top of page

James Florio, former governor of New Jersey and US Representative, died at 85

Writer's picture: Capitol TimesCapitol Times

By The Environmental Protection Agency - The Environmental Protection Agency


Former New Jersey Gov. James Florio died Sunday at the age of 85 after championing a plan that significantly raised the state's income and sales taxes.


According to statements released on Monday, Florio's law partner Doug Steinhardt and New Jersey governor Phil Murphy confirmed his death.


In addition to holding various positions at the local, county, state, and federal levels, Florio was also a long-term public servant.


In 1989, after losing to Republican Jim Courter, he was elected governor after three unsuccessful runs for the office. He was the state's first Italian-American governor.


During his tenure as governor, Florio increased taxes by $2.8 billion in 1990, including the extension of a sales tax to toilet paper. With Rolls of Toilet Paper as its symbol, Hands Across New Jersey emerged from voter resentment and formed an anti-tax grass roots group.


As a result of voter anger over the tax hike, Florio was ousted after one term by Republican Christie Whitman.

After winning the Senate seat that year, Corzine held it until 2005 when he won the governorship.


Florio continued to be an active voice even after leaving office. Legislative sessions saw him regularly in the statehouse. Formerly a member of the state Assembly and House of Representatives, Florio served four years as governor before becoming governor. His unsuccessful bid for the Democratic nomination for Senate, which ended in defeat to investment banker Jon Corzine.


27 September 2022

Comments


Contact us

Letter to Editor-In-Chief
Editor@capitoltimesmedia.com

For Advertising in
Capitol Times Magazine:

ads@capitoltimesmedia.com

Capitol Times magazine Issue 5
Capitol times magazine 9
Capitol times magazine 10

Join our mailing list

FOLLOW US

  • X
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in the articles or Interviews published in this magazine are solely those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Capitol Times magazine or Capitol Times Media , its editors, or its staff. The authors are solely responsible for the content of their articles. The magazine strives to provide a platform for diverse voices and opinions, and we value the principle of free expression. The magazine assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the articles. In no event shall the Capitol Times magazine or Capitol Times Media be liable for any special, direct, indirect, or incidental damages. Furthermore, the inclusion of advertisements or sponsored content in Capitol Times magazine does not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of the products, services, or views promoted by the advertisers. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and exercise caution when making decisions based on advertisements or sponsored content featured in this publication.

Thank you for reading and engaging with our publication. Your feedback is valuable to us as we continue to provide a platform for thought-provoking content and diverse perspectives.

© 2024 by Capitol Times Media LLC - Privacy Policy

bottom of page