NJ Democrats and Republicans hold opposing events on tax reform

As representatives from the Trump administration came to New Jersey to tout a GOP tax reform plan, New Jersey Democrats held an event saying that the plan is bad for the state.
Republican Gov. Chris Christie welcomed Ivanka Trump, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Republican Rep. Tom MacArthur to an invitation-only event at the Bayville Fire Hall.
“We believe that cutting the rate of taxes on corporations, medium-size and small businesses, is going to accomplish the goal of putting more money back in the pockets of American workers,” Ivanka Trump said.
The plan calls for slashing corporate and small business taxes, while claiming to lower taxes on the middle class.
But Gov.-elect Phil Murphy, joined by other prominent Democrats, slammed the plan at a different event in Newark.
“This is a devastating bill for New Jersey,” Murphy said. “The reason I’m here in particular is to add and amplify that voice. This is an assault on the middle class. It’s an assault on seniors."
Rep. Frank Pallone called on the state’s Republican representatives to vote “no” on the plan when it comes up for a House vote, “because it is a scam, because it is going to raise taxes on a lot of people in our state.”
MacArthur said that he plans on voting “yes” for the reform, but only if the bill keeps property tax deductions intact.
“I think our leadership in the House knows that if they come back to us with a bill that eliminates property tax it won't pass. It simply won't pass,” MacArthur said.
The event in Bayville was interrupted by protesters before it began.
Jason Ireland, of Brick, was denied entry and asked loudly why Democrats were blocked from attending Monday's event.
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.