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Highlights of Governor Murphy’s Proposed FY2026 Budget which Impacts Children and Families

Posted on March 13, 2025

On February 25, 2025, Governor Murphy delivered his final state budget address, highlighting his "commitment to building a New Jersey that is stronger, fairer, and more prepared for the future.”

Read the State of NJ Budget in Brief

Proposed Investments for Children and Families:

  • Preschool expansion: Increase of $34.6 million, of which $10 million will be devoted to expanding preschool into new districts
  • High impact tutoring: Increase of $7.5 million in new grants to support districts offering high-impact tutoring to students in need of extra academic support.
  • Paid family leave: Increase of $10 million to provide State employees with full pay while they take family leave to care for a newborn, newly adopted, or newly fostered children.
  • Universal home visiting: Increase of $12.7 million for the newborn home nurse visitation program.
  • Family planning and reproductive health: Increase of $52 million for family planning and reproductive health services, including a new incentive program for OB/GYNs who want to move to New Jersey.
  • Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority: $3.2 million for the newly created Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority.

However...

  • Food security: A reduction of $9.1 million in state expenditures for food security.
  • State income tax credits for children: No increase in the Child Tax Credit or the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.

Tell State Lawmakers What Needs to be Included in NJ's FY2026 Budget

The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee and the Assembly Budget Committee will be conducting their respective public hearings. Sign up below by clicking on the date you wish to participate. Remember, you can submit written testimony as well!

Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee
Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM
New Jersey Institute of Technology Campus Center Atrium
150 Bleeker Street

Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM
This hearing will be conducted remotely without the possibility of in-person attendance.

Assembly Budget Committee
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 9:30 AM
State House Annex, Committee Room 11, 4th Floor
145 W. State Street, Trenton, NJ

Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 9:30 AM
State House Annex, Committee Room 11, 4th Floor
145 W. State Street, Trenton, NJ

 

Sign Petition to Stop Federal Budget Cuts to Medicaid

Posted on March 12, 2025

Congress: Protect Medicaid -- Essential Healthcare is at Risk

We, the undersigned strongly oppose Medicaid cuts that would significantly impact New Jersey’s children and families.

Medicaid is a lifeline for over 1.8 million New Jersey residents, including children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Proposed federal cuts would reduce access to healthcare, force families into medical debt, and strain hospitals and nursing homes across our state.

Who relies on Medicaid?

  • NJ FamilyCare, supported by state and federal Medicaid dollars and the Children's Health Insurance Program covers 20% of state residents including:
    • 830,000 children
    • 80,000 young people, ages 19-21
    • Children in low- to moderate-income families, living in foster care, and those with complex medical needs
  • Medicaid also assists adults with disabilities and seniors living in long-term care facilities.

The Financial Impact on New Jersey

Cuts to Medicaid would force reductions in funding for other critical programs, especially those serving children with disabilities, foster youth, and vulnerable families.

We urge you to stand up for New Jersey and fight to protect Medicaid funding. No cuts, no compromises—Medicaid matters!

Thank you for your time and consideration.