TRENTON, N.J. — Governor Phil Murphy is facing backlash from Republican lawmakers over a proposal in his latest budget plan that would impose sales taxes on a range of recreational and participatory sports activities across New Jersey.
Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-13) sharply criticized the proposed tax expansions, accusing the Murphy administration and legislative Democrats of a “spending addiction” that targets everyday leisure activities. “Democrats are trying to tax fun and destroy what little enjoyment people have left,” O’Scanlon said. “It’s absurd and shameful.”
Currently, state law exempts patrons participating in sports and recreational activities from paying sales tax.
Murphy’s proposed budget would eliminate that exemption, making many popular activities more expensive for families and individuals across the state.
The proposed tax would affect a wide range of activities, including:
- Baseball batting cages
- Basketball courts
- Bowling alleys
- Billiard parlors
- Go-kart rides and speedways
- Golf course greens fees
- Driving ranges
- Laser tag
- Mini golf
- Paintball
- Skating rinks
- Swimming pools
- Tennis courts
O’Scanlon likened the plan to a “cash grab” and called for what he dubbed an “intervention” to curb what he sees as reckless state spending. The tax proposal is part of Murphy’s broader Participatory Sports budget initiative.
Democrats have not yet issued a formal response to the criticism or provided detailed justifications for the inclusion of the recreational tax expansion.
Key Points
- Governor Murphy’s budget plan includes taxing 13 recreational activities previously exempt from sales tax.
- Senator Declan O’Scanlon denounced the proposal as a “tax on fun” and a result of overspending.
- Activities targeted include bowling, mini golf, laser tag, skating rinks, and more.
Murphy’s plan to tax leisure draws GOP fire as critics say it targets family fun to fund state spending.
