Senate President Nicholas Scutari

“The Governor’s proposed budget recognizes the fiscal challenges we face. We are confronted with more uncertain economic conditions and the threat of reduced federal aid that must be factored into budget considerations.

“We have to be responsible in crafting a budget that continues the progress we have made on school funding, property tax relief, debt reduction, pension payments and services that care for the most vulnerable. At the same time, we must remain disciplined in controlling spending and identifying savings across government. We will maintain our commitment to the priorities that improve the quality of life in New Jersey with strict controls on spending.

“In the coming weeks, the Senate Budget Committee will conduct a thorough review of the Governor’s proposal with input from the public, businesses, advocacy groups, and others who are impacted by the spending plan. We will work to develop a budget plan that addresses the state’s needs in a responsible and effective way.”

Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin

“As we begin our review of the Governor’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026, I thank the Governor for partnering with the Legislature in fulfilling our promise of making New Jersey more affordable by fully funding property tax relief programs, including StayNJ, which will cut property taxes in half for nearly all seniors. Working together, we are telling New Jersey residents that cutting property taxes is a top priority.

“I am proud to see that for the fifth straight year, the budget proposes to fully fund our pension obligations. And for every dollar spent on K-12 education under Governor Christie’s last budget, this budget delivers nearly $1.50—because every child deserves a quality education, and we’re committed to making that affordable for every single school district in New Jersey.

“We know there is uncertainty coming from Washington. Proposals by Republicans to take health insurance away from 700,000 people in New Jersey, make cuts to education for vulnerable children, or increase prices we pay because of irrational tariffs are causing many people concern. While I understand the need to keep all options on the table to balance our budget in the face of these threats, working to make New Jersey affordable for working and middle-class families will be my number one concern this year, and we will look to reduce spending before having conversations about taxes or fees as a way out of budget concerns.

“I remain hopeful that the entirety of our New Jersey Congressional delegation remains committed to supporting the hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans who rely on New Jersey FamilyCare for their healthcare at our state’s primary care offices, hospitals and nursing homes. The State Budget cannot substitute the purported billions of dollars in federal cuts currently under consideration by Congressional Republicans.

“As we approach the months ahead, I look forward to hearing from the public in order to reach an agreement on a budget that reflects our values, delivers on our promises of affordability and creates a brighter future for the families of our state.”

Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee Chairman Paul Sarlo

“The Governor’s proposed budget recognizes the fiscal challenges we face. We are confronted with more uncertain economic conditions and the threat of reduced federal aid that must be factored into budget considerations.

“We have to be responsible in crafting a budget that continues the progress we have made on school funding, property tax relief, debt reduction, pension payments and services that care for the most vulnerable. At the same time, we must remain disciplined in controlling spending and identifying savings across government. We will maintain our commitment to the priorities that improve the quality of life in New Jersey with strict controls on spending.

“In the coming weeks, the Senate Budget Committee will conduct a thorough review of the Governor’s proposal with input from the public, businesses, advocacy groups, and others who are impacted by the spending plan. We will work to develop a budget plan that addresses the state’s needs in a responsible and effective way.”

Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz

“Governor Murphy’s final budget proposal will require that we continue to work collaboratively to deliver for all our communities. Together, we have addressed significant challenges, from an unprecedented pandemic to persistent economic headwinds, and we will tackle new fiscal and federal uncertainties directly. As we have done before, we will continue to lead with resilience and a commitment to protecting the families who drive our state’s success. I look forward to the budget negotiation process and will work alongside Governor Murphy and my legislative colleagues to form a final budget that prioritizes affordability, equity, and opportunity for every New Jerseyan.”

Assemblywoman Vicki Flynn

“The lesson from that period is clear: reckless government spending and tax increases lead to public distrust and financial instability.  Trenton must learn from history before it’s too late.”

“With a gubernatorial election on the horizon, we challenge all candidates seeking our state’s highest office: How do you plan to bring this bloated budget under control while ensuring that critical services—such as education, infrastructure, and public safety—remain well-funded and effective?

“New Jerseyans deserve leadership that prioritizes fiscal responsibility, not just more government spending that we’ve been held hostage by for eight years,” said Flynn. “It’s time for a budget that works for the people—not one that continues to grow at their expense.”

Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger

“New Jersey families and businesses are already struggling under the weight of high taxes and rising costs.  At a time when we should be focused on controlling spending, this administration continues to expand the size of government with no real plan for sustainability.”

