Tag: philmurphy

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Gubernatorial Candidate Jack Ciattarelli Slams Soaring Energy Costs in NJ, Vows to Restore Energy Independence

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Candidate Pledges to End Offshore Wind Projects and Reintroduce Natural Gas and Nuclear Power

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Somerville, NJ — Gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli is sounding the alarm on what he calls an “avoidable energy crisis” in New Jersey, pointing to skyrocketing utility bills and failed green energy initiatives as the primary culprits. Ciattarelli took aim at Democratic nominee Mikie Sherrill and Governor Phil Murphy for championing offshore wind energy and electric vehicle mandates, which he argues are driving energy costs out of control.

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Murphy Administration Pushes Costly Flood Zone Rules – Because What’s Another Hit to New Jersey Affordability?

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Trenton NJ — Just when you thought living in the Garden State couldn’t get any more expensive, Governor Phil Murphy’s administration is proving you wrong.

According to NJBIA Chief Deputy Government Affairs Officer Ray Cantor, the Murphy-run Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is about to drop another “affordability shoe” on residents and businesses alike with its updated Resilient Environments and Landscapes rules. And don’t worry—these new regulations are just as overreaching and costly as you’d expect.

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New Eagleton Poll: New Jerseyans Frustrated Over Taxes, Affordability, and Transit

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

NEW JERSEY — A new Rutgers-Eagleton Poll reveals that New Jersey residents are largely dissatisfied with how the state government is handling critical issues, particularly taxes, cost of living, and public transportation. The report, conducted between June 13 and 16, 2025, paints a picture of a public increasingly frustrated with both state and national leadership — a sentiment expected to shape the upcoming 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial election.

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New Jersey Increases “Mansion Tax” and Shifts Payment Burden to Sellers: What Homeowners Need to Know

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood , NJ — As part of the newly passed $58.78 billion FY 2026 New Jersey state budget, major changes are coming to the state’s real estate tax structure — particularly the “Mansion Tax.” The revamped policy will increase taxes on high-end property sales and shift responsibility from buyers to sellers, significantly impacting the state’s luxury real estate market.

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Senator Bucco and Former BPU Commissioner Slam NJ’s Energy Policy: Call for Balanced, Affordable, and Reliable Solutions

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photo Anthony M. Bucco (R-25)

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

TRENTON, NJ — Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) has publicly supported former BPU Commissioner Mary-Anna Holden, echoing her concerns about New Jersey’s faltering energy policy under Democratic leadership in Trenton. The sharp critique highlights rising energy costs, grid instability, and the financial burden on hardworking families due to an overreliance on renewable energy mandates.

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Governor Phil Murphy Removes Gateway Commissioner Who Asked Too Many Questions

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

TRENTON, NJ — in a significant leadership change on the Gateway Development Commission, Governor Phil Murphy has replaced Janine Bauer, a long-serving member and transportation attorney, with Victor Herlinsky Jr., an attorney and political insider with experience in regional governance.

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Mikie Sherrill vs. Jack Ciattarelli: New Jersey Governor’s Race Set for 2025 Showdown

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey’s high-stakes race for governor is officially underway. Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli have won their respective primaries, setting the stage for one of the most closely watched gubernatorial contests of 2025. NBC News projects both victories, confirming a clash that will test national political sentiments during President Donald Trump’s second term.

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Atlantic Shores Asks to Cancel NJ Offshore Wind Project, Citing Federal Opposition

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the staff of te Ridgewood blog

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — In a significant blow to New Jersey’s clean energy ambitions, Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind has formally requested the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to terminate its offshore wind project permit, citing political opposition from the Trump administration.

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Groundbreaking Begins for $10B Midtown Bus Terminal Revamp – Green Space

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photos courtesy of the PANYNJ

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

New York NY, the long-awaited transformation of Manhattan’s outdated Midtown Bus Terminal is officially underway. New York Governor Kathy Hochul, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey broke ground on the Dyer Avenue deck-overs, marking the first phase of a $10 billion project that will redefine the future of regional transportation and urban space.

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Amtrak to Invest $40M in Northeast Corridor Upgrades: What It Means for NJ Transit Commuters

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Newark NJ,  Amtrak has announced a $40 million investment to upgrade aging infrastructure on the Northeast Corridor between New York Penn Station and Trenton, as part of a major push to prevent a repeat of the “Summer of Hell” delays that plagued commuters in 2024.

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Governor Phil Murphy Proposes Over $1 Billion in New Taxes in 2025 NJ State Budget Plan

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

TRENTON NJ,  for the second consecutive year, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is seeking approval from state lawmakers of a massive $1 billion in new taxes and fees as part of his latest budget proposal. The sweeping tax increases come as the state’s annual budget inches closer to a record-setting $60 billion.

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Want lower taxes? Murphy should focus on pensions, aid to some schools

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By Jack Ciattarelli 

On his inauguration day, Phil Murphy received two gifts any new governor of New Jersey could only wish for – the lowest unemployment rate in 17 years and hundreds of millions of dollars in new tax revenue based on U.S. Supreme Court decisions on internet sales and sports betting. It wasn’t enough. In his first budget, Murphy raised other new and existing taxes more than $1.5 billion, including New Jersey corporate and personal taxes, despite both already being among the highest in the nation. Murphy’s political justification was, “We need to make New Jersey stronger and fairer.” His policy justification was, “The Trump tax reforms lowered corporate taxes” and “People need to pay their fair share.” While businesses and people may never leave a country over taxes, they will leave a state. Moreover, if you try to offset federal tax decreases with state tax increases, you only make your state an outlier. That’s exactly what’s happening to New Jersey. The proof . . . For the fifth year in a row, New Jersey’s business climate has been ranked dead last in the country. And the annual United Van Lines study shows New Jersey is, once again, one of the leading out-migration states in the country, with nearly 50 percent listing “jobs” as their reason for leaving. 

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