In response to a proposed tax increase on shore rental properties, Senator Vin Gopal issued the following statement in opposition:
“The shore is central to New Jersey’s $44 billion tourism industry, drawing millions of visitors each summer,” said Senator Vin Gopal.
“An added tax on shore rentals only serves as a deterrent to vacationers, who could easily choose another state in which to spend their summer. Without a healthy and viable tourism industry, countless shore communities will collapse. Family businesses will go under, beach revenues will dry up and innumerable jobs will be jeopardized.
“We’ve already shown a balanced budget is possible without this dangerous tax. I join my fellow Senators in their desire to find common ground and produce a budget that best supports the residents of New Jersey. However, putting New Jersey’s vital tourism industry on the line is unacceptable. I strongly oppose this proposed shore rental tax and urge my fellow legislators to join me in standing against increased taxes. We need to focus on developing creative and innovative methods of achieving our budgetary goals, rather than alienating vacationers.”