The following is a statement from Christina M. Renna, president & CEO, Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey:

“As the state finalizes its FY2026 budget, it remains critically important to ensure that South Jersey receives its fair share of transit funding. Businesses in our region contribute significantly to NJ Transit through the Corporate Transit Fee yet continue to lack equitable access to transit services. This imbalance must be addressed. The Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey (CCSNJ) will continue to work with the Legislature and NJ Transit to ensure South Jersey sees a meaningful return on this investment.

CCSNJ cautions that any increase to the internet gaming and online sports wagering tax risks undermining Atlantic City’s competitiveness and, by extension, the broader South Jersey economy. While we acknowledge that the final budget scales back the Governor’s originally proposed 25 percent increase, the gaming sector must remain attractive to both operators and investors. Even modest tax hikes in this area could deter future investment and jeopardize the ongoing recovery and long-term growth of Atlantic City and the region as a whole.

While we remain concerned about the overall spending in this budget, we commend the Legislature for taking a measured approach to taxation by rejecting several harmful proposals that would have made it more expensive to live and do business in New Jersey. Not moving forward with the $2-per-truck excise fee and so-called ‘fun’ taxes helps protect both small businesses and everyday residents from unnecessary financial burdens. In a state where affordability is a growing concern, these decisions matter.”