Property Taxes in New Jersey: Striking a Balance

As a New Jersey resident, you know first hand the difficulty that high property taxes can pose to running a household and making ends meet. Yet, there is another important facet to this issue: High property taxes cut into community support for essential education programs.

For more than a generation, New Jersey state government has paid only 40% of education costs on average. Nationwide, the average state contribution is at least 50%. Stagnant state aid to education since 2001 has worsened the problem by forcing communities to increase property taxes to cover more of the costs that the state should be paying.

It's time for immediate action by our state's leaders. With enough voices in enough communities, we can raise awareness of the need for a balanced system of taxation that supports public schools without overburdening property taxpayers.

This Web page offers a variety of resources that you can use to learn more about the issue and to urge your legislators to address property tax reform.

As a first step, view NJSBA's 2005 presentation, Property Taxes in New Jersey: Striking a Balance, which you can download onto your computer. Then, take advantage of the other information and communication links provided on this Web page.

For property tax reform to take place, our lawmakers must hear from you—the voters!