StayNJ senior tax cut plan schedules quick public hearing

Fast-tracking a proposal for senior citizen property tax relief, the Assembly Aging and Senior Services Committee will hold a public hearing next week on Speaker Craig Coughlin’s StayNJ plan to give back 50% of local property tax bills up to $10,000 for New Jerseyans over age 65.

Senate President Nicholas Scutari yesterday introduced the same bill in the State Senate, potentially pitting the two Democratic legislative leaders against the Democratic Gov., Phil Murphy, who opposed the plan.

To initially shepherd the legislation in the Assembly, Coughlin has turned to Angela McKnight (D-Jersey City), who is Jersey City Mayor and gubernatorial candidate Steven Fulop’s to take the 31st district State Senate seat next year.

“Supporting seniors, easing the tax burden, and making health care and prescription drugs more affordable are issues I have worked tirelessly on as the chair of the Assembly Aging and Senior Services Committee,” said McKnight.  “StayNJ accomplishes all of those goals.”

The Assembly committee includes Democrats Christopher Tully (D-Bergenfield), Mila Jasey (D-South Orange), and Shanique Speight (D-Newark), and Republicans Beth Sawyer (R-Woolwich), DiAnne Gove (R-Long Beach), and Michele Matsikoudis (R-New Providence).

“I look forward to beginning the process of moving the bills through the legislature and hearing from people who want to be able to retire in New Jersey and stay with their families and loved ones,” said McKnight.

The hearing is scheduled for Thursday, June 8 at 1 PM, two days after the primary election.