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New Jersey Congressman Josh Gottheimer has introduced a series of bills aimed at providing relief to New Jersey residents grappling with rising utility bills. The proposed legislation includes the Energy Cost Relief Act, which would provide a tax credit of up to $350 for utility costs.
Another bill, the Know Your Rates Act, would require utility companies to notify customers directly within 10 days of the start of a billing cycle when their energy usage exceeds their average. A third piece of legislation proposes to double the maximum energy-efficient home improvement tax credit for energy-efficient updates to homes.
Gottheimer, currently serving his fifth term representing the 5th District in the House, has made affordability a key focus of his political career. He has pledged to cut taxes at the state and local level, boost job creation, and secure more federal tax dollars for New Jersey.
The congressman has often criticized states that receive a better return on federal taxes, referring to them as "moocher states." He has pledged to increase New Jersey's return on federal taxes, which was approximately 75 cents for every dollar paid in 2019, according to Rutgers University’s New Jersey State Policy Lab.
The proposed legislation comes as Gottheimer is launching his campaign for the Democratic nomination for governor, with a promise of affordability and tax cuts. His campaign pledges include backing universal preschool, universal free school meals, and increased police staffing to combat crime. He also supports an energy portfolio that includes renewables alongside carbon capture natural gas.