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Democrat,
Parents, teachers, and students across New Jersey are getting ready to head back to school, and that means spending more money than we want to on the supplies kids and teachers need to succeed.
Democrats in New Jersey know that for millions of Americans across the entire country, money is extra tight, which is why we have been fighting at every level of government to reduce costs, raise wages, and fight inflation. In line with this mission, New Jersey Democrats included a sales tax holiday in the state budget that was signed by Governor Murphy earlier this summer.
The 10 day sales tax holiday on all back-to-school supplies [[link removed]] will begin this Saturday, August 27, and run until September 5 . It applies to both online and in-person sales, and covers items used by students in pre-K to college and university student supplies, including:
*
school
supplies,
such
as
pens
and
pencils,
notebooks,
and
binders
*
school
art
supplies,
such
as
paints
and
paintbrushes,
clay,
and
glazes
*
school
instructional
materials,
such
as
reference
books,
reference
maps,
globes,
textbooks,
and
workbooks
*
computers
*
school
computer
supplies,
such
as
computer
storage
equipment,
printers,
and
personal
digital
assistants
*
sports
&
recreational
equipment,
such
as
bicycle
helmets
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The credit rating agency S&P Global Ratings upgraded New Jersey’s credit outlook from stable to positive [[link removed]] this week, which is just the latest in a string of credit rating upgrades from all four major rating agencies since last August.
This upswing in confidence in New Jersey’s financial health is solely because of the work of Governor Murphy’s administration and Democrats in the Legislature. When Governor Murphy took office in 2018, our credit outlook and ratings were terrible. Now, we have a strong, reliable surplus, we have delivered record pension payments, and we are investing in our state’s greatest assets — our public education system, our physical infrastructure, and our robust economy.
This smart financial planning means lower borrowing costs which in turn allows the state to issue bonds at lower interest rates, reducing costs for taxpayers on major projects.
You can read Governor Murphy’s full statement on NJ’s credit improvement here. [[link removed]]
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On Wednesday, President Biden made the historic announcement to forgive $10,000 in student loan debt for anyone making below $125,000, with $20,000 going to anyone who used Pell Grants, a fund used to assist the most in-need borrowers, to attend college. The President’s plan also includes several other steps to make repayment easier on borrowers who have been overburdened with continuously growing debt. Here’s a full breakdown of what was announced this week:
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Student debt is a crisis in our country and this first step in addressing this crushing issue is a victory for the middle class. When more Americans are financially stable, our economy is stronger. We also know that Black and Hispanic borrowers tend to carry more debt than anyone else, further hindering them economically and widening the racial wealth gap.
Some will see their entire student debt load wiped [[link removed].] because of President Biden’s action, and that is truly life changing for them. I am confident that the work will continue to see more relief for more Americans, and when we fight together, we can accomplish incredible things.
— Chairman LeRoy J. Jones, Jr.
P.S. We have two exciting events planned for today and tomorrow with plenty of time to still RSVP!
The NJDSC Women’s Caucus is hosting a Women's Equality Day Virtual Celebration [[link removed]] today from 12:30 to 1:30 that will feature special guests and panel discussions - all you need is your phone or computer to join us and get inspired and activated!
Our Muslim Caucus is hosting a Meet & Greet BBQ with Congressman Andy Kim [[link removed]] on Saturday, August 27, in Burlington, NJ. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from and meet Rep. Kim between Noon and 1:30 as well as mingle with fellow NJ Democrats.
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Paid for by the New Jersey Democratic State Committee.
New Jersey Democratic State Committee
194-196 West State Street
Trenton, NJ 08608
United States
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