NJEA President Sean Spiller, Vice President Steve Beatty and Secretary-Treasurer Petal Robertson:

“In a challenging economic environment, Gov. Murphy’s final budget prioritizes the needs of New Jersey’s children and families, keeps the state’s pension promise to public employees and positions the state to navigate the uncertainties ahead.

“We especially appreciate Gov. Murphy’s steadfast commitment to funding New Jersey’s public schools. More than ever, our state’s budget must be a reflection of our values and focus on our residents’ greatest needs.

“In New Jersey, 1.4 million students and their families rely on our public schools. Just as critically, New Jersey’s business community needs public education in New Jersey to remain at the top so that New Jersey remains an attractive place to live, work and do business. We need to protect students from the specter of reckless cuts to federal education funding, and that starts with the state meeting its full obligation, as this budget does.

“Even with full state funding of the formula, we know that some communities struggle to provide the resources their children need. We urge the Murphy administration, legislators and community leaders to come together this budget season to ensure all New Jersey students in all New Jersey communities have the resources they need to thrive.

“We also commend Gov. Murphy for once again showing fiscally responsible leadership by fully funding New Jersey’s pension systems. For too long those systems were neglected, costing New Jersey taxpayers billions and destabilizing the systems themselves. Gov. Murphy’s consistent legacy of responsible pension funding has lowered future pension costs and restored faith among both public employees and the financial markets that New Jersey will live up to its responsibilities. It’s a remarkable feat that shows what is possible when a governor chooses long-term solutions over short-term gimmicks.

“We look forward to more conversations in the coming weeks with the governor and legislators about ways to further strengthen our pension systems so that they can attract and retain the educators our schools so desperately need. We should build on our momentum to secure even better results for everyone in New Jersey.

“Recognizing the needs of New Jersey families and adult students, we will continue to advocate for the Legislature to restore the additional county college funding included in the current year’s budget. While that $20 million is a small amount in a $55.2 billion budget, it’s a lifeline to struggling families who rely on affordable county colleges to continue their education after high school.”

Assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald

“In keeping with our legislative efforts, I am pleased to see Governor Murphy propose a fiscally responsible budget that reduces state spending. It includes a surplus of over $6.3 billion and cuts our structural budget deficit in half, all while reducing the number of government employees by more than 8% compared to the previous administration. This proposed budget will strengthen our financial footing while maintaining flexibility for the road ahead.

“Governor Murphy’s proposed budget reflects our commitment to hardworking New Jersey families. It prioritizes the things that matter most: affordable healthcare, high-quality public education, and historic property tax relief through the ANCHOR, Stay NJ, and Senior Freeze affordability measures.

“At the same time, we must carefully review the Governor’s proposed fee hikes to ensure that working-class families aren’t burdened with any new tax increases. We will scrutinize our state spending to ensure that our government is as lean as possible. And we will prioritize tax cuts over spending increases to provide long-term relief and stability to families across New Jersey.

“This budget keeps our promises to New Jersey taxpayers. It fully funds our pension system and K-12 schools while making critical investments in housing, transportation, prescription drug assistance for seniors, and healthcare access through Cover All Kids. These are the choices that reflect our values and will build a stronger state for future generations.

“All of this comes at a time of great uncertainty in Washington, where proposed cuts to healthcare threaten the well-being of hundreds of thousands of our residents, including children. These cuts would be devastating to our state budget and the progress we have made, and I sincerely hope they do not come to pass.

“As the Legislature takes the reins of this budget process, I look forward to working with my colleagues to improve upon the Governor’s proposal. I am confident that we will finalize a spending plan that improves the lives of our residents, keeps costs in check, and ensures a stronger, more secure future for New Jersey.”

State Senator and GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Jon Bramnick

“Governor Murphy’s proposed budget sets another record for spending at $58.1 billion, $1.5 billion more than last year. The increased spending once again comes on the back of taxpayers with a proposal to raise taxes and fees by $1.2 billion.

“Since Governor Murphy took office, I have remained resolute in my opposition to the tax and spend policies of Governor Murphy and the Trenton Democrats. I fought back on the reckless growth of the state budget each of the last seven years and will do the same during this budget process. I will not stop fighting for tax relief for our hard-working families over spending on special interests.

“As Governor, I will shrink the size of New Jersey government and ensure what remains is efficient and responsive to the more than nine million residents of this great state. I will require each department to justify every taxpayer dollar spent and veto pork projects, programs, and unnecessary spending increases. I will also cap the budget so future administrations will not be able to get us in a fiscal mess again. New Jersey families must live within their means and state government must do the same.

