9th District Lawmakers Push Property Tax Relief After State Revenue Jump

TRENTON, NJ — The 9th Legislative District delegation is calling for property tax relief after the state announced a sharp increase in tax collections.

In a statement released Oct. 19, Sen. Carmen F. Amato Jr., Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblyman Gregory E. Myhre said the added revenue should be dedicated to programs that reduce the cost of living for New Jersey residents.

According to the release, state tax collections increased by 19 percent year over year. During the three-month period from July 2026 to September 2026, state tax collections totaled more than $10 billion, according to the delegation’s statement. The lawmakers described that period as one of the costliest quarters for New Jersey taxpayers.

Amato, Rumpf and Myhre issued a joint statement criticizing state fiscal policy and linking the revenue increase to tax burdens on residents.

“Trenton’s extreme tax policies have led to a surge in the state’s tax revenue. All the while, many of our senior citizens and other vulnerable populations are struggling to survive on their fixed incomes,” the delegation said.

The delegation also said state spending, not revenue, is the central issue.

“Trenton doesn’t have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem, which is costing our residents greatly,” Amato, Rumpf and Myhre said. The lawmakers tied that argument to broader concerns about affordability in New Jersey.

"Governor Sherrill’s administration and the Legislative Majority Party must take action to address the ongoing cost of living crisis," they said.

The lawmakers said they will continue pressing for action in Trenton.

“We will continue to fight back against the Trenton tax-and-spend agenda and urge the Legislature to pass meaningful property tax relief legislation. Diverting these record high tax collections to residents as relief would greatly assist struggling seniors and families,” the delegation said.

They closed the statement with a call for what they described as a more disciplined approach to state finances.

“It is time to stand up for real fiscal responsibility, in order to make New Jersey a place where people can live, learn, and retire again,” Amato, Rumpf and Myhre said.