In a recent video released by the Assembly Republican Office, Assemblyman Paul Kanitra questions the nearly 60% increase in New Jersey’s state budget over the past five years. The budget has soared from $34.6 billion in 2018 to $54.3 billion today. Kanitra’s video marks the beginning of his series titled “How Can Trenton Waste Your Money This Month?”
Kanitra, a Republican from Ocean, expresses his astonishment at the state’s spending habits shortly after joining Trenton. Drawing from his experiences as both a taxpayer and a former Shore town mayor, he critiques the budget management he’s witnessed firsthand. With Governor Phil Murphy’s budget address approaching, Kanitra anticipates further spending increases, underscoring the challenges faced by New Jersey families amidst inflation and regulatory burdens.
Even as New Jersey families struggle paycheck to paycheck, Trenton takes through overt and stealth taxation as it legislates more problems into existence. The people suffer, and the vicious cycle of record-high inflation, unfunded mandates and overregulation continues. “Governor Murphy said if taxes are your issue, New Jersey’s not for you,” Kanitra said. “My videos will enrage the public to say ‘Governor Murphy and Democrats’ spending is not for New Jersey.’”
Highlighting the disconnect between state spending and taxpayer welfare, Kanitra criticizes Governor Murphy’s stance on taxation. He aims to use his video series to highlight the consequences of what he views as irresponsible spending by the current administration. Kanitra’s initiative comes as New Jersey braces for what is expected to be a record-high budget announcement in July.