NJ Lawmaker Proposes Eliminating Legislator Salaries, Cutting Property Tax Rebates

GOP Assemblyman Brian Bergen aims to reshape state spending and revenue through radical budget plan

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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A New Jersey Republican lawmaker has introduced legislation that would eliminate salaries for state legislators, end popular property tax rebate programs like ANCHOR and StayNJ, and prohibit tolls on major highways. Assemblyman Brian Bergen says the proposals would save billions and force a broader conversation about affordability in the state, though the chances of the measures passing are slim.

Why it matters

New Jersey faces a projected $3-4 billion budget deficit, and Bergen's plan targets politically sensitive areas like lawmakers' own paychecks and property tax relief programs that have broad bipartisan support. While unlikely to be enacted, the proposals aim to reshape how the state spends and collects revenue amid growing concerns over affordability.

The details

Bergen's legislation would repeal a recent 67% pay raise for state legislators, set their salaries at zero starting in 2028, and eliminate programs like the ANCHOR property tax relief initiative. He argues these "redistribute" taxpayer money instead of providing real tax relief. The plan would also ban tolls on the Turnpike, Parkway and Atlantic City Expressway, which Bergen says are an inefficient way for the state to collect revenue.

  • In 2024, state legislators voted to boost their annual salaries from $49,000 to $82,000.
  • Bergen's bill would repeal the pay raise and set legislative salaries at zero starting in 2028.

The players

Brian Bergen

A Republican Assemblyman from Morris County who has introduced legislation to dramatically reshape New Jersey's budget and revenue collection.

Mikie Sherrill

The Democratic Governor of New Jersey who has proposed a $60.7 billion spending plan for the next fiscal year.

Craig Coughlin

The Democratic Speaker of the New Jersey Assembly, who is unlikely to advance Bergen's proposals.

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What they’re saying

“I am proposing performance-based compensation reform that finally reflects the results this Democrat-led Legislature has delivered – zero.”

— Brian Bergen, Assemblyman (943thepoint.com)

“Instead of creating government programs to redistribute taxpayer money like ANCHOR and StayNJ, we should reduce the tax burden in the first place.”

— Brian Bergen, Assemblyman (943thepoint.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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