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The Real Bosses of New Jersey

How Unelected Officials Run Your Government

They weren’t on the ballot. They may avoid the public eye. But these unelected New Jerseyans are riding on tax breaks and running your government

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The Real Bosses of New Jersey

New Jersey Task Force Examines Tax Breaks for George Norcross Projects

A task force appointed by Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy says it will investigate projects connected to the state’s top political boss.

Local Reporting Network

12 stories published since 2019

New Jersey Puts $578 Million in Controversial Tax Breaks on Hold After Investigation

See How This Political Boss and His Associates Bought Up Valuable Land After A Tax Break Law

New Jersey Political Boss Defends Tax Breaks, Denounces “King George” Critics

How a Politically Powerful Family Muscled a Nonprofit Out of Some of a City’s Most Valuable Land

State Tax Breaks Rewarded Companies Connected to One Powerful Man. The Governor Just Killed Them — for Now.

Meet the Congressman Defending Questionable Tax Breaks for a Company Connected to His Rich Brother

A Huge Tax Break Went to a Politically Connected Company in New Jersey Despite Red Flags

More Instances of Fraud and Mismanagement Over New Jersey Tax Incentives Surface in New Report

The Tax Break Application Had a False Answer. Now the State Has Put the Break on Hold.

A False Answer, a Big Political Connection and $260 Million in Tax Breaks

Emails Show How Much Pull Political Bosses Had Over State Tax Breaks

How Companies and Allies of One Powerful Democrat Got $1.1 Billion in Tax Breaks

What We’re Watching

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Sharon Lerner

I cover health and the environment and the agencies that govern them, including the Environmental Protection Agency.

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Andy Kroll

I cover justice and the rule of law, including the Justice Department, U.S. attorneys and the courts.

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Melissa Sanchez

I report on immigration and labor, and I am based in Chicago.

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Jesse Coburn

I cover housing and transportation, including the companies working in those fields and the regulators overseeing them.

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