John Reitmeyer
@johnreitmeyer.bsky.social
Budget/Finance Writer at NJ Spotlight News, serving digital and broadcast audiences as the news division of NJ PBS.
Gov. Murphy spent $22M+ of his own money campaigning for governor.
Was it worth it?
"The honor, the responsibility, the substance of the work, the way the state has, I would argue, has been transformed, measured by a lot of different ways … Worth every penny and then some."
@njspotlightnews.org
Was it worth it?
"The honor, the responsibility, the substance of the work, the way the state has, I would argue, has been transformed, measured by a lot of different ways … Worth every penny and then some."
@njspotlightnews.org
As Murphy sees it, NJ governor has ‘been the position of a lifetime’ | NJ Spotlight News
After eight years and success in education, economic growth, Murphy plans a vacation
www.njspotlightnews.org
December 15, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Gov. Murphy spent $22M+ of his own money campaigning for governor.
Was it worth it?
"The honor, the responsibility, the substance of the work, the way the state has, I would argue, has been transformed, measured by a lot of different ways … Worth every penny and then some."
@njspotlightnews.org
Was it worth it?
"The honor, the responsibility, the substance of the work, the way the state has, I would argue, has been transformed, measured by a lot of different ways … Worth every penny and then some."
@njspotlightnews.org
“We did what we said we would do, and in politics, that is not often the case. We campaigned on an agenda that we actually, when we got into office, we actually executed and stayed true to,” Gov. Murphy said during a final sit-down interview with @njspotlightnews.org
Phil Murphy talks COVID-19, affordability, NJ Transit as he readies to leave office | NJ Spotlight News
‘We did what we said we would do, and in politics, that is not often the case’
www.njspotlightnews.org
December 11, 2025 at 3:25 PM
“We did what we said we would do, and in politics, that is not often the case. We campaigned on an agenda that we actually, when we got into office, we actually executed and stayed true to,” Gov. Murphy said during a final sit-down interview with @njspotlightnews.org
"You’re seeing the financial services struggling, the public sector struggling to hire,” said Adam Kamins, senior analyst with Moody’s.
“All of that is putting NJ in a precarious spot where it’s not quite in recession yet, but it is dangerously close.”
@bflanagannj.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org
“All of that is putting NJ in a precarious spot where it’s not quite in recession yet, but it is dangerously close.”
@bflanagannj.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org
Could layoffs in NJ preview a recession for 2026? | NJ Spotlight News
New Jersey saw more than 2,300 layoffs last month
www.njspotlightnews.org
December 10, 2025 at 3:19 PM
"You’re seeing the financial services struggling, the public sector struggling to hire,” said Adam Kamins, senior analyst with Moody’s.
“All of that is putting NJ in a precarious spot where it’s not quite in recession yet, but it is dangerously close.”
@bflanagannj.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org
“All of that is putting NJ in a precarious spot where it’s not quite in recession yet, but it is dangerously close.”
@bflanagannj.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org
While property taxes are at a record high in NJ, it's relatively inexpensive to appeal an assessment, and that can lower your bill.
But state lawmakers now want to hike the filing fees for such appeals, which are charged by county tax boards and have been held flat for decades.
@njspotlightnews.org
But state lawmakers now want to hike the filing fees for such appeals, which are charged by county tax boards and have been held flat for decades.
@njspotlightnews.org
NJ wants to charge people more to challenge their property tax assessments | NJ Spotlight News
Lawmakers look to increase filing fees that haven’t changed in decades
www.njspotlightnews.org
December 10, 2025 at 1:39 PM
While property taxes are at a record high in NJ, it's relatively inexpensive to appeal an assessment, and that can lower your bill.
But state lawmakers now want to hike the filing fees for such appeals, which are charged by county tax boards and have been held flat for decades.
@njspotlightnews.org
But state lawmakers now want to hike the filing fees for such appeals, which are charged by county tax boards and have been held flat for decades.
@njspotlightnews.org
Rising energy costs and the Trump tariffs have added to the affordability concerns of many NJ businesses this year, and that's making it harder to maintain prices paid by consumers, according to the latest edition of a long-running poll of NJ business owners and top executives.
@njspotlightnews.org
@njspotlightnews.org
Energy costs, Trump tariffs rising concerns for NJ businesses | NJ Spotlight News
Nearly all surveyed said energy costs impacted business, according to industry group poll
www.njspotlightnews.org
December 9, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Rising energy costs and the Trump tariffs have added to the affordability concerns of many NJ businesses this year, and that's making it harder to maintain prices paid by consumers, according to the latest edition of a long-running poll of NJ business owners and top executives.
@njspotlightnews.org
@njspotlightnews.org
Reposted by John Reitmeyer
In a statement Monday, Alina Habba said she was stepping down to protect the “stability and integrity” of the office, but said her decision shouldn’t be mistaken for “surrender.”
