John DiMaio

Just days before Gov. Phil Murphy is scheduled to deliver his proposed budget to the legislature, Republican Assembly members have released a proposal to fully fund New Jersey's schools while dramatically lowering property taxes.

Because carrying in guns in public has been so strictly limited, state law doesn't actually prevent guns from been carried into most places.

Assembly Republicans want to cut income taxes as part of the new state budget, part of a four-pronged plan for responding to an unprecedented surge in state revenues and surplus.

Way Too Early Prediction: Meet The Next Governor Of New Jersey

State tax collections are growing at an unprecedented rate and a portion of the windfall appears likely to be used to provide more direct tax relief to residents.

Among the changes Murphy seeks are full insurance coverage for abortions, without any cost-sharing, and a “reproductive health access fund” that would cover costs for uninsured and underinsured women.

Though lawmakers have expressed interest in restoring aid to municipalities that is diverted to the state, that's not in Gov. Phil Murphy's budget plan.

Gov. Phil Murphy proposes property tax rebates starting at $700 and growing to $1,150, including homes with incomes of up to $250,000. Renters get help, too.

Property taxes in New Jersey climbed by nearly 2% again last year, restrained by the cap but still amounting to a $583 million tax hike.

The positions of Senate president, Senate majority leader and Senate and Assembly minority leader each change hands for the first time in 10 years or more.