Assemblymen Simonsen and McClellan: Trenton Keeps Taking: It’s Time for a Change
Cape May Court House — Assemblymen Erik Simonsen and Antwan McClellan have once again voted NO on the state budget, standing firm against an unsustainable financial path that is crushing New Jersey families. Since their arrival in Trenton, the state budget has surged by over 67%, ballooning to more than $58 billion, while the needs of South Jersey continue to be ignored.
In just eight years, Trenton has approved a string of new and increased taxes on income, corporations, streaming services, vapes, alcohol, cigarettes, online gambling, and even real estate transactions. And now, the FY2026 budget proposes yet another tax hike, making everyday purchases even more expensive for working families.
“We’re paying more and getting less. Trenton’s priorities don’t reflect the people we represent,” said Assemblyman Simonsen.
“The state is thriving off the backs of our residents and refusing to give us a fair return. That’s not leadership, that’s neglect,” added Assemblyman McClellan.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Taxpayers Are Maxed Out
New Jersey residents pay an average of $8,308 per person in state and local taxes, among the highest in the nation.
When Governor Murphy took office in 2018, the state budget was approximately $34.7 billion. For Fiscal Year 2026, the proposed budget is $58.1 billion, marking a 67% increase over eight years.
Despite these staggering figures, Trenton continues to expand spending without accountability, using revenue from tourism-heavy counties like Cape May to fund priorities that leave local schools and infrastructure under-resourced.
The people of New Jersey deserve better than being treated like an ATM. Assemblymen Simonsen and McClellan are putting their constituents first and demanding a budget that reflects their values, not just Trenton’s ambitions.