📷 : AP Photo/Evan Vucci
📷 : AP Photo/Evan Vucci
December 8, 2025 at 8:13 PM
In a statement Monday, Alina Habba said she was stepping down to protect the “stability and integrity” of the office, but said her decision shouldn’t be mistaken for “surrender.”
📷 : AP Photo/Evan Vucci
📷 : AP Photo/Evan Vucci
For more on this issue, including a recap of the raucous first committee hearing for the bill seeking to slash comptroller oversight powers, check out this comprehensive coverage by @bflanagannj.bsky.social
December 4, 2025 at 4:56 PM
For more on this issue, including a recap of the raucous first committee hearing for the bill seeking to slash comptroller oversight powers, check out this comprehensive coverage by @bflanagannj.bsky.social
Affordability concerns helped foster the establishment of NJ's independent state comptroller's office.
Today property tax bills average more than $10,000 in NJ, but a state senator who voted to establish this office in 2007 now wants to reduce the comptroller's oversight power.
@njspotlightnews.org
Today property tax bills average more than $10,000 in NJ, but a state senator who voted to establish this office in 2007 now wants to reduce the comptroller's oversight power.
@njspotlightnews.org
How concerns about affordability drove NJ to create the comptroller's office | NJ Spotlight News
Concerns about high property taxes helped foster the office’s creation in 2007
www.njspotlightnews.org
December 4, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Affordability concerns helped foster the establishment of NJ's independent state comptroller's office.
Today property tax bills average more than $10,000 in NJ, but a state senator who voted to establish this office in 2007 now wants to reduce the comptroller's oversight power.
@njspotlightnews.org
Today property tax bills average more than $10,000 in NJ, but a state senator who voted to establish this office in 2007 now wants to reduce the comptroller's oversight power.
@njspotlightnews.org
The fate of a plan to create a permanent and dedicated source of funding for a state hotline that helps people experiencing mental health emergencies by taxing phone lines in NJ remains uncertain in the remaining weeks of Gov. Phil Murphy’s tenure.
@bobby-brier.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org
@bobby-brier.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org
Will NJ tax phone lines to support 988 crisis hotline? | NJ Spotlight News
Advocates press for dedicated funds as calls increase
www.njspotlightnews.org
December 3, 2025 at 1:54 PM
The fate of a plan to create a permanent and dedicated source of funding for a state hotline that helps people experiencing mental health emergencies by taxing phone lines in NJ remains uncertain in the remaining weeks of Gov. Phil Murphy’s tenure.
@bobby-brier.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org
@bobby-brier.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org
Why the holiday shopping season has become a make-or-break time of the year for many of NJ's small businesses in an era of inflation and tariffs.
Nice reporting by Raven Santana @njspotlightnews.org
Nice reporting by Raven Santana @njspotlightnews.org
NJ small businesses brace for high-stakes holidays | NJ Spotlight News
New Jersey's small businesses are worried as they enter into critical holiday shopping season.
www.njspotlightnews.org
December 2, 2025 at 11:39 PM
Why the holiday shopping season has become a make-or-break time of the year for many of NJ's small businesses in an era of inflation and tariffs.
Nice reporting by Raven Santana @njspotlightnews.org
Nice reporting by Raven Santana @njspotlightnews.org
It's been a tough year for those of us in public media, but we continue to cover New Jersey with unbiased local news.
This includes all of my reporting on taxes and state government finances.
Please consider helping @njspotlightnews.org offset the funding cuts during this Giving Tuesday campaign.
This includes all of my reporting on taxes and state government finances.
Please consider helping @njspotlightnews.org offset the funding cuts during this Giving Tuesday campaign.
Join | NJ Spotlight News
NJ Spotlight News is supported by people like you. Support NJ Spotlight News today.
njspotlight.fundjournalism.org
December 2, 2025 at 3:40 PM
It's been a tough year for those of us in public media, but we continue to cover New Jersey with unbiased local news.
This includes all of my reporting on taxes and state government finances.
Please consider helping @njspotlightnews.org offset the funding cuts during this Giving Tuesday campaign.
This includes all of my reporting on taxes and state government finances.
Please consider helping @njspotlightnews.org offset the funding cuts during this Giving Tuesday campaign.
NJ's gas tax is going up by 4.2 cents per gallon on Jan. 1, according to the Dept of the Treasury. This increase pushes the total gas tax up to 49.1 cents. All the revenue goes into the state's Transportation Trust Fund.
