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Energy Tax Restoration Resource Center
Energy Tax Receipts in New Jersey
Originally, these were taxes assessed and collected locally from utilities for the use of public land, and the funds were used for municipal programs and services. Over time, for the convenience of the public utility companies, the State became the collection agency on behalf of municipalities, with the understanding that the State would remit payment to the municipalities – in the same manner of municipalities collecting tax revenue for the school districts and counties. Ultimately, the State rebranded the local municipal revenue as “State Aid,” or replacement programs intended to replace property tax relief funding. Overtime, this forced municipalities to turn to property taxes to supplement funding.
For more details, read this history of how the Energy Tax Receipts have evolved.
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Current Legislative Action
The State has diverted Energy Tax Receipts funding. It is well past time for the diversion by State officials of this municipal funding intended for local property tax relief to end.
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Impact on Your Municipality
ETR Impact Calculator: Calculate the impact that the diversion of Energy Tax Receipts has had on your municipality by inputting on the individual ETR sheet the amount of Energy Tax Receipts your municipality received each year. The worksheet will automatically calculate the difference.
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History of Energy Tax Receipts in NJ
Every year during the State’s budget debate, “State Aid to Municipalities” is discussed. But what is that? This is an overview of the history of Energy Tax Receipts in New Jersey.
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Energy Tax Talking Points for Elected Officials
Talking points on Energy Tax Receipts to municipalities and property taxpayers.
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NJLM's Position & How You Can Help
The League strongly supports the State’s stopping of the diversion of these funds, and calls for the full restoration of Energy Tax Receipts. The diversion of Energy Tax Receipts has resulted in billions of dollars denied to local property tax payers.
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State Aid History (PowerPoint)
A presentation produced by Jon Rheinhardt, Bergen County CFO. At the time of creating this presentation. Rheinhardt was the Admistrator/CFO of Wharton. The presentation provides a timeline for Energy Taxes, and discusses State Aid.
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Additional Background Information
Additional Resources including a NJLMEF policy paper, NJ Newsmakers Interview, and copies of NJLM letters to State Legislators.
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- Why Phil Murphy really wants to raise the sale tax, and why he froze state spending, June 7, 2018, nj.com
- Opinion: Energy taxes belong to New Jersey Towns, January 14, 2013
- New Jersey must stop swiping property tax relief from locals May 17, 2012
- Bernards Township Wants Its Money Back - Basking Ridge Patch, May 15, 2012
- Trenton hoards money that should provide property tax relief April 16, 2012
- Mayors to Christie: Time to give us our money back March 1, 2012
- East Windsor and Hamilton Mayors: Time for state to pay up February 16, 2012
- Mayors want legislature to restore energy tax receipts, NJ Globe, June 27, 2022
- Lawmakers Advance Measures to Ease NJ Property Taxes, NJ Spotlight, May 16, 2019
- Here’s one way the state can reduce our property taxes, NJ Star Ledger, April 28, 2022
- South Orange Wants Energy Tax Money Restored, TAPintoSOMA, March 3, 2022
- Two proposals to relieve property tax burden moving through NJ Legislature, WHYY, February 2, 2022
- Evesham endorses legislation to lower property taxes, The Trentonian, March 21, 2022
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Lori Buckelew
Deputy Executive Director/Dir. of Gov't AffairsPhone: 609-695-3481, ext. 112
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Andrew LaFevre
Legislative AnalystPhone: 609-695-3481, ext. 116