“I will also ensure the budget process is open and transparent, so all New Jersey residents have an opportunity to advocate for changes and cuts to state government spending. The days of last-minute budgets passed under the cover of darkness will come to an end. I will not sign any budget unless it is available to the public for at least one week prior to passage. Every budget is funded by taxpayer dollars, and I believe taxpayers should have ample opportunity to access, review and engage in how their hard-earned dollars are spent.”

State Senators Michael Testa, Jr. and John Burzichelli

“Simply put, doubling the tax on online sports betting and iGaming is putting a New Jersey success story at significant risk. Any effort to increase this tax on New Jerseyans threatens all of the progress New Jersey has made, especially at levels that would make New Jersey’s customers too heavily taxed. A tax increase would negatively impact jobs, industry investment, and our New Jersey customers, and it could affect future revenue growth for the state.

“We look forward to working with the Governor, the Legislature, and all stakeholders to ensure the sports betting industry continues to thrive in New Jersey. This is just the beginning of the process, and we will work with the Speaker, Senate President, and Governor to determine the best path forward for both the state and the industry.”

Assembly Budget Committee Chair Eliana Pintor Marin

“As Governor Murphy unveils his proposed spending plan, the Legislature is preparing to begin the critical task of carefully reviewing the budget. We are committed to listening to the concerns of the public and gathering input from both our communities and Administration officials to ensure that every voice is heard.

“In light of potential cuts to federal funding, we are committed to exploring every option to safeguard the vital services that New Jersey families rely on. It’s critical that we protect the services that support our most vulnerable neighbors while also maintaining a path to a sustainable future for all.

“The budget process is an opportunity to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being spent responsibly, and that the needs of every New Jersey resident are addressed. As chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, my focus will remain on creating a budget that reflects the priorities of our families and ensures that New Jersey remains an affordable place to live and raise a family.”

State Senator Troy Singleton

“Today’s budget address highlighted our shared priorities to deliver on economic relief and directly tackle the most important issues facing New Jerseyans. I am heartened to see the continuation of historic levels of property tax relief, the full funding of our schools and pension, and the maintenance of a significant surplus so that our state is prepared for whatever economic circumstances are to come.

“Addressing our housing crisis needs to remain the focus of our public policy. As the author of our landmark affordable housing law, the Governor’s continued call for zoning reform is welcome. Expanding ADUs, converting vacant commercial properties into housing, and enabling transit-oriented development will allow even more housing to be created where it is needed most. But if we are truly committed to meeting our affordable housing goals, the Affordable Housing Trust Fund must also be fully-funded.

“Additionally, I applaud the inclusion of $40 million in down-payment assistance for first-time and first-generation homebuyers, which will allow thousands more residents to access the American Dream of owning a home. This is something I have long championed. However, I am concerned that increasing taxes on home purchases, even on those over a million dollars, may put homeownership that much further out of reach.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Legislature as well as Governor Murphy on the proposed budget to further promote affordability and continue directly tackling our housing crisis in the FY 26 budget and beyond.”

New Jersey Working Families State Director Antoinette Miles

“We’re pleased that Governor Murphy is continuing investments in key initiatives as part of the budget proposal he presented today. This budget builds on the administration’s strong track record in areas like education and keeping our promises to our public employees.

“Yet we know that Donald Trump and his billionaire friends in Washington are even now pushing a disastrous budget bill that would profoundly impact working families. To pay for tax cuts for Elon Musk and his friends, Trump and Congressional Republicans want to take an axe to vital programs, from education to food assistance to Medicare and Medicaid.

“Now, more than ever, we need bold actions from Governor Murphy and the Legislature to safeguard New Jersey families from the threat Trump’s billionaire friends pose. Governor Murphy has repeatedly fought to ensure that millionaires and our largest corporations pay their fair share to fund programs that help working families.

“In this critical moment in our state’s history, we’re asking that he do the same thing once again and fight to ensure that our working families have the resources to weather the threat Trump poses by investing in targeted programs that help the New Jersey families who need it most.”

New Jersey Motor Truck Association Spokesman Eric DeGesaro

“It’s hard to know which Governor Murphy to believe — the one who talks about the high cost of eggs and housing, or the one who will assess a $20 million tax on the facilities that store eggs and lumber – and everything else — before we buy them.

“The Legislature needs to stop the warehouse tax, also known as the tax on everything.”

For the Many NJ Campaign Director Eric Benson

“The Governor’s budget may have avoided the worst-case scenario, but let’s be clear: patchwork solutions won’t solve a structural deficit,” said Eric Benson, Campaign Director for For the Many NJ. “We can’t afford to just cross our fingers and hope for the best. Without real, sustainable revenue, we risk deeper cuts and greater instability in the years ahead.”

