Statements on Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s Budget Message

SENATE PRESIDENT NICHOLAS SCUTARI, MAJORITY LEADER TERESA RUIZ, AND BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN PAUL SARLO

“The Democratic-led Legislature has successfully navigated significant fiscal challenges, collaborating with Governors from both parties to make tough decisions that prioritize the welfare of all residents. Notably, the Legislature has fully funded the pension system for five consecutive years—an accomplishment not seen in the last two decades.

“In addition to $47 billion in pension funding, we have made substantial investments in our public schools, resulting in billions allocated to enhance educational attainment and provide much-needed property tax relief. Our focus on urban development has also played a vital role in leading to the lowest crime rates in generations.

“These efforts have spurred economic growth, attracting billions in private investment, including the establishment of a major film studio that promises to create jobs and stimulate local economies—all while leaving the current Administration a $7 billion surplus and a AAA bond rating.

“We acknowledge the insight of Governor Sherrill regarding the challenges posed by President Trump’s administration, which many in the Legislature have recognized as a barrier to effective governance. Together with the new Governor, we will tackle the complexities of an erratic presidency, a new global conflict, escalating gas prices, and the rising costs of healthcare.

“As we move forward, our experienced Legislature is well-equipped to address these challenges. We will collaborate with Governor Sherrill over the coming months to develop a budget that reflects our residents’ priorities and addresses the needs of our state responsibly. Our commitment to the people remains unwavering, and we look forward to presenting a comprehensive budget in June that showcases our shared vision for a prosperous future.”

ASSEMBLY SPEAKER CRAIG COUGHLIN

“As we begin our review of the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2027, I thank the Governor for partnering with the Legislature in fulfilling our promise of making New Jersey more affordable. Once again dedicating nearly half of the Appropriations Act to direct and indirect property tax relief sends a clear and decisive message to our taxpayers that Trenton is serious about supporting its residents, schools and local communities.

“I appreciate and accept the Governor’s call to make tough budget decisions in the face of federal cuts and tariffs, a slowing economy, and lower corporate tax revenue. With our budget process just starting, the Assembly is prepared to do the hard work on behalf of the people of New Jersey like we did in achieving a full pension payment and full school formula funding. I have full faith in Budget Chair Pintor Marin and the Assembly Budget Committee in its forthcoming review and will look for cuts and efficiencies like we have always done and we will produce a balanced, responsible budget that reflects the values of working families in New Jersey.

“I am also proud to see that for the sixth straight year, the budget proposes to fully fund our pension obligations, and that the Sherrill administration is making a record investment in K-12 aid to help maintain the best public schools in the nation. The funding for New Jersey’s property tax relief programs is also important, and I look forward to working with the Governor to strengthen those programs and make them sustainable for years to come.

“I resume my call on our Congressional delegation and President Trump to reverse course on the cruel and unnecessary cuts to safety net programs like Medicaid and SNAP that will tax our budget and more importantly that of our families who will find our state’s healthcare providers and our grocery stores, bodegas and farmers struggling to pay their bills. Equally frustrating, we learned that the federal changes set to take effect in January will cost New Jersey taxpayers $100 million in new, unnecessary bureaucratic costs that should be borne by the federal government.

“It is against this backdrop that the Assembly Budget Committee will start its budget review process, beginning with two public budget hearings that allow New Jersey residents to testify on the proposed spending plan. The Governor has presented her budget proposal, and now it is the duty of the Legislature to vet and finalize a fiscally responsible FY27 spending plan. As we approach the months ahead, I look forward to hearing from the public in order to reach a budget agreement that reflects our values, delivers on our promises of affordability and creates a brighter future for the families of our state.”

ASSEMBLY BUDGET COMMITTEE CHAIR ELIANA PINTOR MARIN

“As Governor Sherrill announces her spending plan for the upcoming Fiscal Year, the Legislature is preparing to begin its most important responsibility of the year, taking a careful and comprehensive look at how our state will invest in its people and its future. In the weeks ahead, the Assembly Budget Committee will hold hearings on the budget, hearing directly from state agencies, advocates, and residents from across New Jersey to better understand where our attention must be focused, ensuring that every voice is heard.

