The governor opened his 55 minute address with a scathing review of the state’s Economic Development Authority’s Tax Incentive Program. An audit showed little return for the billions spent particularly over the eight years of his predecessor, and that those breaks will require paying out a billion dollars this year.
But looking ahead, Murphy added, “Let’s start 2019 by finishing what we began in 2018. Putting the minimum wage on a clear and responsible path to $15 an hour and by legalizing adult-use marijuana.”
He says talks with fellow Democrats in charge in the legislature have gotten both sides close on both issues. But that’s been said before.
And he promises improvements on New Jersey Transit in his budget address expected in early March.
Listen to the full address here: