Assemblywoman Bethanne McCarthy Patrick introduced a bill this week that could provide relief to New Jersey residents struggling with the rising cost of living. The legislation proposes to exempt baby and pet supplies from the state’s sales tax. McCarthy Patrick, who is a Republican assemblywoman representing Salem, is hopeful that this move could help to make New Jersey more affordable.
New Jersey is known for its high cost of living, with almost one-third of residents unable to afford basic necessities. A family of four needs to make 300% more than the federal poverty level to survive without public or private assistance. Given that a baby can add over $26,000 annually to a family’s budget and owning a pet can increase costs by $1,400 a year, McCarthy Patrick believes that exempting baby and pet supplies from the sales tax would provide much-needed relief to families.
While diapers and baby formula are exempt from sales tax, other baby items such as car seats, bottles, cribs, and strollers, are subject to a 6.625% tax. The sales tax is also imposed on pet supplies including food and medication. McCarthy Patrick’s bills, if passed, would exempt baby cribs, car seats, nursing bottles, and strollers, as well as pet food and medication from sales tax.
“Keeping families healthy and fed in New Jersey shouldn’t be such a burden or taxable,” McCarthy Patrick said.