“The work ahead will require careful review and thoughtful debate as we work to keep our promise to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly and that the needs of New Jersey residents are fully considered. As chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, I am committed to present a balanced budget, that reflects the priorities of our families.”

SENATE MAJORITY WHIP VIN GOPAL

“Governor Sherrill’s budget tackles our fiscal challenges head on by cutting the deficit nearly in half while protecting relief for working families. The proposal reduces spending by more than $2 billion, takes on corporations like pharmacy benefit managers, and holds big tech accountable when they target our kids. At the same time, it protects vital property tax relief programs like StayNJ and ANCHOR and fully funds the pension.  I commend the Governor for putting forward an aggressive and responsible budget that keeps New Jersey focused on affordability and long-term stability.”

ASSEMBLY MAJORITY LEADER LOUIS GREENWALD

“This is my favorite time of the budget process, because now the journey begins. In the months ahead, the Legislature will thoughtfully review the Governor’s proposal and do what is necessary to keep our State fiscally responsible while funding the priorities that matter most to the people we serve.

“The Assembly Budget Committee will now engage in a methodical and thoughtful process where we will hear testimony from State agencies and members of the public about the impact of this proposed budget.

“We’re proud to see the Governor continue our affordability agenda by proposing a full pension payment, preserving property tax relief for middle class families, and fully funding the school funding formula. We’ll continue to be in close communication with our school districts as the individual school funding numbers are published later this week.

“Despite the Republicans in Washington threatening our fiscal stability by advocating for dangerously short-sighted cuts to critical healthcare and safety net programs, our budget will reaffirm the State’s commitment to delivering for our residents and building a better future for all our children.”

FOR THE MANY

“We appreciate Governor Sherrill’s recognition of the serious fiscal challenges facing New Jersey and her commitment to affordability. Her proposals to scale back certain corporate tax breaks are an important step toward making the tax code fairer. But the math is clear: the scale of the problem demands a broader approach. At a time when Trump-era tax cuts delivered massive windfalls to the wealthiest households and large corporations, New Jersey cannot take progressive revenue options off the table. A true ‘yes and’  approach means building on the Governor’s proposals by also closing the offshore corporate profit loopholes and asking the wealthiest households to contribute a little more. Together, those steps could raise the revenue needed to protect essential services and make New Jersey more resilient in the face of harmful federal policies. We look forward to working with the Governor and legislative leaders to pursue solutions that strengthen our state and make life more affordable for everyone. “

NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT STEVE BEATTY, VICE PRESIDENT PETAL ROBINSON, AND SECRETARY-TREASURER TINA DARE

“Gov. Sherrill’s first budget shows a firm commitment to public education. The record level of state aid for school districts that she included will help ensure that New Jersey’s students have the resources and support they need to thrive. That aid also helps keep her affordability promise by reducing property tax pressure at the local level.

 

“As she acknowledged, there is still work to do to ensure that our school funding formula fully and fairly meets the needs of every community and every student, but funding the current formula is a necessary first step toward making those improvements. We look forward to working with the Sherrill administration and legislative leaders to strengthen and secure our school funding formula.

“We also commend her commitment to students through increased funding for pre-K education, as well as additional funds to provide academic support for students who need it. Her investments in student mental health and online safety will also pay dividends. New Jersey students and their families will benefit from these smart budget priorities.

“By fully funding the state’s pension obligation, she is also delivering on her affordability promise. Hundreds of thousands of public employees – including nearly 200,000 NJEA members – are counting on the state to keep up its end of the pension bargain so they can afford to retire with dignity. While much more is needed to restore fairness to our pension systems, the full funding included in this budget is essential and demonstrates a genuine commitment to fiscal responsibility.

“We know that the cost of health insurance remains a daily concern for millions of New Jersey families. While not directly addressed in today presentation, it’s an issue that we need to solve together. We believe there are solutions that will control costs without burdening families or limiting access to health care. It’s another area where we are eager to partner with Gov. Sherrill and legislative leaders to innovate.”

