ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL
Building an Economy that Works for Everyone
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL
The Garden State Initiative works to advocate for economic policies that serve all New Jerseyans by expanding equal opportunity to all corners of our state. We believe that all of our residents benefit from policies that grow our economy and spur investment and job creation in our diverse communities.
STAY IN THE LOOP WITH NEW JERSEY ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL
4.2%
Unemployment Rate
Above 3.8% United States average.
65.5%
Labor Participation Rate
Against 62.8% United States average.
5.8%
Personal Income Growth
Against 5.1% United States average (34th).
$85,245
Median Household Income
Against $64,994 US average (3rd highest).
FEATURED POST
The NJ budget: More taxes, less transparency and why we will all pay more in 2025
July 7, 2024
I spent the days leading up to passage of this year’s New Jersey state budget at the Statehouse in Trenton. It was an eye-opening and, at times, frustrating experience. Our state’s economic and fiscal policies are resulting in deficit spending, and the process surrounding those policies is troubling. This year’s New Jersey state budget landed at $56.6 billion dollars, which is…
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THE LATEST WORK ON ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL
The NJ budget: More taxes, less transparency and why we will all pay more in 2025
July 7, 2024
I spent the days leading up to passage of this year’s New Jersey state budget at the Statehouse in Trenton. …
PODCAST: Rowan University’s Dr. Ben Dworkin on NJ’s Budget Dance
April 26, 2024
Welcome to the GSI Briefing podcast – hosted by Regina Egea of the Garden State Initiative. In this series, GSI traveled to the State…
Businesses will leave NJ if they face more corporate taxes — even to bail out NJ Transit
April 16, 2024
Not long after he proposed a new state budget that would retroactively increase the state’s Corporate Business Tax, Gov. Phil Murphy…
PODCAST: An Unfair Tax on South Jersey
April 12, 2024
Welcome to the GSI Briefing podcast – hosted by Regina Egea, President of the Garden State Initiative. In this series, GSI traveled to…
NJ adds 12K jobs in December, nearly 70K total in 2023
January 19, 2024
The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development released its December 2023 jobs report Thursday, showing the state gained…
GSI’s EGEA: Combination of Declining Revenues & Rising Unemployment Spell Trouble for New Jersey
November 17, 2023
Governor Murphy and the State Legislature need to confront the reality of declining revenue and propose solutions to reduce spending…
GSI’s EGEA: The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia coincident indexes report is, “is another indication that New Jersey’s economic outlook is bleak.”
October 25, 2023
Garden State Initiative’s president, Regina M. Egea, issued the following statement on the The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia September…
GSI’s EGEA: September ‘23 Jobs Report
October 19, 2023
Garden State Initiative’s president, Regina M. Egea, issued the following statement on the September ‘23 Jobs Report: “Today’s report forecasts…
PODCAST: New Jersey’s Economic Growth Priorities
October 4, 2023
Welcome to the GSI Briefing podcast – hosted by Regina Egea, President of the Garden State Initiative. As listeners have…
GSI’s Egea: “Let’s call this budget what it is: A fiscal calamity”
June 30, 2023
Garden State Initiative’s president, Regina M. Egea, issued the following statement on the passage of New Jersey’s Fiscal Year 2024…
New Jersey’s small businesses need more support from Trenton. This is why | Opinion
June 16, 2023
It’s a fact that small businesses are the backbone of New Jersey’s economy. According to data from the U.S. Small…
2023 Annual William E. Simon Economic Policy Forum
April 27, 2023
GSI's Annual William E. Simon Economic Policy Forum was held on Wednesday, May 3rd in New Brunswick. Click below to…
GSI Annual Economic Policy Forum: Unleashing New Jersey’s Potential
April 23, 2023
