Peter Chen

Peter Chen, Senior Policy Analyst, has worked on child and family policy advocacy in New Jersey since 2014. Most recently, he coordinated New Jersey’s nonprofit campaign for a complete count of the 2020 Census. Additionally, Peter has written reports on topics including: childhood lead poisoning prevention, chronic absenteeism from school, teacher certification, and summer meals. Prior to New Jersey Policy Perspective, Peter was Policy Counsel at Advocates for Children of New Jersey, where he also served as a Skadden Fellow from 2014-16. Peter received his JD from Yale Law School and his Bachelors of Arts from Indiana University-Bloomington. He served as a law clerk for Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson of the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

Progressive Tax Gains Help, But New Jersey Budget Shortfall Remains

May 19, 2026 • Tax and Budget
On May 19, the New Jersey State Treasurer reported revenues slightly above projections, revising budget forecasts for the upcoming fiscal year and increasing the state’s projected cash reserves. A structural deficit of more than $1 billion remains, signaling a continued gap between the investments the state has promised [...]

Not As Easy As ABC: How NJ Can Recover More Than $120 Million From a Tax Break for the Wealthy

May 19, 2026 • Tax and Budget
New Jersey can recover much-needed revenue by closing a loophole for wealthy businesses, leaving most New Jerseyans unaffected.

A Wealth of Revenue: How Taxing Wealth Proceeds Can Help Balance New Jersey’s Budget

May 5, 2026 • Tax and Budget
Adopting a wealth proceeds tax based on federal law could raise more than $1.1 billion to help balance New Jersey’s state budget, while affecting only a small share of the state’s wealthiest households. New Jersey policymakers could direct those funds toward education, health care, and other investments families [...]

Who Pays for a Per-Employee Medicaid Fee?

April 7, 2026 • Economic Justice, Health
A fee tied to individual employees’ health coverage will encourage employers to find loopholes and harm workers. That’s the core problem with Governor Mikie Sherrill’s proposal to charge large employers based on how many of their workers are enrolled in NJ FamilyCare, the state’s Medicaid program. In her [...]

Fool’s Gold: The Hidden Costs of AI Data Centers for New Jersey

March 31, 2026 • Climate, Tax and Budget
Communities deserve guardrails on expansion before the damage is done.

How Gov. Sherrill’s Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Measures Up

March 11, 2026 • Tax and Budget
NJPP's research team evaluates whether Governor Murphy's final budget proposal sufficiently advances economic, social, and racial justice.

What to Look for in the New Jersey Budget for Fiscal Year 2027

March 3, 2026 • Tax and Budget
Ahead of Governor Sherrill's first budget address, here are key benchmarks to evaluate whether the budget sufficiently addresses fiscal challenges while aligning with the values of expanding opportunity for all.

Opening the Door to Opportunity with Family Tax Credits

February 17, 2026 • Economic Justice, Tax and Budget
Increasing credit amounts and expanding eligibility for assistance programs would help more families afford basic needs.

Five Budget Time Bombs Facing the Next Governor

January 15, 2026 • Tax and Budget
Without sustainable and equitable revenue sources, incoming governor Mikie Sherrill is inheriting a state budget full of fiscal threats.

New Jersey Should Reject Unjustified Giveaways to Sports Teams and Big Business

January 5, 2026 • Tax and Budget
Testimony from Senior Policy Analyst Peter Chen opposing the expansion of tax subsidies that benefit private corporations and individuals.