Governor Murphy Announces Actions on AARP New Jersey Priorities in 2025 State of the State Address
AARP NJ Commends Governor Murphy for Addressing Key Issues that Affect Older New Jerseyans, Including Property Tax Relief, RetireReady NJ, Reforming Zoning Laws to Allow for More Accessory Dwelling Units. Calls on Governor and Legislature to Support Paid Family Leave for all Family Caregivers.
TRENTON, N.J. (Jan. 14, 2025) - AARP New Jersey State Director, Chris Widelo, provided the following statement in response to Governor Murphy’s 2025 State of the State Address:
“I applaud Governor Murphy for announcing action on several of AARP New Jersey’s priorities in his 2025 State of the State Address, including significant property tax relief, reforming our state’s zoning and permitting laws to allow for more affordable housing options, launching RetireReady NJ, and addressing pedestrian safety. These important actions will empower older New Jerseyans to choose how they live as they age.
“Seventy-seven percent of people 50 and older want to age in their own homes; however, New Jersey’s high cost of living, including the highest property taxes in the nation, has made it unaffordable for far too many. We applaud the Governor for supporting and highlighting the ANCHOR tax credit. We look forward to working with the Governor and the Legislature to fully fund STAY NJ in the FY ’26 state budget and bring this critical property tax relief to our older residents.
“In addition to property tax relief, AARP New Jersey applauds the Governor’s proposal to reform our state’s zoning and permitting laws to allow for new housing, particularly accessory dwelling units which provide affordable, accessible housing for people of all ages. According to AARP’s 2021 Home and Community Preferences Survey, most respondents would consider building an ADU to provide a home for a loved one in need of care.
“We applaud the Governor for making a full payment into the state’s pension system for the fourth year in a row. This payment will significantly strengthen the financial health of New Jersey’s pension system, which is critical to the retirement security of hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans and their families.
“AARP New Jersey is pleased that the launch of RetireReady NJ, which is a public-private partnership that allows private-sector workers an affordable, voluntary and portable retirement savings program at work, was highlighted. Financial security in retirement is crucial to helping people remain in their homes and communities and is a core component of our mission to enhance the quality of life for all as we age, including for generations to come.
“AARP New Jersey commends the Governor’s proposal to overhaul New Jersey’s ten most dangerous intersections in order to keep families safe and prevent avoidable tragedies. This along with updating driver education programs to focus on cyclist and pedestrian safety will help create safer streets for older New Jerseyans to use.
“While we were pleased to hear the Governor announce expanded parental leave, AARP New Jersey encourages expanding the program to include caring for a loved one of any age. We look forward to working with him and the legislature to ensure all public workers and their families benefit from this needed expansion.
“AARP New Jersey thanks the Governor for supporting real change to help our more than one million Garden State members and all older New Jerseyans age in place. We look forward to working with the Governor and the entire New Jersey Legislature in the coming year.”
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About AARP New Jersey
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. AARP New Jersey educates and advocates on behalf of those 50 and older on issues that are important to them, their families and to all Garden State residents. The organization works to strengthen New Jersey communities with a focus on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/nj or follow @AARPNJ on social media.