Since our founding in 2017, the Garden State Initiative has advocated for policies that will result in New Jersey reclaiming its position…
A Simple Plan to Get New Jersey Back on Track for Growth
April 13, 2023
How do you turn one of the most prosperous places in the world into an economic and fiscal basket case?…
NJ state budget: This is why Democrats ‘do not want drama’
March 7, 2023
With an address outlining his proposed budget for New Jersey's fiscal year 2024, Gov. Phil Murphy has handed off the…
Regina Egea talks New Jersey’s budget with Joe Piscopo
March 1, 2023
GSI's president Regina Egea joined AM 970 morning host Joe Piscopo to discuss Gov. Phil Murphy's budget address and some…
GSI’s Regina Egea Talks Business & Economy on “New Jersey Politics”
January 24, 2023
GSI's Regina Egea appeared on the January 22nd edition of "New Jersey Politics with Laura Jones" for a wide ranging…
New Jersey receives some good economic holiday news
December 27, 2022
The Garden State received some solid economic news heading into the holiday season and the new year. The U.S. Bureau…
GSI’s Egea Talks NJ Taxes & Economy on The Dawn Stensland Show
November 18, 2022
GSI's Regina Egea joined The Dawn Stensland Show on 1210 WPHT in Philadelphia to discuss New Jersey's economy and her…
New Study Rates NJ’s Governor an “F” for Fiscal Policies
October 17, 2022
When it comes to fiscal responsibility New Jersey’s Gov. Phil Murphy finds himself in bad company as one of just…
2022 WILLIAM E. SIMON ECONOMIC POLICY FORUM
June 8, 2022
GSI's Annual William E. Simon Economic Policy Forum discussed Job Creation, our state's Energy Outlook and New Jersey in 2025…
You’re Invited: GSI’s Economic Policy Forum – June 8th
May 19, 2022
You’re invited to join us June 8th in Iselin for GSI’s Annual Economic Policy Forum and reception. Click below to…
Friendly Fire: Unintended Consequences of NJ’s Death Tax
April 19, 2022
Garden State’s antiquated Death Tax disproportionally hurts working class residents As New Jerseyans recently rushed to complete their annual tax…
Friendly Fire: Unintended Consequences of NJ’s Death Tax
April 19, 2022
Garden State’s antiquated Death Tax disproportionally hurts working class residents As New Jerseyans recently rushed to complete their annual tax…
Regina Egea Budget Testimony: Taxpayers are Speaking Clearly on Affordability, Taxes
March 28, 2022
On Tuesday, March 28th, GSI’s president, Regina M. Egea, offered the following testimony before the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee:…
PODCAST: NJ’s Budget – The Inside Story You Need to Know
March 24, 2022
In this month’s edition of The GSI Briefing, Regina Egea is joined by former State Senator Diane Allen (R) &…
NJ Property Taxes: Even Our Lowest are Among the Nation’s Highest – GSI
March 4, 2022
By William J. Smith, GSI StaffNew Jersey’s media tend to get a lot of “clicks” when publishing lists of highest…
Tax Cuts Are Happening Everywhere. What About New Jersey? – GSI
February 23, 2022
By William J. Smith, GSI StaffAcross the country, state governments, armed with large surpluses, are enacting significant tax reforms and…
New Jersey’s Super Bowl of Taxes – GSI
February 11, 2022
By William J. Smith, GSI StaffWith inflation reaching levels unseen in a generation, there’s no doubt that your Super Bowl…
Tax Cuts for Main Street or Subsidies for Hollywood? – GSI
January 27, 2022
By William J. Smith, GSI StaffWe can all get a little star-struck when meeting a celebrity from Hollywood. After all,…
A Ray of Hope for Taxpayers from Trenton’s Lame Duck Session – GSI
January 17, 2022
By William J. Smith, GSI StaffThere was some good news for taxpayers out of Trenton last week. Lost in a…
“Rosy” Talk Won’t Improve the State of our State – GSI
January 12, 2022
By William J. Smith, GSI StaffIn contrast to what ROI-NJ’s Tom Bergeron called a “rosy” depiction of New Jersey’s economy…
Inflation: New Jersey’s Stealth Income Tax Hike – GSI
November 16, 2021
By William J. Smith, GSI StaffLast week’s federal Consumer Price Index report surprised many observers when it showed that prices…
Real Clear Policy: 2022 Midterm Lessons from Jersey: It’s About The Economy. And Listening to Voters.
