Report ranking N.J. as 32nd best state for military retirees disturbs Bucco

New Jersey needs to stop giving military retirees a reason to leave the state, State Sen. Anthony M. Bucco (R-Boonton) said on Friday.

Bucco’s statement follows a WalletHub report that ranks New Jersey as the 32nd best state for military retirees to live.

“As we head into Memorial Day weekend, we’re reminded that the men and women in our Armed Forces put everything on the line in service of our nation,” Bucco said. “It’s distressing to think that those who serve at our state’s storied military facilities including Picatinny Arsenal, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, and NWS Earle, might not be able to find the support they need in New Jersey after they leave military service. As a state, we have a responsibility to better support our veterans.”

According to Bucco, legislation he’s sponsored would offer home ownership assistance for some current and former military service members.

“Our poor rankings are likely the result of our state’s crisis of affordability and too few programs to directly support former servicemembers,” stated Bucco. “Legislation that would help veterans with down payments for homes, expanded property tax relief, and support getting a job or starting businesses would make New Jersey a much friendlier place for our military retirees.”

Earlier this year, Assemblyman Brian Bergen (R-Denville), a retired U.S. Army combat helicopter pilot and Bucco’s running mate, proposed a sweeping 9-bill package that would help veterans living in New Jersey.