Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin (D-Middlesex) today testified at the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities’ (NJBPU’s) Quarterly Public Meeting. The Speaker’s testimony centered on steps Assembly Democrats are taking to combat the rising cost of utility bills.
“For the past seven years and some months, Democrats in New Jersey have taken an ‘all of the above’ approach to creating clean energy right here in New Jersey. We know that if we help support energy creation here, we can generate the energy our families and businesses need while also creating a generation of middle class, union jobs that will drive our economy forward,” said Speaker Coughlin during his testimony. “Most importantly, we also know what this...
Governor Phil Murphy has put forward a proposal to implement a new tax on phone lines to help fund the 988 mental health crisis hotline. The proposed levy is part of a larger set of new taxes Murphy is advocating for as part of his budget plan. However, with the state’s upcoming election year on the horizon, questions are being raised about whether political dynamics could hinder the success of these proposals.
The 988 hotline, launched in 2022, offers critical mental health support for individuals experiencing a crisis, serving as a lifeline for those in need. The new tax, which would be applied to phone lines, aims to provide consistent funding for this crucial service, ensuring...