November 8, 2021
By Regina M. EgeaWhile the media dissect Glenn Youngkin’s upset victory in the Virginia governor’s race, more insights may be…
GSI’s Egea Talks NJ’s Economy & Fiscal Health on “Jersey Matters with Larry Mendte”
October 4, 2021
GSI’s president Regina Egea appeared on the October 2nd edition of Jersey Matters with Larry Mendte to discuss the details…
Don’t believe the hype – New Jersey’s finances are getting worse – GSI
October 4, 2021
By William J. Smith, GSI Staff If you listen to rhetoric from Trenton politicians and many in the State House…
Toward a Fiscally Sustainable New Jersey: Analysis & Recommendations
September 22, 2021
Report Examines Failure Over the Last Decade to Address State’s Fiscal Crisis and Offers Policy Recommendations to Reverse Decline In…
Fiscal Sustainability Press Conference
September 22, 2021
Virtual Press Conference - Toward a Fiscally Sustainable New Jersey: Analysis and Recommendations On September 22, 2021, former New Jersey…
Toward a Fiscally Sustainable New Jersey: Analysis & Recommendations
September 22, 2021
Report Examines Failure Over the Last Decade to Address State’s Fiscal Crisis and Offers Policy Recommendations to Reverse Decline …
11 States Reduced Taxes during COVID. Guess What Happened Next? – GSI
September 17, 2021
By William J. Smith, GSI Staff A year ago, state leaders across the nation were anxiously anticipating that the fiscal…
PODCAST: Toward a Fiscally Responsible New Jersey
September 14, 2021
In this episode of The GSI Briefing, GSI’s president Regina Egea was joined by Tom Healey and Thad Calabrese to…
New Jersey – The Global Leader in High Taxes? – GSI
August 30, 2021
By William J. Smith, GSI StaffWith Iowa’s phased-in implementation of tax reform completed this year, New Jersey sits atop the…
Only a More Balanced Approach to Public Policies Can Improve NJ’s Economy – GSI
August 26, 2021
By Regina M. Egea, President, Garden State InitiativeEconomic growth is never driven nor undermined by just one policy decision. Clear-eyed…
Let’s Stop “Gaslighting” the Gas Tax – GSI
August 19, 2021
By William J. Smith, GSI StaffIn recent years there’s a new August tradition in New Jersey: Will there or won’t…
U. of Chicago Report: When New Jerseyans Needed Their Government the Most, our Government Failed Us – GSI
August 2, 2021
By William J. Smith, GSI StaffNo doubt you’ve heard the heartbreaking stories over the last year of suddenly unemployed New…
Why Are New Jersey’s Remote Workers Funding New York’s Budget? – GSI
July 27, 2021
By William J. Smith, GSI StaffDid you know that 400,000 New Jersey families are, to the tune of thousands of…
Safety First: Should EVs with Known Risk of Battery Fires Be Disqualified from NJ Incentives? – GSI
July 19, 2021
By Regina M. Egea, President, GSIThere’s no doubt that electric, zero-emission vehicles are the wave of the future and the…
Can a “Field of Dreams” Lead to Economic Opportunity in Paterson? – GSI
July 14, 2021
By William J. Smith, GSI StaffFor a time in the late 1990s, building taxpayer-funded minor league baseball stadiums was THE…
New Jersey’s Competitive Standing Continues to “Head South” – GSI
June 29, 2021
By William J. Smith, GSI StaffAs New Jersey’s governor and legislature raced to enact a $46.4 billion budget which increased…
GSI’s Egea Talks FY 2022 Budget on New Jersey Now
June 29, 2021
GSI’s president Regina Egea appeared June 27th on My9’s New Jersey Now with Dianne Doctor, Vice President and Station Manager,…
ROI-NJ: Government spending has increased 35% in 4 years. Has your income?
