In Sharp Turn from Christie Years, New NJ Budget Includes Legalizing Marijuana, Taxing the Rich

Gov. Phil Murphy delivered a $34 billion plan for his state budget Tuesday that proposed raising taxes on the wealthy, increasing the state's sale tax and legalizing adult-use marijuana.

"If we enact another budget like the one our administration inherited, our middle class will continue to be the one shouldering the burden, while seeing little in return," Murphy told legislators.

It was a sharp turn from the Christie years of smaller government, WNYC's Nancy Solomon told All Things Considered host Jami Floyd. Murphy started by ticking off what he’s already done: an executive order guaranteeing equal pay for women, a reinstatement off funding for Planned Parenthood, and the re-entry of the regional greenhouse gas initiative. Then he laid out all the ways he wants to spend money: he’ll triple the funding to NJ Transit, as well as increase funding for local schools, pre-k and community colleges. 

To pay for his promises, Murphy said he'll raise the income tax on people who earn more than $1 million a year; end Christie’s .375 percent sales tax cut; and find savings by divesting the pension system from hedge funds, among other measures.

And then there’s marijuana. Murphy asked the legislature to pass a legalization bill this year. Though he didn’t specify how much money that would bring in ($300 million has been bandied about) he said the state spends $140 million on marijuana criminal cases which could be redirected elsewhere.