GOP assemblyman attacks proposed World Cup tax hike after AG says security funds are sufficient

Assemblyman Al Barlas (R-Cedar Grove) is pushing against a proposal to temporarily increase the sales tax near World Cup matches this summer, pointing to remarks from the attorney general that the state’s law enforcement has enough funding for the World Cup. 

Democratic lawmakers introduced a proposal that would hike the sales tax by 3 percentage points to 9.625% in the Meadowlands District, an enclave of North Jersey that surrounds MetLife Stadium, which will host eight World Cup matches this summer. Proponents say the five-week increase, which New Jersey residents could later get discounted from their state taxes, would help the state recoup money spent on public safety and security for the World Cup.

In an Assembly Budget Committee hearing Wednesday, Barlas asked Attorney General Jennifer Davenport about how funding for the event’s security works and whether the Department of Law and Public Safety had enough money to handle the World Cup. Davenport said yes, which Barlas later used to argue the tax hike is unnecessary.

“Since the Attorney General just confirmed they have enough money for World Cup security, I have just one last question, What’s your excuse now?” Barlas said in a release.

NorthJersey.com found the state has spent or contracted more than $307 million in spending related to the World Cup. The Department of Homeland Security released some $625 million in funding for U.S. cities hosting World Cup matches; Rep. Nellie Pou (D-North Haledon) said her advocacy helped force the DHS to release the funds after a delay.