Murphy Ends Tenure With Biggest Budget Yet — and a Billion in New Taxes

Issue #381

July 02, 2025

In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather 

💰 Murphy Ends Tenure With Biggest Budget Yet — and a Billion in New Taxes

🐕Cape May Considers Dog Ban on New Nature Trail Near Elementary School

⚡NJ Ratepayers Hit With Steep Utility Hikes, State Relief Still Missing From Bills

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👇 Here’s what’s going on in the Cape May Local Area👇  

 July 2

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Murphy Ends Tenure With Biggest Budget Yet — and a Billion in New Taxes

 

  Governor Phil Murphy signed a record-breaking $58.8 billion state budget just minutes before the deadline, marking a 67% increase in spending since he took office. The plan includes over $1 billion in new or increased taxes, adding to residents' financial burden. Despite internal Democratic concerns and opposition from Republicans, the budget passed with additional last-minute spending. Though Murphy frames the budget as a win for working families, his opponents see it as financially reckless. With more borrowing, ballooning obligations, and higher taxes, critics argue the cost of living in New Jersey has become increasingly unaffordable for many.

 

Cape May Considers Dog Ban on New Nature Trail Near Elementary School

 Cape May City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to ban dogs from the city’s new nature trail, citing safety concerns near the local elementary school. The raised boardwalk, which opened in June, is part of a $1.9 million redevelopment of Lafayette Street Park. The elevated trail, which debuted in June, winds through wooded areas and marshlands as part of the expansive Lafayette Street Park redevelopment. Stretching less than half a mile, the ADA-accessible boardwalk offers sweeping views of Cape Island Creek and regular sightings of herons, osprey, and other coastal wildlife. While some residents support the ban, others argue for compromise, pointing out limited options for walking dogs in the city. During a recent meeting, one resident voiced frustration, noting that several other areas in Cape May already prohibit dogs, including the beach, the Promenade, and Washington Street Mall. She argued for a more flexible policy, perhaps limiting access to certain hours as is done with bicycles on the Promenade. The ordinance follows ongoing improvements in the area, with more upgrades and a new public safety building on the horizon.

NJ Ratepayers Hit With Steep Utility Hikes, State Relief Still Missing From Bills

 Atlantic City Electric customers are seeing sharp and often confusing increases in their monthly bills, far exceeding the expected 17% average supply rate hike announced last year. While higher wholesale electricity costs are partly to blame, unclear billing practices, unexplained fee increases, and a lack of transparency are frustrating ratepayers. Political leaders and energy agencies continue to trade blame for the situation, while promised relief funds and credits have yet to appear on customer bills. Governor Murphy has promised $430 million in state funds to offer short-term financial relief. Atlantic City Electric and its parent company, Exelon, have also pledged summer rate credits for eligible customers. However, none of these promised benefits have yet appeared in bills, leaving many residents without immediate support. Adding to the uncertainty is a pending request from Atlantic City Electric for an 8% hike in distribution rates. The BPU has postponed a decision multiple times and now plans to revisit the proposal in August.

Which Cape May beach is named after a famous philanthropist and offers a more secluded spot compared to other local beaches?

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Answer to the July 1st Trivia Question

Which Cape May location is famous for its World War II-era watchtower, known as Fire Control Tower No. 23, used to spot enemy ships?

A) The Cove
B) Sunset Beach
C) Higbee Beach
D) Cape May Point State Park

Answer: B) Sunset Beach.

Fire Control Tower No. 23, located at Sunset Beach, was part of the coastal defense system during World War II. It was used to help coordinate artillery fire and spot enemy ships off the coast of Cape May. Today, it serves as a museum and memorial.

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