FOOD & WATER NEW JERSEY STATE DIRECTOR MATT SMITH

“Right now, every dollar spent cleaning up after floods and rebuilding our infrastructure comes out of the pockets of New Jersey families while big fossil fuel companies pay nothing. It’s a silent tax on all of us that drives up the cost of living.”

CLEAN WATER ACTION NEW JERSEY STATE DIRECTOR AMY GOLDSMITH

“New Jersey families shouldn’t have to pay one more dollar for climate damages until the polluters who caused this mess pay their fair share. It’s the right thing to do, and it’s the smartest way to fix our infrastructure and make historic investments in our state at no cost to taxpayers.”

ENVIRONMENT NEW JERSEY DIRECTOR DOUG O’MALLEY

“Making polluters pay is how we can fund road repairs, flood prevention, and upgrades to our energy grid. It’s how we invest in our schools, public health and safety. As state lawmakers look for ways to make the state more affordable and improve our infrastructure and essential services, the Polluters Pay Act gives them a way to do both.”

AMERICANS FOR PROSPERITY NORTHEAST REGIONAL DIRECTOR ROSS CONNOLLY AND JERSEY 1ST PRESIDENT ROSEMARY BECCHI

“Governor Sherrill promised a budget that would drive down costs for New Jerseyans, but this budget does the opposite. The proposed budget exacerbates Trenton’s overspending, will drive up costs, and doubles down on the same policies that have made New Jersey one of the most expensive states in the country. Garden State families want a leader who delivers on their promises, and Governor Sherrill falls short today with her budget.

“While we’re encouraged that Governor Sherrill has pledged to end the practice of adding last-minute ‘Christmas Tree’ items to the budget, this proposal continues to spend $980 million more than last year’s budget. At a time when the state faces a $3 billion deficit, lawmakers should focus on spending discipline and reform. New Jersey families deserve leaders willing to tackle spending excess and pursue policies that actually make life more affordable.”

UBER SENIOR DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC POLICY & COMMUNICATIONS JOSH GOLD

“Governor Sherrill proved once again today that she is determined to make New Jersey a more affordable place for residents and businesses. We applaud her for that commitment even in the face of budgetary challenges and entrenched interests that are invested in preserving the status quo. As a company dedicated to delivering value to our users, Uber looks forward to continued conversations with state leaders to reduce the crippling cost of car insurance and take pressure off of working families who are struggling to make ends meet. We strongly believe that reducing New Jersey’s highest-in-the-nation insurance mandates to make rideshare more affordable perfectly complements Gov. Sherrill’s agenda, and we will continue working with all stakeholders to make it happen.”

HEALTCARE INSTITUTE OF NEW JERSEY PRESIDENT AND CEO CHRISSY BUTEAS

“Common-sense PBM reform is one of the most effective and immediate ways to lower healthcare costs, and we commend Governor Sherrill for her continued focus on New Jersey patients and affordability.  From her Congressional tenure to her campaign proposals, the Governor has advocated for PBM reform as a thoughtful and balanced approach to lowering costs, and she’s working with a true sense of urgency to deliver real savings for patients.”

“Less than half of the money spent on prescription medicines actually goes to the company that makes the medicine – the rest goes to middlemen within the supply chain, like insurers and PBMs.  Whether enforcing current or enacting new legislation and regulations, bringing more transparency and reducing profiteering incentives within the PBM structures will bring real and immediate relief to patients.  We will work with the Governor and the Legislature to enact these proposals as quickly as possible.”

AARP STATE DIRECTOR CHRIS WIDELO

“New Jersey remains one of the most expensive states to retire, and many older residents are struggling with rising property taxes, utility bills, and everyday costs. AARP appreciates Governor Sherrill’s continued focus on affordability and the programs that help people remain in the homes and communities they have built.

“For many New Jerseyans, property tax relief programs like Stay NJ, ANCHOR, and Senior Freeze are essential. They are the difference between staying in their homes or being forced to move.

