionally, Governor Murphy announced the official opening of the Boardwalk Preservation Fund’s application process, which is being managed by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and will remain open until October 31. As a crucial complement to the Boardwalk Preservation Fund in Atlantic City, the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget also includes an investment of tens of millions of American Rescue Plan dollars toward infrastructure investments that will continue to drive the City’s economic recovery and success.
“From Atlantic City to Asbury Park, for decades our state’s boardwalks have served as iconic fixtures in our Shore communities, contributing not just to their local economies but to their unique histories and cultural fabric as well,” said Governor Murphy. “Maximizing the potential of our boardwalks requires robust, forward-looking investments that will prepare them to endure the test of time and the intensifying impacts of the climate crisis. I’m proud to build upon Lieutenant Governor Oliver’s legacy as a champion of Atlantic City while we stand alongside elected officials on both sides of the aisle in support of these invaluable community assets.”
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To help combat food insecurity in New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy signed a bill (A-1715/S-1713) to ensure every household receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits is able to receive those benefits for the longest allowable period of time before needing to apply for recertification.
New Jersey is already a leader in advancing food security and improving access to NJ SNAP, including allowing the longest recertification periods permitted under federal rules. Under this new law, New Jersey is making these certification periods permanent so that NJ SNAP enrollees are able to maintain their benefits for no less than 12 months or a period of no less than 24 months for households in which every adult is elderly and/or disabled – the maximum amount of time permitted under federal regulations.
“By ensuring every eligible household receives their SNAP benefits for the maximum time allowed before needing to have their benefits recertified, we will make it easier for low-income families to access and retain the food assistance they need,” said Governor Murphy. “Cutting down on the frequency with which households must reapply for their benefits, we will make life easier for many residents already struggling to make ends meet and help them continue to put food on the table for their families.”
Governor Phil Murphy submitted a letter to the Traffic Mobility Review Board outlining recommendations the Board must take to ensure the fair treatmenof New Jerseyans entering Manhattan’s Central Business District (CBD).
The Governor urged the Board to enact the following changes to the current congestion pricing proposal:
(1) All commuters who cross into Manhattan through the Holland or Lincoln Tunnels, or across the George Washington Bridge, should be provided full credits without caps for crossing tolls;
(2) All commuter buses should be exempted from CBD tolls;
(3) CBD tolls should not be collected during off-peak hours;
(4) Any CBD tolls should reflect the extent to which a vehicle actually contributes to congestion by remaining and operating within the CBD; and
(5) All low-income commuters should receive credits for CBD tolls.