In response to Governor Murphy’s signing of the New Jersey budget for fiscal year 2022, NJ Citizen Action releases the following statement:

Dena Mottola Jaborksa, New Jersey Citizen Action Associate Director:

“NJ Citizen Action (NJCA) is pleased that the newly signed state budget addresses pressing needs of low- and moderate-income families, and meaningfully improves the state’s fiscal outlook with an impressive $6.9 billion pension payment. While further solutions are still needed for the ongoing fallout from the COVID-19 crisis, this budget is an important foundation.

The expansion of NJ FamilyCare puts New Jersey a large step closer to universal coverage for all, starting with our kids. While full roll out of this program may take 12-18 months, immediate changes including making coverage more affordable and increasing outreach and enrollment will help us connect 80,000 uninsured children to health coverage and bring us closer to our goal of universal coverage. With full implementation New Jersey will join seven other states that have expanded coverage to all children.

With a total of $750 million in rent and utility assistance for those negatively effected by the pandemic, many New Jerseyans will be able to stay safe and healthy in their homes. Additional funding will be needed, as well as better protections for homeowners, but this assistance is an important step for preventing a mass eviction crisis once the moratorium expires.

Expansion of New Jersey’s free college tuition program, adding two years of public university to the existing two years of community college for families making $65k or less, is an important measure for increasing economic opportunity, lowering income inequality, and addressing the racial wealth and education gaps.

All that said, budget funding for immigrant financial relief from COVID-19 has been disappointingly low, amounting to less than $100 per family. These 475,000 workers and their families have been excluded from stimulus and unemployment payments, and are struggling to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. They are part of our communities, they pay taxes, and we depend on them like any other workers.

Additionally, the budget process has been riddled with lack of transparency for the public. The extensive budget legislation was made available for review and comment just 11 minutes before it was taken up by committees. Without transparency the people cannot hold their elected leaders accountable to their actions. We can and must do better for our democracy. As we look to the future and outstanding needs from the pandemic, NJCA urges the Governor and the Legislature to allow more opportunities and time for the public to engage in policies and decisions on the American Rescue Plan and next year’s budget.”