TRENTON, N.J. – A proposed sales tax increase tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is facing new scrutiny in Trenton after New Jersey’s top law enforcement official said additional funding for security may not be necessary.
During a recent Assembly Budget Committee hearing, Assemblyman Al Barlas (R-Essex) pressed newly-minted Attorney General Jennifer Davenport on whether her office requires more resources to manage security for the international tournament, which will include events at MetLife Stadium in the Meadowlands.
Davenport responded plainly: the department has sufficient funding.
Her answer undercuts a key argument behind legislation introduced by Senate Budget Chair Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen), which would temporarily raise the sales tax in the Meadowlands region to 9.625% from June 13 through July 19—the duration of the World Cup matches. Sarlo has said the measure is intended to help the state recover costs associated with hosting the global event, particularly security expenses.
Barlas, citing reports that Congress has allocated $625 million to support World Cup host cities across the United States, asked how much of that funding would flow to New Jersey. According to Davenport’s office, roughly $66 million has been designated for the broader New York/New Jersey region, with New Jersey expected to receive the majority share.
Those federal funds are slated to cover a range of security-related needs, including stadium operations, fan events, transportation coordination, hotel security, training, and emergency response infrastructure.
After confirming that existing resources are adequate, Barlas challenged the necessity of the proposed tax increase, asking, “What’s your excuse now?”
The exchange adds a new dimension to the debate over S4111, as lawmakers continue to weigh the financial and economic implications of hosting one of the world’s largest sporting events.
