Simonsen & McClellan Warn: Murphy’s Lame Duck Agenda Is a Domino Effect of Higher Costs and Harmful Mandates
Assemblymen Erik Simonsen and Antwan McClellan warned that Governor Murphy’s lame duck priorities represent a dangerous domino effect of policies that will topple one after another, leaving New Jersey families, small businesses, and shore communities buried under new costs and restrictions.
Their concerns echo a recent opinion piece in the Cape May Herald, which cautioned that Murphy’s final push could lock the state into expensive and unrealistic mandates that undermine affordability and economic stability.
“The governor is stacking up mandates like dominos, and once he tips the first one, everything else will come crashing down on hardworking New Jerseyans,” said Assemblyman Simonsen. “This lame duck session should not be used as a rush job to cement a political legacy at the expense of taxpayers.”
The Dominoes of Murphy’s Agenda
Domino One: Codifying 100% Clean Power by 2035
Murphy’s push to enshrine his executive order into law would drive up utility costs and create grid instability. The Board of Public Utilities is also preparing another rate increase after the November election, compounding the burden on families and businesses.
Domino Two: Flood Zone and Coastal Rules (NJ PACT – REAL)
The proposed package would significantly expand flood zones and impose costly new elevation requirements on construction. Shore communities, property owners, and local economies would face major redevelopment challenges.
Domino Three: Utility Rate Increases
With BPU hikes already approved, Murphy’s clean energy mandates will accelerate even more increases. Rising rates will hit seniors, low-income households, and small businesses hardest.
Domino Four: Electric Vehicle Mandates
The requirement that all new car sales be zero-emission by 2035 would increase costs and limit choice for New Jersey drivers. Commuters and small businesses dependent on affordable transportation would face the greatest strain.
Domino Five: Building Electrification
Plans to tighten building codes and mandate heat pump conversions would be the final domino, imposing expensive upgrades on homeowners and renters already struggling with affordability.
“Governor Murphy is lining up one costly mandate after another like dominos, and if we don’t stop this chain reaction, it will flatten families, seniors, and small businesses across South Jersey,” added Assemblyman Antwan McClellan.
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