10 signatures reached
To: Governor Phil Murphy Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin
Seniors Forced to Leave NJ
Seniors age 65 or older currently represent 17.4% of the state’s population, projected to grow to 20% by 2030. Seniors also represent 29% our registered voters and have the highest voter turnout of all age groups at 72%. Needless to say, they are a very important part of our state’s fabric, our families, our tax revenues and have considerable influence in election results.
Although many seniors would like to stay, most are on fixed incomes and are being forced to leave the state because we consistently rank number one as the highest real estate taxes in the country. Simply put, if the state wants seniors to stay, continue to collect their tax dollars and win their votes, something needs to be done to keep them here.
We’ve read with great hope and interest about the Stay NJ senior tax credit program which takes effect in 2026. We applaud the efforts of State Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin for introducing the law which could give seniors up to a $6500 property tax rebate. Unfortunately, this credit is contingent upon a 12% budget surplus required to fund the program for 2026 and beyond. This makes it highly unlikely with the states projected 2026 budget deficit, that these credits will ever see the light of day.
Although many seniors would like to stay, most are on fixed incomes and are being forced to leave the state because we consistently rank number one as the highest real estate taxes in the country. Simply put, if the state wants seniors to stay, continue to collect their tax dollars and win their votes, something needs to be done to keep them here.
We’ve read with great hope and interest about the Stay NJ senior tax credit program which takes effect in 2026. We applaud the efforts of State Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin for introducing the law which could give seniors up to a $6500 property tax rebate. Unfortunately, this credit is contingent upon a 12% budget surplus required to fund the program for 2026 and beyond. This makes it highly unlikely with the states projected 2026 budget deficit, that these credits will ever see the light of day.
Why is this important?
This puts the state, our budget, our families and our seniors in a precarious situation for 2026 and beyond. Seniors are being forced to leave the state along with their tax dollars. This situation will only get worse as the percentage of our state senior populations continues to grow.
We who have signed this petition urge our Democrat and Republican state representatives to work together and make it a priority to fund the program outside the 12% surplus. In order to make seniors stay in NJ they need a firm commitment on the funding. Instead we have an uncertain paper program that is tied to a future surplus budget that will likely never come to pass.
We will be watching and if we can stay in NJ, we’ll be voting for the candidates that take material action to lock in and support the funding of this program and our seniors.
Respectfully signed on behalf of all the state’s people who value our seniors and want to give them an affordable opportunity to continue to live in their home state of New Jersey.
We who have signed this petition urge our Democrat and Republican state representatives to work together and make it a priority to fund the program outside the 12% surplus. In order to make seniors stay in NJ they need a firm commitment on the funding. Instead we have an uncertain paper program that is tied to a future surplus budget that will likely never come to pass.
We will be watching and if we can stay in NJ, we’ll be voting for the candidates that take material action to lock in and support the funding of this program and our seniors.
Respectfully signed on behalf of all the state’s people who value our seniors and want to give them an affordable opportunity to continue to live in their home state of New Jersey.
How it will be delivered
Send signed petition to all elected officials in the state of NJ