Gannett N.J. papers delve into state’s high tax bills
Gannett New Jersey, comprised of the the Asbury Park Press and five other papers, was recognized during last week’s IRE conference in Las Vegas for its investigative series about New Jersey’s high property taxes. It was also a finalist in the public service category of the 2010 Pulitzer Prizes. Writers Paul D’Ambrosio and Jean Mikle started the series writing:
“It is an archaic tax that preserves New Jersey’s fragmented system of government — 566 municipalities, 605 school districts, and more than 400 other local taxing authorities — the most per square mile of any state. It is a tax driven by runaway local government and school spending, political paralysis at all levels by both parties, and patchwork budget remedies. And it is a tax that ultimately hurts you.”
The entire series maintained a “let’s do something about this” tone and pushed readers to action. The stories explained clearly why readers should care: lost residents and employers, high salaries for public servants and “why the gubernatorial candidates are talking about everything except fixing your tax system.”
Today’s Tip: When you add not-so-well-known data to everyday realities, you can shed light on new topics.
As a former East Coaster, I know New Jersey taxes are high – as do the papers’ readers. Gannett delved into the topic by posting comparisons – property taxes represent about 43 percent of New Jersey’s taxes versus a national average of 29 percent; New Jersey’s local government employs five times more workers than the state government – to help readers understand where the money goes.
Gannett reviewed economic, tax and census data, and interviewed residents, economists, demographers and government officials for the eight-day report.
David Donald, data editor for the Center for Public Integrity, offered IRE conference attendees a list of at least 25 databases where you can find much of the data the papers used.
Other IRE speakers recommended “unsung documents,” suggesting that reporters “ask for everything you can get, even if you don’t think you can get it.”
Check out more IRE Conference coverage of interest to business journalists; topics range from covering health-care reform to watchdogging economic-stimulus programs.
