- Democratic lawmakers who would be allies stick to own script
- Eagerness to undo Christie agenda, and little money to do so
Governor Phil Murphy’s campaign pledges are about to collide with New Jersey politics, Wall Street skeptics and a massive budget deficit.
Since his term started in January, Murphy has pleased his progressive base with moves on women’s wages, health care, climate change, immigration and offshore drilling. On tough fiscal matters, though, he and fellow Democrats who control the legislature — all eager to undo Republican Chris Christie’s policies — are following their own agendas.
Murphy’s first state spending plan, which he’ll introduce Tuesday, will include a millionaire’s tax to help generate $1.3 billion for New Jersey’s underfunded schools, transportation and pension systems. That initiative lacks support from Senate President Stephen Sweeney, who says residents are being penalized enough by President Donald Trump’s U.S. tax changes, which limit deductions for individuals’ state and local taxes.
by Elise Young and Michelle Kaske
March 12, 2018
Bloomberg Politics