“The Stay NJ program was created to address New Jersey’s affordability crisis and deliver on a commitment to older residents who want to age in place. As policymakers consider adjustments, it is critical that the program does not reduce the annual benefit and continues to provide meaningful relief while keeping the promise made to the people counting on it.

“We also appreciate the proposal to continue the ANCHOR renter payment and recognize the importance of efforts to help families manage rising utility costs.

“As the Legislature reviews the Governor’s proposal, AARP will be closely examining the details to ensure that essential supports like Medicaid and SNAP remain strong for older adults and their families. We also believe it is critical that New Jersey continue making its full actuarially required pension payment. Maintaining that commitment protects the retirement security of hundreds of thousands of public workers and retirees and strengthens the state’s long-term fiscal stability.

“AARP looks forward to working with the administration and Legislature to ensure the final budget helps older New Jerseyans remain financially secure and able to age with dignity in the communities they call home.”

NATURAL ALLIES FOR A CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE STATE CHAIRMAN STEVE SWEENEY

Governor Mikie Sherrill’s budget address highlights the serious affordability challenges facing New Jersey, including rising energy and utility costs. With the state facing a significant budget shortfall, it’s clear the administration and my former colleagues in the legislature will need to make difficult decisions in the months ahead.

While policymakers work to control spending and make New Jersey more affordable, the administration should prioritize policies that ensure our state has access to reliable and affordable energy. New Jersey’s electricity demand is growing, and maintaining a stable, resilient grid will be essential to supporting our economy and protecting ratepayers.

Governor Sherrill also highlighted the importance of expanding energy supply, including modernizing natural gas facilities, exploring new nuclear opportunities, and growing solar and battery capacity. That kind of balanced approach is exactly what we need to power New Jersey. It is more important than ever to pursue a pragmatic, all-of-the-above energy strategy that includes natural gas, renewables, and nuclear power working together. Natural gas continues to play an important role in keeping the lights on and the heat running when other energy sources aren’t available, and helps maintain the reliability and stability of our grid.

As the budget process moves forward, I encourage the administration and the legislature to work together to advance practical energy policies that protect affordability, strengthen reliability, and ensure New Jersey families and businesses have access to the dependable energy they need year-round.”

NEW JERSEY POLICY PERSPECTIVE PRESIDENT NICOLE RODRIGUEZ

“Governor Sherrill’s first budget reflects a serious attempt to grapple with a difficult fiscal moment, and in several areas, it reflects the right priorities. Reforming Stay NJ to limit benefits for homeowners earning more than $250,000 is a smart, targeted fix that directs relief to those who actually need it. Expanding utility help, child care assistance, and preserving the Child and Earned Income Tax Credits send the right signal about whose side this budget is on. Closing corporate tax loopholes — reining in deductions that have benefited large companies at the expense of small businesses and working families — is exactly the kind of structural reform New Jersey needs more of.

“At the same time, this budget plan only gets us part of the way there. The Governor is right that much of New Jersey’s fiscal pressure stems from federal dysfunction and the Trump administration’s devastating cuts to programs that families depend on. But the answer to that pressure cannot only be spending cuts, particularly when immigrant families are under attack, one in nine New Jersey children still lives in poverty, and communities across the state are counting on the programs this proposal funds. And as the budget process moves forward, there are real questions about where nearly $2 billion in cuts will land, and who will bear the burden. To truly protect New Jerseyans from the turbulence ahead, the state must go further in asking wealthy individuals and powerful corporations to contribute their fair share. NJPP is encouraged by this start and committed to working with the Governor and the legislature to build on this.”

FAIR HOUSING CENTER MANAGING DIRECTOR OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS AL-TARIQ WITCHER

“We appreciate Governor Sherrill’s recognition in today’s address that housing affordability and economic opportunity are deeply connected. The housing crisis hurts everyone, especially low-income families and people of color. While the state’s new affordable housing law is a major step forward, much more needs to be done.

