News
Older New Jersey residents say cost of living, taxes among challenges for aging in New Jersey
“A projected tipping point is less than a decade away, when residents over the age of 65 are expected to outnumber the number of students in our classrooms,” the report’s summary said.
Report: Economic Challenges for Older New Jersey Residents
According to the NJAAW survey, 53% of respondents reported finances as a top concern, and only 38% felt they had saved enough for retirement. Additionally, survey respondents indicated that housing costs were another top concern, with 42% reporting that house upkeep is a financial struggle.
NJSPL: Electricity Bills and AI Data Centers
Considering the impact of AI on electricity bills, data centers in the Northeast could be part of the problem.
Stamato Commentary: As libraries struggle elsewhere, Morristown’s continues to grow
My favorite statistic is this one: The library signed up 10,000 new library cards since 2020. There are now 23,120 cardholders — and securing a card is often one of the first things new residents do.
Circulation growth continues for both printed books and electronic ones, and overall use of the physical space keeps pace with that growth.
Sherrill keeps her promise to take action against N.J.’s soaring electric rates. But is it enough?
New Jersey’s energy infrastructure has essentially been underdeveloped for years, observed Clinton J. Andrews, director of the Center for Urban Policy Research at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning & Public Policy at Rutgers. That shortage of capacity is a big reason why New Jersey utility customers “are being hit with these crazy cost spikes.
In a State Notorious for Scandal, Corruption Fighters Are Targeted
“It was an earthquake that definitely left cracks in the wall,” said Julia Sass Rubin, an associate dean at Rutgers University’s Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy. “But the wall is still there, for now.”
What to know as more NJ workers can benefit from paid family leave
“The enrollment of paid family leave is increasing for both fathers and mothers, and parents are more likely to take paid family leave when a mandatory paid family leave policy is available,” reads an October 2025 report by Andrea Hall and Slawa Rokicki, two researchers at the New Jersey State Policy Lab at Rutgers University.
Andrea Hetling Appointed to APPAM Governing Board
Congratulations to Andrea Hetling, Ph.D., on her appointment to the Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management (APPAM) Policy Council, the organization’s governing board. In this role, Dr. Hetling will help shape APPAM’s strategic direction and policy priorities.
Sommer & Soliman On BINJE’s Power Players List
Business in New Jersey Everyday (BINJE) honored CEOs and executive directors, managing partners and principals – those who are in charge in every sector in every corner of the state. Two Bloustein School affiliates made the list for 2026
These towns have highest average property tax in Bergen, Passaic
Many towns with higher property taxes lack other revenue sources, such as businesses or corporate headquarters, said Marc Pfeiffer, a senior policy fellow at Rutgers University’s Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, who studies local government in New Jersey.
The Paperwork Reduction Act Doesn’t Reduce Paperwork
In the 30 years since the last revision of the PRA, it has arguably failed to reduce burden (indeed, burden has increased in that time!). The PRA’s failure in turn threatens the success of the government initiatives subjected to the process.
New CUPR Report: Modern Rate Design in the Northeast
With many competing policy priorities, evolution of technology, and affordability concerns, now is the time for regulators and utilities to modernize rates and ensure customers’ bills reflect the true costs of the energy system and provide incentives to lower consumption as well as reduce peak demand