Welcome to the Golden Age of Dumb, Bespoke Tax Policy
Rep. Josh Gottheimer has proposed the 'Jersey Pride Tax Credit,' a 25 percent tax credit for businesses selling New Jersey–branded merchandise in transportation hubs, citing frustration over prominent 'I Love New York' branding in New Jersey locations. His proposal is part of a broader trend among Democrats to introduce targeted, often costly tax breaks aimed at specific voter groups, such as teachers, police officers, and middle-income families. This shift toward personalized tax policy mirrors earlier Republican strategies and marks a departure from traditional Democratic emphasis on broad-based taxation to fund social programs.
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ReceiptsWelcome to the Golden Age of Dumb, Bespoke Tax PolicyTrump perfected it. And now Democrats are getting in on the act. Catherine RampellApr 30, 2026∙ Paid14Share(Photo illustration by The Bulwark / Photos: Shutterstock)EVERY TIME REP. JOSH GOTTHEIMER (D-N.J.) lands at Newark Airport, he gets mad. Not about how filthy the terminals are, or those dumb Uber airport surcharges, or even the notoriously pricey meals. No, what inspires the congressman’s wrath is all the pro–New York merch on display.“Nothing pisses me off more than when I get off an airplane here at Newark . . .
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