EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (TND) — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has spent nearly $12K in taxpayer money on concessions at MetLife Stadium since 2018, according to Politico.
The sum reportedly includes spending at a Taylor Swift concert and two soccer games. Itemized receipts obtained by Politico also reveal Murphy spent $90 for Aquafina and $45 for extra guacamole at a Jets vs. Cowboys game.
The Democratic governor is now reportedly asking his party to reimburse taxpayers for his expenses. Murphy’s office said the New Jersey Democratic State Committee was initially expected to pay the costs but didn’t do so.
The governor’s expense account is responsible for “Official Receptions, Official Residence, and Other Official Expenses,” according to budget language. It reportedly cannot be used for “personal purposes,” and it cannot be used to supplement the governor’s annual $175K salary.
A spokesperson with Murphy’s office told Politico they “had every expectation” it would be reimbursed for the governor’s spending by the state's Democratic Party as the party “traditionally covers these costs.” The New Jersey Democratic State Committee, however, reportedly claims it had no knowledge of the expenses racked up by Murphy.
Murphy previously used state taxpayer funds to purchase “official state gifts” and host receptions at his mansion, a cost that neared $280,000, according to Politico. This spending, on top of his $12K food bill, includes $253 for cufflinks and pens, $3K for custom plates from a stained-glass art studio and $2,300 for 184 custom coasters as part of a contest for state artists.
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This spending did not deplete the governor’s account entirely, however, as $25,000 reportedly went unused and was returned to the state from 2019 to 2022.
Murphy’s Republican predecessor Chris Christie spent more than $82K on MetLife concessions during his time in office, earning him criticism from constituents and news media. Christie instructed the New Jersey Republican State Committee to reimburse the state for his spending.
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