June 28, 2021
By Regina M. EgeaAll the talk about inflation lately — whether it’s going to be “transitory” or “persistent” — got…
GSI Briefing: A Conversation with Author and Commentator Jason Riley
June 17, 2021
On June 17th, GSI hosted our latest GSI Briefing virtual forum featuring a conversation with Jason Riley, a senior fellow…
GSI/TapInto: Glen Rock and the Economy – Will We Be Able to Retire in Our Town?
June 11, 2021
Glen Rock and the Economy – Will We Be Able to Retire in Our Town? PRESENTED BY THE GARDEN STATE…
NEW: GSI’s Debuts “The GSI Briefing” Podcast with a Discussion of New Jersey’s Cities
June 10, 2021
Regina Egea, host of The GSI Briefing and president of the Garden State Initiative, speaks with Camden County Commissioner Jeff…
GSI’s Egea Talks 2021 New Jersey Economic Issues with Joe Piscopo
June 9, 2021
Wednesday morning GSI’s president Regina Egea appeared on AM970’s “The Joe Piscopo Show” to discuss the upcoming campaign for Governor…
Study: New Jersey’s Unnecessary and Mismanaged Debt Stands Alone – GSI
June 7, 2021
By William J. Smith, GSI Staff A new study from the Pew Trusts illustrates how much of an outlier New…
GSI Briefing: A Conversation with Jason Riley (June 17th)
June 2, 2021
VIA ZOOM: THURSDAY, JUNE 17TH - 3:00-4:00 PM Click to read more about Mr. Riley’s biography of Thomas Sowell The…
Budget 2022: Resist the Urge to Spend Beyond Tomorrow’s Means – GSI
June 1, 2021
By Regina M. Egea, President, Garden State InitiativeAs we documented last week, our state is sitting on at least $20…
Show us the Money! What’s New Jersey’s Plan for $20 Billion in Cash? – GSI
May 26, 2021
By William J. Smith, GSI Staff“Show me the money!”That was the catch phrase of Cuba Gooding, Jr.’s character, pro football…
A Cautionary Tale: Promises of “Relief” from NJ’s Income Tax – GSI
May 13, 2021
By William J. Smith, GSI StaffOn Monday, May 17, New Jersey residents will be required to file their tax returns…
As Weather Improves & COVID Fades, What’s the 2021 Outlook for NJ Tourism? – GSI
May 10, 2021
By Regina M. Egea, President, Garden State InitiativeWhile Mother’s Day was cold and chilly across much of New Jersey, the…
‘Something’s out of whack’ – GSI’s Egea Talks NJ Finances on The Bond Buyer Podcast
May 5, 2021
'Something's out of whack' - that describes New Jersey’s finances in summary . For more detail, Regina Egea, president of…
NJ Spotlight: Funding to cover a McGreevey-era debt takes a hit. How state plans to cover the shortfall
May 3, 2021
By John ReitmeyerNew Jersey must come up with new funding out of the state budget to keep from defaulting on…
NJ Spotlight: Our self-inflicted fiscal crisis opens the door to statewide property tax
April 27, 2021
The following op-ed was published by NJ Spotlight News on April 27 and also on Real Clear Policy, part of…
Center Square NJ: New Jersey government carrying massive debt, with few options for paying it off, observers say
April 20, 2021
By Kim Jarrett(The Center Square) – New Jersey is a state swimming in cash, but is still facing struggles as…
POSTPONED: GSI Briefing – Lunch & Policy with Gov. Jared Polis
April 15, 2021
Due to a last minute change with Gov. Polis' schedule, the May 4th GSI Briefing virtual forum has been postponed.…
Center Square NJ: New Jersey firms would pay a combined corporate tax rate of 36.3% under Biden plan, highest in U.S.
