Democrat,

On behalf of NJDSC, I want to express how devastated we are by the mass shooting that took place in Colorado Springs last weekend. Our hearts go out to all of the victims, their friends and family, and those directly impacted by this tragedy in Colorado Springs, especially our LGBTQ+ community in New Jersey and across the country who have been subject to horrific violence in recent years. Our LGBTQ+ community – in fact, every single person – deserves the right to feel safe and supported in public spaces and in our political system. 

Time and time again, Democrats have pleaded with our Republican colleagues to take comprehensive action to reduce gun violence and protect Americans. The Gun Violence Archive has documented over 600 mass shootings just this year alone, and while the Biden Administration was able to pass the most meaningful gun violence legislation in thirty years, we need to do more to combat the gun violence epidemic that continues to rage in our country. We will also continue to call out Republicans for their homophobic and transphobic comments and policies that only serve to amplify extremist views and fuel hate speech and violence. Offering “thoughts and prayers” while systematically dismantling protections against, and creating more barriers for, the LGBTQ+ community is hypocritical and we will continue to hold Republicans accountable for the bigotry they are attempting to normalize.

We also promise to continue fighting to make New Jersey a safe and fair place for LGBTQ+ people to not only live, work, and have their families, but thrive. 

GOVERNOR MURPHY UPDATE

The deadline to apply for the historic ANCHOR property tax relief program has been extended to January 31, 2023, giving taxpayers an extra month to apply. Additionally, tenants/renters who had previously been ineligible because their unit is under a PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) agreement are now eligible to apply for the benefit.

“In order to achieve meaningful relief for hard-working taxpayers, we must expand access and improve awareness of our efforts to promote affordability and opportunity in New Jersey,” said Governor Murphy. “I want to thank our partners in the Legislature once again for sharing our commitment to deliver real property tax relief to as many people as possible. Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, New Jersey will remain the best state to live, work, and raise a family.”

Under the ANCHOR program, both the size of the benefit and the number of eligible applicants has increased substantially, compared to the previous Homestead Benefit (which ANCHOR is replacing), including double the amount of homeowners and nearly a million tenants who had not been eligible for property tax relief in recent years.

All payments will begin going out in late spring, regardless of when taxpayers file. Payments will be issued in the form of checks or direct deposits and are not subject to federal or State income tax.

To be eligible for this year’s benefit, homeowners and renters must have occupied their primary residence on October 1, 2019 and file or be exempt from NJ income taxes.

Eligible homeowners can apply online, by phone, or via paper application, which can be downloaded online and returned by mail. Tenants can also apply online or download the application from the website and return it by mail.