"This budget reflects what responsible governing looks like. We reduced the structural deficit, maintained a budget of $60.7 billion, kept a surplus of more than $6 billion, fully funded our $7.3 billion pension payment, and continued our commitment to funding our schools with another record-breaking amount. We proved once again that fiscal discipline and keeping our promises to New Jersey families go hand in hand.

"At the same time, we never lost sight of the people we serve. This budget expands the Child Tax Credit by 25 percent, continues historic property tax relief, invests in supporting children's mental health, strengthens child advocacy centers across the state, and provides critical support to organizations and many nonprofits that people rely on every day. Budgets are about choices, and this budget reflects the choices we made together.

"Through months of hearings, conversations, and collaboration, we delivered a fiscally responsible budget that protects New Jersey's financial future while continuing to support children, seniors, and working families that strengthen our state. Behind every number is a person, and this budget never loses sight of that."