While some experts point to New Jersey’s high cost of living, very high taxes and burdensome regulations having a negative impact on economic growth, James Hughes, dean of the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University believes there are several other factors at play as well.
“Once the Great Recession ended Jersey’s economy started moving but then came Superstorm Sandy, and that wiped out the shore season in 2013 and still hurt it badly in 2014,” Hughes said. “The casinos stared to re-size with a vengeance, so those 2 unique events stalled growth, or at least held it back.”