It is rather cruel. NJ is a high cost of living state. If you just outside the subsidy range many people flat out can't afford it..
Right; that is why the middle class in NJ has fled - and the employers do as well. If you aren’t on “workfare” (gubmint job) or welfare, there is little opportunity here; just high costs coupled with declining services and crumbling infrastructure. Detroitification on a statewide scale, with no relief in sight - since anyone considering moving here, or opening a business here, realizes they are just buying a piece of a massive IOU (in terms of retiree benefits, state debt).