New Jersey Policy Institute Executive Director Wells Winegar

The ongoing Latino Action Network vs. New Jersey litigation serves as a reminder that the challenges we face in our education system require proactive and thoughtful solutions.  IDSC is a proven program that expands educational opportunities and elevates academic achievement by providing access to quality education across district lines. It has helped increase diversity in choice districts, helped districts maintain special programming, and provided options for students facing social conflicts.  With the right investment, IDSC can be sustainably expanded to serve an even broader population of students, paving the way for long-term benefits across our communities. We urge the Governor and the Legislature to explore all available avenues to secure the funding necessary to build on IDSC’s success.”

Chemical Council of New Jersey Executive Director Dennis Hart

“This truly sends a message that New Jersey is open for business.  We look forward to working with the administration to expand opportunities that encourage the reshoring of manufacturing for products essential to our quality of life.”

Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey President Christina Renna

“The Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey (CCSNJ) recognizes the importance of a responsible state budget that supports economic growth and fiscal stability. While we appreciate Governor Murphy’s commitment to investing in infrastructure, education, and economic development, we are deeply concerned about the proposed $58.05 billion spending plan’s reliance on increased taxes and fees that will hinder business growth and economic recovery. In particular, the addition of approximately $1 billion in new tax increases poses a grave threat to New Jersey’s competitiveness and affordability. Additionally, we remain troubled by the continued expansion of state spending, which places an increasing burden on taxpayers and businesses without clear plans for long-term financial sustainability.

“The increased tax on sports betting from 13 percent to 25 percent is particularly alarming for South Jersey, which has become a hub for the gaming and tourism industry. Atlantic City has particularly benefited from this new industry and any additional taxation risks reduction of consumer participation, impacting local businesses, and threatening jobs in an industry that is still recovering from the challenges of recent years. This move could drive bettors to neighboring states with more competitive tax structures, ultimately hurting the very revenue streams the tax is intended to bolster.

“Additionally, we are concerned with the proposed $2 truck traffic excise fee, which would create unnecessary costs for businesses and consumers, particularly in South Jersey, where the logistics and distribution sector serves as a critical economic driver. At a time when businesses are already grappling with rising operational costs, supply chain challenges, and workforce shortages, this additional fee risks making New Jersey less competitive and could discourage businesses from establishing or maintaining operations in the state.

“The CCSNJ urges the Governor and Legislature to consider alternative solutions that foster economic growth rather than hinder it. We stand ready to collaborate on policies that enhance New Jersey’s economic competitiveness while ensuring fiscal responsibility. We look forward to engaging with policymakers to advocate for a budget that supports businesses, encourages investment, and benefits the entire state economy.”

 New Jersey Policy Perspective President Nicole Rodriguez

“New Jersey’s state budget desperately needs new revenue to make health care, housing, and transit more affordable for working- and middle-class families while addressing the widening structural budget deficit. With federal funding cuts looming on the horizon, the governor’s budget proposal takes an important step towards fiscal responsibility by increasing revenues through targeted measures like the expanded realty transfer fee while maintaining full funding for key commitments for public schools and pensions.

“However, even with these efforts, the budget still leaves the state vulnerable — failing to close the structural deficit or build a surplus ample enough to withstand federal cuts to critical programs like Medicaid. While families are struggling with basic costs, the proposed budget does not expand the Child Tax Credit or income assistance for working-class households, and it cuts back on grant funding for nonprofits and community programs. Yet, the budget finds room to fund StayNJ, an expensive homeowner subsidy program that would help wealthy households, even though it fails to meet the required fiscal responsibility guardrails set out in the original law.

“Rather than diverting funds from affordable housing and other essential services to fill budget holes, New Jersey needs more progressive, sustainable revenue solutions to build an equitable state for all residents — not one that forces cutbacks for the programs they rely on.”

Democratic Assembly Candidate Katie Brennan

“The governor is right when he says that ‘these are not normal times,’ but we need the state budget to reflect that. The Trump administration is considering extreme cuts to states like New Jersey along with cuts to programs that millions of families rely on. The state needs to build its reserves and prepare for the worst, not spend down the surplus like this budget proposal does.

“And the federal administration isn’t the only thing that isn’t normal. Skyrocketing housing costs are not normal, and the constant delays and breakdowns on NJ Transit aren’t normal either. We need bold investments to immediately address the housing crisis and to fix our transit infrastructure. Families are really struggling right now, and we need to treat housing and transit like the urgent crises they are, not just long-term challenges to chip away at.”