April 14, 2021
The combined state and federal corporate tax rate in New Jersey would reach 36.3 percent under President Biden’s infrastructure plan,…
NJ Spotlight: NJ’s big borrowing deal comes under fire
April 8, 2021
By John ReitmeyerDuring testimony before lawmakers Tuesday, Gov. Phil Murphy’s treasurer repeatedly defended a decision to issue nearly $4 billion…
NJ.com: Will Gov. Murphy honor his pledge to pay back billions he borrowed now that N.J. is flush with cash?
April 6, 2021
By Samantha MarcusGov. Phil Murphy’s multi-billion dollar borrowing pitch always came with a disclaimer.If New Jersey somehow, someway borrowed more money…
NJ Spotlight: NJ fiscal picture $430M better, analysts say
April 6, 2021
By John ReitmeyerDespite the ongoing pandemic, New Jersey will close out its fiscal year in a few months with even…
Sales Tax Holiday
April 1, 2021
GSI’s Regina Egea Appears on My9’s New Jersey Now to Discuss Sales Tax Holiday for Leisure & Hospitality Industries How…
Bond Buyer: Murphy’s New Jersey budget prompts second-guessing
March 19, 2021
By Paul BurtonNew Jersey’s proposed budget features an odd mix of dynamics that include a pandemic, an election year, massive…
ROI-NJ: N.J. now in lose-lose position with stock exchanges
March 15, 2021
By Regina M. EgeaIn New Jersey, we’ve become accustomed to losing. We’re at or near the bottom of every list…
GSI’s Egea Appears on Business Beat to discuss NJ’s economic recovery
March 13, 2021
GSI’s president Regina Egea appeared on NJ Spotlight News’ Business Beat with Rhonda Schaffler to discuss ideas to get New…
Press of Atlantic City: With top court’s help, Murphy borrows billions, plans spending spree
March 8, 2021
Last year, the Murphy administration made an exaggerated estimate of how much revenue New Jersey government would lose due to…
GSI Briefing: New Jersey’s Business Climate in 2021 – What will it take for NJ to win?
March 4, 2021
The business climate in New Jersey is undeniably challenging. Behind the dour headlines and low rankings, there are opportunities –…
ROI-NJ: GSI panel: Legacy issues hurt N.J.’s ability to compete moving forward
March 4, 2021
By Tom BergeronAssemblyman John Burzichelli summed it up in a way that left everyone nodding their head in agreement.“You would…
GSI’s Egea: “Make No Mistake New Jersey, Your Taxes Just Went Up”
February 23, 2021
Garden State Initiative’s president, Regina M. Egea, issued the following statement on Governor Phil Murphy’s Budget Address: “Incorporating billions in…
NJ.com: N.J. budget could be surprisingly flush with cash. What will Murphy do with all that money?
