Wagner: Christie Plan To Repeal Bergen County Blue Law Is Misguided & Gimmicky

Assemblywoman Connie Wagner (D-Bergen) on Wednesday said Gov. Chris Christie should be focusing his attention on revising his tax-laden budget proposal, not repealing Bergen County’s longstanding ban on Sunday business. Christie’s tax-increase budget plan relies on a $65 million in revenue from repealing Bergen County’s law, which has enjoyed longtime public support and withstood legal challenges and a 1993 referendum seeking to overturn it.

“Bergen County residents have spoken time and time again in support of this law,” Wagner said. “It’s our tradition and it’s our quality of life, so Gov. Christie should look elsewhere to balance his budget.”

Wagner also questioned whether repealing the law could raise $65 million, as Christie claims.

“Claiming you could raise $65 million by repealing this law sounds like a budget gimmick to me,” Wagner said. “Gov. Christie needs to concentrate on revising his budget plan that would bring massive property tax increases and new taxes to residents and businesses across our state, not on sticking his nose where Bergen County residents don’t want it.”