Parents in New Jersey are taking legal action against state health officials after discovering that their newborns’ mandatory blood samples may have been included in a large database that has been shared with the police. This revelation has sparked outrage among families, raising concerns about privacy and government oversight.
In a recent study, it was found that New Jersey experienced the highest net outmigration compared to any other state in 2023. This alarming trend has been attributed to the state’s liberal policies, including high taxes, which have become the primary factor driving residents away. EJ Antoni, a research fellow and public finance economist at the Heritage Foundation, emphasized the role of high taxes in contributing to the exodus.
The study, conducted by United Van Lines, revealed that 65% of total moves in New Jersey in 2023 were out of the state, surpassing second-place Illinois by a significant margin. Other states in the top five included North Dakota, New York, and Michigan. However, Antoni believes that New Jersey’s top ranking is not surprising, as people are increasingly sensitive to tax rates when deciding where to live and work. With remote work becoming more prevalent, individuals have the flexibility to choose states with lower tax burdens.
New Jersey’s tax burden ranks among the highest in the country, with the sixth-highest state and local tax burden as a share of income and the third-highest tax collection per capita. Additionally, the state imposes some of the highest property taxes nationwide and has a challenging regulatory environment, leading to a high cost of living for its residents. Antoni also highlighted the state’s unfavorable business tax climate.
Republican Representative Jeff Van Drew, who switched political parties in 2020, blamed Democratic Governor Phil Murphy for the state’s issues. Van Drew criticized Murphy’s policies, such as declaring New Jersey a sanctuary state and prioritizing illegal immigrants over hardworking New Jerseyans. He also criticized the Democratic legislature for granting themselves a salary increase while residents face constant toll increases and high taxes.
On the contrary, the study found that states in the Southeast region of the U.S., such as South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas, and West Virginia, experienced a surge in inbound moves. These states have attracted individuals seeking better tax policies and favorable living conditions. Vermont was ranked as the number one moved-to state in 2023.
Antoni emphasized that New Jersey’s tax policies are a significant factor in its struggles. While some states with high tax burdens in certain areas compensate for it with lower burdens in others, New Jersey lacks such balance. For instance, Tennessee has high sales taxes but no income tax, low property taxes, and an overall lower tax burden. In contrast, New Jersey has high sales taxes, property taxes, and other taxes, resulting in an overall high tax burden.
Furthermore, Antoni highlighted New Jersey’s inheritance tax as an additional burden for residents. The state is one of only six with an inheritance tax, indicating the extent of taxation even after death. These factors contribute to New Jersey’s reputation as an expensive place to live and die.
The state’s struggle with outmigration and its implications for population decline are seen as a consequence of the liberal Democrat leadership’s policies. Critics argue that these policies hinder American families from prospering and contribute to the state’s decreasing population. Governor Murphy’s office did not respond to requests for comment on the matter.
In conclusion, New Jersey’s high taxes, unfavorable tax policies, and regulatory environment have led to a mass exodus of residents seeking better opportunities in states with lower tax burdens. The state’s struggles highlight the impact of liberal policies on population decline and economic growth.
