Jon Whiten

Jon Whiten was formerly the Vice President for NJPP. In this role, he worked with the Board and leadership team to shape and execute NJPP's mission and strategic vision. He also led NJPP’s strategic communications efforts, managed its finances and operations, researched key economic justice issues and engaged in advocacy and outreach. Jon's research interests include but aren't limited to: economic development, corporate taxes, the minimum wage, working family tax credits and transportation. Before joining NJPP in October 2011, Jon worked for a decade as an editor, writer and entrepreneur, including as the founding editor and publisher of the Jersey City Independent. He has previously served as an editor for the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies, a fact-checker for Columbia Journalism Review and an assistant editor at a community newspaper chain in Northern Virginia. His freelance work has been published in a number of national and local publications. Jon currently serves as the Deputy Director of State Communications at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Follow Jon on Twitter

Proposed Tax Package Would Dig New Jersey’s Hole Much Deeper

June 29, 2016 • Tax and Budget
Proposal would cost the state about $17 billion over the next 10 years as the price for finally enacting a gas tax increase for essential transportation capital funding over the next 8 years.

Will Killing Estate Tax Raise All Boats?

June 27, 2016 • Tax and Budget
Pairing a tax increase that will be most felt by working-class and low-income New Jerseyans with a major tax cut that will deliver all of its benefit to the state’s wealthiest heirs isn’t tax fairness at all.

Reforming New Jersey’s Subsidy Law: Four Fixes Part of New Legislative Proposal

June 2, 2016 • Tax and Budget
Legislation would restore financial integrity to the "net benefits test," ensure fair wages, prevent extra rewards for some known federal tax dodgers and ensure comprehensive review and analysis.

In Every County, Very Few New Jerseyans Owe Estate Tax

May 25, 2016 • Tax and Budget
In 20 of New Jersey’s 21 counties, fewer than 400 heirs have estates large enough to owe the estate tax in any given year - and in the majority of counties, including every one in the southern part of the state, fewer than 200 heirs owe the tax.

Marijuana Legalization Could Bring $300 Million in Tax Revenue to New Jersey

May 24, 2016 • Tax and Budget
The first-of-its-kind report in New Jersey is based on the experiences of other states, current information on marijuana users in New Jersey and the surrounding area, current pricing, and the tax structure of other states as they relate to New Jersey's interests.

Latest BEIP Proposal is Proof New Jersey’s Surge in Corporate Tax Subsidies is Unaffordable

May 19, 2016 • Tax and Budget
If policymakers want to offer such lucrative tax breaks to corporations, they should make the hard choices and find the money to pay for them – not merely push the costs off to future policymakers.

Corporate Subsidies Keep Flowing as New Estimates Confirm They’re Creating a Growing Long-Term Budget Hole

May 13, 2016 • Tax and Budget
This surge in subsidies is creating a long-term and growing economic drag that policymakers will have to grapple with for at least the next 15 years as the backlog of tax credits is paid out.

Over Three Dozen Leading New Jersey Organizations Ask the Legislature for Small-Business Tax Fairness by Closing Corporate Tax Loopholes

May 4, 2016 • Tax and Budget
This letter sends a strong message to New Jersey’s lawmakers: the time to close corporate loopholes is now.

Lawmakers & Advocates: Earned Sick Leave is a Win-Win for New Jersey

April 27, 2016 • Economic Justice
New Jersey would have a stronger economy and healthier people if every working man and woman could take days off when they are sick without forfeiting their pay or, sometimes, their jobs. Today, though, over 1 million New Jerseyans – most of whom work in low-wage jobs – don’t get paid when they have to take off for being sick.

Tax Breaks or Bust: New Jersey’s Misguided Approach to Economic Development in Camden

April 26, 2016 • Economic Justice, Tax and Budget
There are no guarantees that this strategy will actually work to significantly boost Camden's economy or help its residents.