NEW YORK, NY – Governor Phil Murphy is approaching the second anniversary of his election without any progress on property taxes.
His one “plan”? Sue D.C. to repeal the new $10,000 cap despite the fact that tax reform benefited most New Jerseyans. But even that plan has hit the skids.
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On Monday, a federal judge dismissed the Murphy-backed lawsuit – joined by fellow blue states New York, Maryland, and Connecticut – ruling that the cap was neither “an unconstitutional assault on states’ sovereign choices” nor unconstitutionally coercive. It’s hard to understate how massive a blow it is to the Murphy Administration.
The Democrat insists all options are on the table.
What “options” truly remain available to him remains a mystery.
The Murphy Administration now lacks a clear path to offset (albeit temporarily) anticipated property tax hikes brought about by the most recent state budget without making real sacrifices unpopular with his base. It’s a political problem the governor may not be able to address before he faces the voters again in a cycle when he can’t use anti-Trumpism as a shield to real criticism. Without real reform? Like tackling the school funding formula? And real pension and benefits reform? Property tax rates will continue to charge upwards.
Stand up to the special interests like the NJEA or face the voters in 2021 with no progress to show on taxes. That’s the choice. Don’t be surprised if he tries to punt and double-down on a radical social agenda; also don’t be shocked if Murphy’s weak approval ratings still haven’t reached their nadir.
His desperation and lack of seriousness is becoming hard to miss even for casual observers.
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