“We look forward to seeing more details of the budget proposal and call on the governor and legislature to make necessary investments, especially ending diversions from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund — which Gov. Sherrill pledged during her campaign and discussed in her address today — and providing additional funding to expand the state’s successful first-generation homeownership program. Strong housing funding would be particularly valuable this year, as municipalities are implementing their plans to create new affordable homes under the state’s landmark 2024 housing law.

“New Jersey should fully fund the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and direct the state’s new mansion tax toward affordable housing production. The Trust Fund is often the only source of funds for smaller, community-driven, shovel-ready developments, which do not qualify for federal funding.

“We’re pleased to see the Governor’s commitment to the Down Payment Assistance and First-Generation Homebuyers programs. These programs — which are showing more progress in shrinking the racial wealth gap than traditional first-time homeownership programs — are crucial in addressing the housing crisis. It’s essential to ensure that their funding is in addition to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund — and not instead of it.

“We also pleased that the governor spoke out in support of legislation to prevent landlords from using algorithmic rental software, which lacks transparency and can lead to unfair pricing that reinforces existing housing inequalities.

“Thanks to New Jersey’s landmark new law streamlining the Mount Laurel Doctrine, far more towns than ever before are moving forward with creating affordable homes. With housing costs at record highs, now is the time for bold action to protect and expand on this progress — especially given the unprecedented federal budget cuts that threaten hard-working families with eviction and homelessness.”

PREFERRED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH GROUP CEO TARA CHALAKANI

“Governor Sherrill’s commitment to strengthening youth mental health services could not come at a more critical time.”

“Across New Jersey, families, educators, and providers are seeing the profound impact that anxiety, depression, and trauma are having on young people. By investing in school-based services and expanding access to care, the Governor is taking an important step toward ensuring that every child has the support they need to thrive.”

“Mental health challenges often emerge during childhood and adolescence. When we provide the right support early — whether through counseling in schools, community programs, or family services — we can change the trajectory of a young person’s life.  These investments will help providers expand access to care and ensure that more young people receive help before a crisis occurs.”

HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NETWORK OF NEW JERSEY VICE PRESIDENT OF POLICY AND ADVOCACY MATTHEW HERSH

“Governor Sherrill’s commitment to building more affordable homes is a welcome step in the right direction. However, with a shortage of more than 200,000 affordable homes in New Jersey, it is critical that the Affordable Housing Trust Fund be protected and used for its legally intended purpose: producing and rehabilitating homes for low- and moderate-income residents.

“We appreciate Governor Sherrill’s campaign promise not to divert the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and hope to see that commitment reflected in the proposed budget, which we look forward to reviewing in detail. We will also examine the Governor’s proposal for our shared budget priorities, including other housing investments, economic development and fair tax policies.

“Fully funding the Trust Fund and directing the state’s new mansion tax toward affordable housing production, which is pending in legislation, are essential steps to making New Jersey more affordable for the families who call our state home. Additionally, we are urging the Legislature to increase funding for the Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit, which was advanced in the Senate last week.

“At a time when far too many New Jersey residents are struggling to find safe, stable, and affordable housing, strong leadership and meaningful investment are essential. The Network and our partners look forward to working with the administration and legislative leaders to fulfill that promise and to HouseNJ.”

THE CHEMISTRY COUNCIL OF NEW JERSEY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DENNIS HART

“The Chemistry Council of New Jersey (CCNJ) applauds Governor Sherrill’s 2027 budget proposal. The Sherrill Administration’s efforts to increase energy generation are very important to keep New Jersey’s manufacturers in our state as well as attract new businesses. With manufacturers in New Jersey already paying 55% more for energy than companies in other states, we must address the crushing costs of electricity. New generation facilities will go a long way to bring down costs by increasing supply. Governor Sherrill has initiated efforts to fix the long-standing permitting delays that are hurting our economy, citizens, and businesses. The development and funding of a permit dashboard and policies to reduce permit processing times are vital in creating new jobs, new businesses and new housing.

“The Chemistry Council of New Jersey and our member companies stand ready to work with the Sherrill Administration on strategies and initiatives to move our state forward.”