For more context, check out my prior reporting for @njspotlightnews.org
For more context, check out my prior reporting for @njspotlightnews.org
Will NJ see another gas tax increase? | NJ Spotlight News
Deadline nears for decision on raising – or lowering – state gas tax
www.njspotlightnews.org
December 1, 2025 at 9:01 PM
NJ's gas tax is going up by 4.2 cents per gallon on Jan. 1, according to the Dept of the Treasury. This increase pushes the total gas tax up to 49.1 cents. All the revenue goes into the state's Transportation Trust Fund.
For more context, check out my prior reporting for @njspotlightnews.org
For more context, check out my prior reporting for @njspotlightnews.org
As the roster of NJ locations certified as “film ready” has grown, many small businesses are cashing in amid record overall spending on in-state film productions.
Still, not everyone is convinced offering tax breaks to incentivize these film productions is smart policy.
@njspotlightnews.org
Still, not everyone is convinced offering tax breaks to incentivize these film productions is smart policy.
@njspotlightnews.org
NJ film industry growth a boon for small businesses | NJ Spotlight News
More than 40 municipalities and several counties have "film ready" certification from the state
www.njspotlightnews.org
December 1, 2025 at 8:18 PM
As the roster of NJ locations certified as “film ready” has grown, many small businesses are cashing in amid record overall spending on in-state film productions.
Still, not everyone is convinced offering tax breaks to incentivize these film productions is smart policy.
@njspotlightnews.org
Still, not everyone is convinced offering tax breaks to incentivize these film productions is smart policy.
@njspotlightnews.org
The Legislature’s push to update housing policy comes as some local governments in NJ have taken more punitive approaches in recent months towards people sleeping or camping in public places, including ordinances with punishments that call for jail time or hefty fines.
Amid a surge in NJ housing costs - and the homeless population - housing advocates praise a top Democrat's push to give towns the power to create trust funds and housing plans to help address and prevent homelessness in their communities, reports @bobby-brier.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org.
Homelessness is rising. NJ towns might get help with housing | NJ Spotlight News
Effort to address homelessness at the municipal level being led by Senate President Nicholas Scutari
www.njspotlightnews.org
November 25, 2025 at 3:33 PM
The Legislature’s push to update housing policy comes as some local governments in NJ have taken more punitive approaches in recent months towards people sleeping or camping in public places, including ordinances with punishments that call for jail time or hefty fines.
Amid a surge in NJ housing costs - and the homeless population - housing advocates praise a top Democrat's push to give towns the power to create trust funds and housing plans to help address and prevent homelessness in their communities, reports @bobby-brier.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org.
Homelessness is rising. NJ towns might get help with housing | NJ Spotlight News
Effort to address homelessness at the municipal level being led by Senate President Nicholas Scutari
www.njspotlightnews.org
November 25, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Amid a surge in NJ housing costs - and the homeless population - housing advocates praise a top Democrat's push to give towns the power to create trust funds and housing plans to help address and prevent homelessness in their communities, reports @bobby-brier.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org.
You can watch the full interview here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuiP...
November 20, 2025 at 11:57 PM
You can watch the full interview here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuiP...
Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill discussed her pending cabinet nominees, freezing utility bills and how she will approach her first state budget during a wide-ranging interview with @njspotlightnews.org held during the New Jersey State League of Municipalities convention in Atlantic City.
Sherrill looking for AG pick ‘willing to take on the Trump administration’ | NJ Spotlight News
Affordability, government accountability and budget all discussed in NJ Spotlight News interview
www.njspotlightnews.org
November 20, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill discussed her pending cabinet nominees, freezing utility bills and how she will approach her first state budget during a wide-ranging interview with @njspotlightnews.org held during the New Jersey State League of Municipalities convention in Atlantic City.
Several months after a surprise, late-June budget diversion, state lawmakers are now aiming to restore $45 million to the Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund through a bill that passed a key Senate committee on Thursday, reports @bobby-brier.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org.
Will opioid recovery programs get the $45 million NJ lawmakers pulled from them? | NJ Spotlight News
Last-minute budget deal sent money to hospitals instead. New bill would restore money to programs
www.njspotlightnews.org
November 14, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Several months after a surprise, late-June budget diversion, state lawmakers are now aiming to restore $45 million to the Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund through a bill that passed a key Senate committee on Thursday, reports @bobby-brier.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org.
A key decision about the state gas tax is pending in Trenton.
That means NJ motorists should know soon whether the state’s per-gallon gas tax must be increased at the start of 2026 to help maintain billions in planned spending on transportation infrastructure.
@njspotlightnews.org
That means NJ motorists should know soon whether the state’s per-gallon gas tax must be increased at the start of 2026 to help maintain billions in planned spending on transportation infrastructure.
@njspotlightnews.org
Will NJ see another gas tax increase? | NJ Spotlight News
Deadline nears for decision on raising – or lowering – state gas tax
www.njspotlightnews.org
November 13, 2025 at 1:48 PM
A key decision about the state gas tax is pending in Trenton.
