Bergen Plan Ends Legislator Salaries, Property Tax Rebates to Close Budget Deficit, Eliminates Tolls

Ahead of Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s first budget message, Assemblyman Brian Bergen introduced two bills Monday to eliminate legislator salaries and property tax rebate programs as part of an effort to address the state’s projected $3 billion structural deficit next fiscal year. A third measure would deliver permanent relief by directing the additional savings from his legislation to lower costs for New Jersey drivers.

“I am proposing performance-based compensation reform that finally reflects the results this Democrat-led Legislature has delivered. Zero,” Bergen (R-Morris) said. “Despite warnings about a fiscal cliff and spending far outpacing revenues, Trenton Democrats voted to give themselves a 67% pay raise to $82,000. My bill repeals that selfish decision and makes clear that public service, not profit, should motivate elected officials.”

During the lame-duck session in 2024, members of the Senate and Assembly increased their salaries from $49,000 to $82,000 annually. The pay raise took effect this year. Bergen’s bill (A4547) would eliminate legislative salaries beginning in 2028. Setting salaries at $0 for the state’s 120 part-time legislators would save approximately $9.8 million.

His second bill (A4549) would eliminate state property tax rebate programs, which he says return only a fraction of the taxes residents have already paid.

“Instead of creating government programs to redistribute taxpayer money like ANCHOR and StayNJ, we should reduce the tax burden in the first place,” Bergen said. “These programs take billions from taxpayers, send a small portion back to select recipients, and allow politicians to take credit for the relief.”

StayNJ is expected to cost the state roughly $1.2 billion this year alone. Bergen said the program contributes to what the Sherrill administration projects will be a $7.5 billion increase in spending over the next two years, resulting in a negative budget balance exceeding $750 million in fiscal year 2028.

“My two bills, combined with eliminating pork spending in the budget, would save at least $5 billion,” Bergen said. “That closes the deficit and still leaves about $2 billion for real tax relief.”

To deliver what he called “permanent tax relief,” Bergen also introduced legislation (A4546) prohibiting the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and the South Jersey Transportation Authority from charging tolls on highways under their jurisdiction, including the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and Atlantic City Expressway.

“Trenton politicians love rebate programs because they tax you first, keep most of the money, and then send a small portion back with their name on the check,” Bergen said. “That’s not tax relief, it’s political marketing.”

“Families deserve lasting tax relief through responsible fiscal policies, not bloated programs designed for campaign talking points,” Bergen said. “If the governor is serious about affordability, she should consider these proposals.”