RELEASE: Gottheimer Urges NJ Leaders to Protect Families from World Cup Tax Hikes

Resources / Press Share on RELEASE: Gottheimer Urges NJ Leaders to Protect Families from World Cup Tax Hikes Apr 29, 2026 Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) today sent a letter to Governor Mikie Sherrill, New Jersey Senate President Nicholas Scutari, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, and NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kris Kolluri, expressing deep concern over proposed tax increases tied to funding the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Gottheimer is opposed to any tax hikes on Jersey families or small businesses tied to the World Cup, particularly the proposal to tax those living within a thirty-square-mile radius of the Meadowlands in Jersey. “People in our state are already stretched too thin, and we should not ask them to cover even more costs tied to FIFA World Cup,” wrote Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “New Jersey taxpayers should be excluded from all fare hikes and tax increases related to the games.” The proposal would raise the sales tax from 6.625 percent to 9.625 percent within a thirty-square-mile radius of the Meadowlands. Gottheimer emphasized that this approach would effectively balance the World Cup’s books on the backs of hard-working Jersey residents and small businesses. “These communities didn’t ask for higher taxes; they shouldn’t be punished for living near an event venue,” Gottheimer added, urging state leaders to reconsider the plan. Gottheimer also highlighted his efforts to secure federal resources to support the World Cup and stressed that the event should benefit New Jersey residents and businesses — not come at their expense. “Hosting the World Cup is an incredible opportunity, and I have no doubt our state will shine under the spotlight,” Gottheimer wrote. “But, we must ensure that success does not come at the expense of families and small businesses.” Gottheimer is a member of the Congressional Soccer Caucus and Vice Chair of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Caucus. Find the letter here and below. Dear Governor Sherrill, Senator Scutari, Assemblyman Coughlin, and President Kolluri: I am writing to you to express my deep concern regarding legislation that would implement burdensome tax increases on New Jersey families in the area surrounding the Meadowlands District to fund 2026 World Cup costs. People in our state are already stretched too thin, and we should not ask them to cover even more costs of the FIFA World Cup. New Jersey taxpayers should be excluded from all fare hikes and tax increases related to the games. The proposal to raise taxes by three percent from 6.625 percent to a staggering 9.625 percent on families and towns within a thirty square mile radius surrounding the MetLife Stadium amounts to balancing the World Cup’s books on the backs of local Bergen County residents and small businesses. These communities didn’t ask for higher taxes; they shouldn’t be punished for living near an event venue. I strongly suggest that you reconsider this proposal. New Jersey fares should benefit from hosting the World Cup — not be nickel-and-dimed at every turn to foot the bill. As someone who worked hard to help bring federal resources to support the World Cup in our region, I believe we should make this event a success for New Jersey, but not at the expense of families and small businesses. I respectfully urge you to immediately exclude Jersey residents from any tax hikes on local communities. Hosting the World Cup is an incredible opportunity, and I have no doubt our state will shine under the spotlight this summer. Thank you. Sincerely, Josh Gottheimer MEMBER OF CONGRESS Share on