Pathway to Garden State Prosperity
The Garden State has been an epicenter of American ingenuity, innovation, and creativity. New Jersey has been the embodiment of the American Dream, but in recent decades overregulation, over taxation, and top down solutions from Trenton have threatened the New Jersey way of life and restricted opportunity. At Americans for Prosperity and Jersey 1st we are committed to advocating for a better path; one that leads New Jersey to be the best place to live, raise a family, and retire.
About Us
Americans for Prosperity and Jersey First have formed a significant partnership to craft a brighter, more prosperous future for all New Jerseyans. We are committed to promoting economic freedom and opportunity throughout the state. Our strategy encompasses a multifaceted approach, including grassroots activism to mobilize community support, policy advocacy to influence legislative changes, and educational campaigns to inform and empower residents about economic and civic issues.
We ask every New Jerseyan to stand up for the future of their state and pledge to support a Pathway to Garden State Prosperity: broad-based tax reform, regulatory reform, education freedom, and an energy policy that focuses on creating an affordable, abundant, and reliable energy future.
Join us in this pivotal movement to transform New Jersey into a beacon of opportunity and economic vitality.
Priorities
Broad based tax reform
New Jersey consistently ranks among the highest tax burdens in the nation. According to various studies, including those by the Tax Foundation and WalletHub, New Jersey often falls within the top 5 states with the highest overall tax burden, with some analyses placing it at number 6 or even higher when considering property, income, corporate, and sales taxes together. Lowering taxes will significantly improve the economy and people’s lives by increasing disposable income, encouraging business growth, and attracting new residents, thereby enhancing economic activity and quality of life in the state.
Unleash Energy Abundance
Affordable, reliable, and abundant energy sources are key drivers of economic opportunity. All sources of energy generation should be on the table to increase competition and reduce costs for New Jerseyans. By not picking winners and losers in energy markets, New Jersey will foster a more competitive environment where innovation and efficiency can drive the sector, leading to better services and lower prices for consumers.
Education Freedom
Embracing education freedom policies in New Jersey would allow parents to choose the best educational option for their children, whether through public, private, charter, homeschooling options, or micro schools fostering a more personalized learning experience. No child should have their destiny determined by their zip code. We are fighting for a future where every student in New Jersey has the opportunity to pursue the best education option that fits their needs and sets them up for success.
Regulatory Reform
New Jersey is consistently ranked as having one of the most burdensome regulatory environments in the nation. According to the Mercatus Center’s analysis of state regulations, New Jersey has the 3rd largest administrative code in terms of regulatory restrictions, with over 296,926 restrictions detailed in its code. By reducing this regulatory load, New Jersey will foster a more business-friendly climate, encouraging economic growth and improving its standard of living for all residents.
Take Action
Sign The Jersey 1st Pledge
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Newsroom
Trenton, NJ — According to a preliminary report released by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the Garden State shed more than 25,000 nonfarm jobs in July. Americans for Prosperity (AFP) and Jersey 1st say the numbers reflect a state that is becoming less competitive under Trenton’s economic policies. AFP Northeast Region Director Ross Connolly […]
Trenton, NJ — Today, Americans for Prosperity (AFP) applauds Governor Mikie Sherrill for signing S731, the Data Center Fair Share Act, which will create a new ratepayer class and rate structure for data centers to ensure they pay for their own energy. AFP Northeast Region Director Ross Connolly said: “AFP has been steadfast that data centers must pay […]
Trenton, NJ— Today, Americans for Prosperity (AFP) and Jersey 1st condemned New Jersey Democrats following the passage of the FY 2027 budget, the largest in New Jersey history. The budget, drafted behind closed doors, fails to address what New Jerseyans actually need: real tax relief, a government they can trust, and a fiscal foundation built to last. […]
Trenton, NJ — Americans for Prosperity (AFP) and Jersey 1st released the following statement after the New Jersey legislature’s decision to not advance S-2338, the Climate Superfund Act. AFP Northeast Region Director Ross Connolly and Zachery Dora, Jersey 1st Advocacy Director, said: “We thank the legislature for listening to New Jerseyans and holding this bill today. S-2338 would […]
Trenton, NJ—Americans for Prosperity (AFP) today testified before the Assembly Committee on Climate and released the following statement calling out A. 3735, the so-called ‘Climate Superfund Act,’ for what it really is: a $50 billion retroactive liability scheme that will drive up costs for New Jersey families and send the wrong message to the state’s business […]
Trenton, NJ — Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is raising concerns as New Jersey prepares to host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. What should be a moment to showcase American freedom and opportunity is instead overshadowed by Governor Sherrill’s temporary tax hikes, unaffordable transit plans, and government mismanagement. AFP Northeast Region Director Ross Connolly said: […]
Events
AFP-Jersey 1st Pancakes and Policy
Start your day with breakfast and thoughtful discussions at our Pancakes and Policy event, hosted by Jersey 1st and Americans For Prosperity NJ.
This event is an opportunity to explore how national issues affect New Jersey at the state and local levels. Together, we’ll discuss ways to make our state a better place to live, work, and retire. Whether you’re a policy expert or new to these conversations, your voice matters in helping to put New Jersey back on track.