February 22, 2021
By Samantha MarcusBudget season in New Jersey typically conjures two unpopular questions.Which taxes are going up?And by how much?But this…
NJ Spotlight: Pandemic tax windfall for NJ: Receipts from house sales and liquor boost state revenues
February 11, 2021
By John ReitmeyerAt first the coronavirus pandemic slowed New Jersey’s real estate market, but a huge rebound followed, even as…
NJ101.5: Average NJ property tax bill now $9,111 – How your town compares
January 31, 2021
By Michael SymonsTRENTON — Property taxes went up by $158 for the average New Jersey homeowner last year, according to…
NJ.com: Murphy’s dire predictions on how coronavirus would wreck N.J. finances far from what’s actually happened so far
December 14, 2020
By Samantha MarcusThe dire warnings began when New Jersey was most vulnerable.Starting in March and continuing over the turbulent weeks that…
Bloomberg: Goldman Plots Florida Base for Asset Management in a Blow to New York
December 7, 2020
By Sridhar NatarajanGoldman Sachs Group Inc. is weighing plans for a new Florida hub to house one of its key divisions,…
Press of Atlantic City: Consolidate municipal courts to start seriously cutting property taxes
December 6, 2020
Great news for suffering taxpayers. A strong proposal to combine all the municipal courts in Atlantic County into one system…
NY Post: This ‘soak the rich’ tax would destroy economies of New York and New Jersey
November 22, 2020
By the New York Post Editorial BoardLawmakers in New York and New Jersey just won’t be happy until they drive Wall…
GSI Briefing: A Conversation with Attorneys General John Degnan and Chris Porrino
November 17, 2020
On November 17th, GSI hosted our latest GSI Briefing virtual forum featuring former New Jersey Attorneys General John Degnan and…
GSI’s Egea Discusses National Voting Trends on Economic Issues at Eagleton Forum
November 16, 2020
What could election results in California, Arizona, Colorado & Illinois mean for 2021 statewide elections in New Jersey? Voters in…
NJ Spotlight: In major hit to NJ’s credit rating, Wall Street agency lowers state’s bond grade
November 6, 2020
By John ReitmeyerNew Jersey’s credit rating has taken a significant hit from a major Wall Street rating agency as the…
Press of Atlantic City: Income tax hike a missed chance for NJ fiscal responsibility
October 9, 2020
The Legislature has finally given Gov. Phil Murphy the so-called millionaire’s tax he’s sought his whole time in office.Twice before,…
Center Square NJ: New Jersey gets a failing grade, ranks last in financial study of states’ fiscal health
October 1, 2020
By Dave Fidlin(The Center Square) – New Jersey’s pre-pandemic balance sheet was described as being in “dire fiscal health” in…
Center Square NJ: ‘Most of this was stimulus’: Promising economic data for New Jersey linked to federal checks
September 29, 2020
By Kim Jarrett(The Center Square) – Amid months of dismal economic news, New Jersey has received what appears to be…
ROI-NJ: Keep it simple, New Jersey: Make budget serve residents
September 23, 2020
By Regina M. Egea and Lawrence J. Mone Sometimes, the simpler a problem is made, the clearer the solution becomes.…
ROI-NJ: Keep it simple, New Jersey: Make budget serve residents
September 23, 2020
By Regina M. Egea and Lawrence J. Mone Sometimes, the simpler a problem is made, the clearer the solution becomes.…
Wall Street Journal: New Jersey Does It Again
September 18, 2020
By The Wall Street Journal Editorial BoardConnecticut Gov. Ned Lamont’s yacht is coming in. New York City’s descent into disorder…
Bond Buyer: Rise in New Jersey gas tax could deter out-of-state consumption, analysts say
September 2, 2020
By Andrew CoenA trend toward lower fuel consumption, driven in part by the COVID-19 pandemic, prompted New Jersey to raise…
GSI’s Egea: Legislators Will Have to Explain Support for More Borrowing, Spending & Taxes
August 25, 2020
“New Jersey deserves leadership that aspires to living within the reality of today while delivering a plan for a better…
Center Square NJ: New Jersey tax receipts numbers leads critics to question whether Gov. Murphy needs $10 billion borrowing authority
August 17, 2020
By Kim Jarrett(The Center Square) – New Jersey’s tax revenues are down just 0.6 percent over the past 13 months when…
GSI’s Egea: Collaboration and Tough Choices Now Will Determine New Jersey’s Future Economic Health
August 12, 2020
GSI’s president, Regina M. Egea, issued the following statement on the decision of the New Jersey Supreme Court in the…
NJ Spotlight: Why Gov. Murphy Should Rule Out an Increase in Gas Tax and Even Go Further
August 11, 2020
By Regina M. EgeaYou can’t blame New Jersey residents for being a little jaded, especially when it comes to taxes,…
Center Square NJ: The win-win for New Jersey and the federal government
August 10, 2020
By Regina M. EgeaAs Congress considers a sequel to the CARES Act economic stimulus bill, the pleas for budgetary relief…