That means NJ motorists should know soon whether the state’s per-gallon gas tax must be increased at the start of 2026 to help maintain billions in planned spending on transportation infrastructure.
@njspotlightnews.org
That means NJ motorists should know soon whether the state’s per-gallon gas tax must be increased at the start of 2026 to help maintain billions in planned spending on transportation infrastructure.
@njspotlightnews.org
It was great chatting with @wnyc.org Weekend Edition host David Furst about the NJ election results and the big challenges facing governor-elect Mikie Sherrill.
And check out @njspotlightnews.org today for our continuing coverage.
And check out @njspotlightnews.org today for our continuing coverage.
This Week in Politics: Mikie Sherrill rides an affordability message and a Jersey blue wave into office | WNYC | New York Public Radio, Podcasts, Live Streaming Radio, News
Governor-elect Sherrill will face serious headwinds when it comes to implementing her affordability agenda.
www.wnyc.org
November 10, 2025 at 3:13 PM
It was great chatting with @wnyc.org Weekend Edition host David Furst about the NJ election results and the big challenges facing governor-elect Mikie Sherrill.
And check out @njspotlightnews.org today for our continuing coverage.
And check out @njspotlightnews.org today for our continuing coverage.
With economic concerns still running high nearly a year into another Trump presidency, Democrats in NJ focused heavily on affordability issues in the run up to Nov. 4.
How did it work out?
Democrats made gains, up and down the ballot. @njspotlightnews.org
How did it work out?
Democrats made gains, up and down the ballot. @njspotlightnews.org
The one word that drove NJ election results: affordability | NJ Spotlight News
Heading into the election, seven of every 10 NJ voters had negative views about the national economy
www.njspotlightnews.org
November 10, 2025 at 2:32 PM
With economic concerns still running high nearly a year into another Trump presidency, Democrats in NJ focused heavily on affordability issues in the run up to Nov. 4.
How did it work out?
Democrats made gains, up and down the ballot. @njspotlightnews.org
How did it work out?
Democrats made gains, up and down the ballot. @njspotlightnews.org
Reposted by John Reitmeyer
Thanks, John.
The quick overview is that Sherrill has obligations in both D.C. and New Jersey, and the timing on when she resigns is REALLY important.
@njspotlightnews.org
The quick overview is that Sherrill has obligations in both D.C. and New Jersey, and the timing on when she resigns is REALLY important.
@njspotlightnews.org
It's definitely worth taking a new look at this smart @bhulac.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org story today now that NJ will soon have a congressional vacancy to fill.
If Sherrill wins governorship, filling her House seat could get tricky | NJ Spotlight News
Filling New Jersey Rep. Mikie Sherrill’s 11th Congressional District seat would hinge on when she resigned.
www.njspotlightnews.org
November 5, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Thanks, John.
The quick overview is that Sherrill has obligations in both D.C. and New Jersey, and the timing on when she resigns is REALLY important.
@njspotlightnews.org
The quick overview is that Sherrill has obligations in both D.C. and New Jersey, and the timing on when she resigns is REALLY important.
@njspotlightnews.org
It's definitely worth taking a new look at this smart @bhulac.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org story today now that NJ will soon have a congressional vacancy to fill.
If Sherrill wins governorship, filling her House seat could get tricky | NJ Spotlight News
Filling New Jersey Rep. Mikie Sherrill’s 11th Congressional District seat would hinge on when she resigned.
www.njspotlightnews.org
November 5, 2025 at 3:47 PM
It's definitely worth taking a new look at this smart @bhulac.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org story today now that NJ will soon have a congressional vacancy to fill.
What’s the prize for pulling off her huge victory?
How about pressure to deliver on affordability promises while managing a state budget gap and funding cuts coming down from the federal government.
These and other big issues are on the to-do list for Gov-elect Mikie Sherrill.
@njspotlightnews.org
How about pressure to deliver on affordability promises while managing a state budget gap and funding cuts coming down from the federal government.
These and other big issues are on the to-do list for Gov-elect Mikie Sherrill.
@njspotlightnews.org
Here are the challenges Mikie Sherrill faces as NJ's next governor | NJ Spotlight News
As governor, Sherrill faces a raft of challenges. Big budgets, Trump issues, school funding and more
www.njspotlightnews.org
November 5, 2025 at 1:48 PM
What’s the prize for pulling off her huge victory?
How about pressure to deliver on affordability promises while managing a state budget gap and funding cuts coming down from the federal government.
These and other big issues are on the to-do list for Gov-elect Mikie Sherrill.
@njspotlightnews.org
How about pressure to deliver on affordability promises while managing a state budget gap and funding cuts coming down from the federal government.
These and other big issues are on the to-do list for Gov-elect Mikie Sherrill.
@njspotlightnews.org