TRENTON, N.J. — A top New Jersey Democrat acknowledged this week that the state’s cost of living has surged in recent years and pledged to prioritize affordability in ongoing budget negotiations.
Assembly Budget Chair Asw. Pintor Marin’s remarks come as residents face increased prices across housing, insurance, groceries, and utility bills, with critics citing the cumulative impact of progressive policies, rising energy costs, and stalled wind energy projects under Gov. Phil Murphy and President Joe Biden.
“Affordability is very important. It affects everyone. It’s not one of those issues that only affects a certain percentage,” the Democratic leader said. “I’m a mom. I have three girls. A home, we see the strain in our finances because it is very expensive.”
Pinto pointed to the growing burden on working families and seniors, saying the state must evaluate ways to adjust funding even with a tight fiscal outlook.
“Everything has gone up, from groceries to anything that you’re doing at your house, your insurance rates, everything,” she added.
Despite budget constraints, she said the legislature is identifying potential areas for relief within the upcoming state budget. Proposals under consideration aim to assist residents at the edge of affordability, including renters, families, and the elderly.
Budget process under scrutiny as leaders weigh next steps
The leader emphasized that affordability efforts remain a bipartisan concern and that navigating disagreements has become part of the legislative process. “We’ve done a lot of things together, and we’ve weathered this storm through some moments where we didn’t agree,” she said.
State lawmakers are now working through the budget proposal for the next fiscal year, reviewing allocations and potential revisions. Although specifics of the affordability plan were not released, the comments signal a shift in public messaging from state Democratic leadership.
Critics have pointed to New Jersey’s overall cost increases during Murphy’s tenure, including a rise in public service spending, renewable energy investments that have faced setbacks, and programs supporting undocumented migrants, all contributing to mounting expenses.
No formal legislative package has been introduced yet, but sources close to the talks say affordability measures may be linked to property tax relief or targeted assistance for lower-income households.
As pressure builds from constituents, lawmakers are expected to deliver a finalized budget in the coming weeks.
New Jersey’s Democratic leadership faces mounting pressure as affordability concerns reshape the state’s political priorities.