Proposes temporary constitutional amendment to provide for State constitutional convention to reduce government spending and to reform system of property taxation.
If approved, the convention would specifically focus on preparing proposals that do not alter the total revenue collected by the state, but rather modify the dependency on property taxes. The constitutional amendments and statutory revisions proposed by the convention will be subject to public affirmation in a subsequent general election. This process aims to establish a framework for potentially significant reforms in how local government services are funded and how spending priorities are structured at both state and local levels.
ACR100 proposes a temporary constitutional amendment to convene a State constitutional convention aimed at reducing government spending and reforming the property taxation system in New Jersey. The amendment highlights the existing inequities in the property tax system and emphasizes the need for revisions that would ensure uniformity, reduce local governmental dependence on property taxes, and potentially identify alternative revenue sources for local services. This measure seeks to engage the citizens of New Jersey directly through a public vote concerning the convention's purpose and proposals.
Notably, ACR100 outlines restrictions on the convention's focus, prohibiting deliberations on statewide equalized school property taxes and limiting discussions to spending and tax reform. This legislative structure could lead to contention, particularly from stakeholders who advocate for broader tax reform discussions or those who fear the limitation may stifle necessary reforms. Furthermore, the approach of mandating voter approval for the convention’s proposed changes raises questions about the feasibility and political divisiveness of the measures that arise from this process.