New Jersey Governor’s Race Intensifies Over Sales Tax Controversy
New Jersey’s governor election has heated up after Republican Jack Ciattarelli suggested a 10% sales tax on all commodities, including food and clothing. A June campaign rally in Bergen County featured this remark about Tennessee’s tax policy, which has no state income tax but a 10% sales tax on select items. Ciattarelli stated that he was not advocating this for New Jersey, only providing an example.
However, Democratic candidate Mikie Sherrill and her supporters have used these comments to show that Ciattarelli is eager to raise New Jersey taxes. A new Democratic Governors Association-backed super PAC commercial quotes Ciattarelli as declaring, “a 10% sales tax on everything, including food and clothing,” but doesn’t define Tennessee. This commercial claims Ciattarelli wants this tax in New Jersey, which his team disputes.
Ciattarelli’s campaign claims Sherrill is lying about his viewpoint. His lawyer sent Sherrill a cease-and-desist letter demanding he retract “blatantly false statements” regarding his tax proposals. Sherrill’s team continues to argue that Ciattarelli’s statements indicate a willingness to hike taxes significantly throughout their messaging.
The disagreement has heated up New Jersey’s tax and cost of living debate. Both candidates aim to make the state more affordable, but their methods differ. Sherrill wants to eliminate tax increases and cut living costs. However, Ciattarelli suggests discussing tax systems like a higher sales tax.
This tax policy debate will certainly continue as the election approaches. It could alter candidate perceptions and the race outcome.
Sources
New Jersey Globe
Inquirer
Democratic Governors Association
