August 25, 2026
***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

O’SCANLON, SCHARFENBERGER & FLYNN: SO MUCH FOR SHERRILL’S AFFORDABILITY AGENDA - BROOKDALE EMPLOYEES PAY THE PRICE FOR SOARING UTILITY COSTS AND HEALTH CARE INCREASES

Middletown, N.J. – We were made aware of the anticipated layoffs that Brookdale Community College must make simply to keep the lights on and continue providing the outstanding education and services it delivers to Monmouth County. Sadly, this should come as no surprise. For years, Republicans have been sounding the alarm that Trenton Democrats’ policies were driving costs to unsustainable levels. Those warnings were ignored. Now Brookdale employees, students, and Monmouth County taxpayers are paying the price.

With health benefit costs projected to reach $24 million in 2028 (up from $10.9 million in 2023) and a staggering 90% increase in utility costs, Brookdale is now being forced to lay off dozens of employees.

This is what Governor Sherrill's so-called “affordability agenda” looks like in the real world: employees lose their jobs, students lose services, and Monmouth County taxpayers get stuck with the bill. The Governor and Trenton Democrats can keep talking about affordability, but their policies are making just about everything less affordable.

As for utility costs, so much for the Governor’s promised rate freeze. Apparently, that promise comes after Brookdale was hit with a 90% increase. Brookdale is already one of the most energy-efficient community colleges in the state. There are no more light bulbs to change and no more solar panels to install. The problem isn’t Brookdale’s energy efficiency. The problem is the cost of energy in New Jersey. Those rising utility costs are the result of the previous administration’s closure of existing natural gas plants, which diminished energy supplies and drove up prices across the state.

And when it comes to health benefit costs, Republicans have been sounding the alarm and offering reforms to rein in the out-of-control costs of the State Health Benefits Plan for years. Our Democratic colleagues have kept their blinders on, refusing even to consider those solutions. Apparently, ignoring the problem was the plan. Now, real people are losing their jobs because of it.

Brookdale is one of Monmouth County’s greatest assets. We cannot continue down a path where taxes and tuition go up, services get cut, and people lose their jobs. Brookdale has done its part. It’s time for the Governor and State House Democrats to do theirs and get to work to fix these problems. This is not only an issue here in Monmouth County for Brookdale; it is an issue in every town, school, and public institution being forced to pay the price for Trenton’s failure to address skyrocketing utility costs and the out-of-control State Health Benefits Plan.