“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.”