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
New Jersey Puts $578 Million in Controversial Tax Breaks on Hold After Investigation
A dozen companies that won tax breaks from New Jersey are under investigation, according to a task force created by Gov. Phil Murphy. Several companies are tied to George Norcross. WNYC and ProPublica investigated tax breaks in 2019.
See How This Political Boss and His Associates Bought Up Valuable Land After A Tax Break Law
Camden’s waterfront sat vacant for decades, but George E. Norcross III helped to usher in lucrative tax breaks. The land went to his friends and allies. Now, federal investigators are looking into some of the deals.
New Jersey Political Boss Defends Tax Breaks, Denounces “King George” Critics
George E. Norcross III, facing a panel of friendly New Jersey lawmakers and a room of boisterous demonstrators, said the tax breaks had laid the groundwork for a “rapid and stunning renaissance” in Camden.
How a Politically Powerful Family Muscled a Nonprofit Out of Some of a City’s Most Valuable Land
Tax breaks were supposed to lead to a rebirth for one state’s poorest city. But the city has also been reshaped by the rich and influential Norcross family in ways that benefit it and its allies.
State Tax Breaks Rewarded Companies Connected to One Powerful Man. The Governor Just Killed Them — for Now.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy vetoed the state’s controversial tax incentive program after a WNYC-ProPublica investigation into its connection to George E. Norcross III, and months of scrutiny.
Meet the Congressman Defending Questionable Tax Breaks for a Company Connected to His Rich Brother
After multiple issues have surfaced with Holtec International’s New Jersey tax break application, Rep. Donald Norcross, its biggest congressional supporter (and the brother of a Holtec board member) is playing defense.
A Huge Tax Break Went to a Politically Connected Company in New Jersey Despite Red Flags
Holtec International told New Jersey regulators that Ohio was competing for its new headquarters. But officials there stripped the firm of past tax awards for failing to create the jobs it promised.
More Instances of Fraud and Mismanagement Over New Jersey Tax Incentives Surface in New Report
A hospital connected to New Jersey political boss George E. Norcross III lied to win state tax breaks, a new special task force report says. The report details several other new pieces of evidence of Norcross’ influence over the tax incentive program.
The Tax Break Application Had a False Answer. Now the State Has Put the Break on Hold.
After WNYC and ProPublica identified a false answer on nuclear company Holtec International’s New Jersey tax break application, state officials have frozen the break pending further investigation.
A False Answer, a Big Political Connection and $260 Million in Tax Breaks
Holtec International gave a false answer in a 2014 New Jersey tax break application connected to political boss George E. Norcross III, a Holtec board member. Five days after WNYC and ProPublica asked about it, lawyers called it “inadvertent” and asked the state to correct it.
Emails Show How Much Pull Political Bosses Had Over State Tax Breaks
State officials scrambled to meet the demands of a lawyer at the firm where Philip Norcross, the brother of New Jersey political boss George E. Norcross III, is managing partner.
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.
How Companies and Allies of One Powerful Democrat Got $1.1 Billion in Tax Breaks
Meet George Norcross. Nearly two thirds of $1.6 billion in tax incentives in his hometown of Camden, New Jersey, went to his own company, business partners, political allies and clients of his brother.