NAIOP NJ CEO Dan Kennedy

“In reviving his plan to impose a fee on trucks delivering goods to all New Jersey warehouses, Governor Murphy is proposing that residents pay more for practically everything they buy. The fee is a ‘tax on everything,’ and there is a reason it was categorically opposed by our association and others when it was first mentioned a year ago.”

“The cost of this fee will be felt by all New Jerseyans, regardless of whether they shop online or in person. Practically everything bought in New Jersey is first stored in a warehouse in New Jersey. In fact, Cushman & Wakefield research shows that 67% of our warehouse inventory ties to everyday consumer needs including food and beverage, cold storage, retail/wholesale and 3PL/fulfillment. This fee will force prices for groceries, prescription medication, baby formula, diapers, clothes, books, school supplies and more to climb even higher in our state.”

“While a vocal minority of the Governor’s supporters oppose warehouses, the truth is that warehouses subsidize property taxes for millions of New Jersey homeowners. Without the tax revenue towns receive from warehouses, most homeowners would likely be paying significantly more each year for property taxes.”

Education Law Center Research Director Danielle Farrie

“Governor Murphy’s proposed FY26 State Budget not only continues, for only the second year, to fully fund the State’s obligation under the school funding formula (SFRA), but it also makes critical improvements that are necessary to ensure stability and predictability for New Jersey’s students, educators and school districts.

“We applaud Governor Murphy and Acting Commissioner Dehmer for responding to education stakeholders’ and advocates’ concerns about the school funding formula, including those surfaced over the past year by ELC, and for making improvements so that the formula better meets the needs of all students.

“Capping state aid reductions in FY26 brings much needed stability to school districts and lessens the likelihood that a district will be forced to make drastic cuts that compromise students’ opportunity to learn. The proposed budget also gives school districts greater flexibility to raise local funding, if necessary, to meet the school funding formula’s adequacy budget targets.

“Changes proposed in the Governor’s budget correct for inequities in how students with disabilities are funded and how the local fair share is calculated. This budget also provides additional resources so that school districts can support student mental health, offer high-impact tutoring, and create safe and secure learning environments.

“We are also encouraged that the Governor continues his commitment to expanding high-quality, state-funded preschool. Early education programs are critical to student success and are especially important to ensure that low-income students enter kindergarten ready to learn.

“We are disappointed to see no new investments in the Schools Development Authority to fund critical renovations and capital projects for aging, overcrowded and out-of-date school facilities in urban communities. The $50 million for emergent projects, flat from last year, is insufficient to support the ever growing demand for repairs and upgrades to maintain healthy and safe school buildings.

Casino Association of New Jersey President Mark Giannatonio

“The Casino Association of New Jersey strongly opposes the proposed tax increase for online gaming, which will threaten the stability of Atlantic City’s gaming and tourism industry, as well as the industry’s workforce. This proposal is ill-advised and, if passed, will have significant adverse consequences for brick-and-mortar casinos. The partnerships between online gaming companies and Atlantic City casinos have established significant cross-marketing and promotions, such as complimentary rooms, entertainment, and promotional gaming credits for use at the properties to help bring more visitors to Atlantic City. More importantly, the financial benefits of these partnerships provide additional resources that are reinvested in our brick-and-mortar Atlantic City properties, support our operations, and augment our ability to compete in the regional marketplace more effectively.  A tax hike in this difficult economy would threaten these benefits and negatively impact the operations, workforce and marketing of our casino hotel properties. Reductions in these benefits will also lead to reductions in consumer spending in the casino properties and other Atlantic City businesses, as well as the state and local taxes generated there.  New Jersey’s standing as a national leader and pioneer in online gaming would also be greatly diminished, and would cede  ground to other states in jobs, investment, and innovation.

“Further, as evidenced in other jurisdictions, this type of tax hike will not yield such expected tax dollars to the State Treasury because it will result in diminishing returns through a consumer shift away from the licensed and regulated providers and back to the unregulated and illegal, offshore online businesses from which the state derives no revenue.  The licensed operators offer substantial incentives to the public to make them more attractive than the unlicensed offshore websites.  This proposed tax increase would significantly impair the licensed operator’s ability to offer those incentives and therefore make it harder for them to compete with the unlicensed and untaxed market.  A consumer shift back to the unregulated operators will not only lead to increased untaxed wagering but will also result in individuals playing in an unregulated environment that does not offer the same protections for consumers that our licensed online gaming partners provide.

“These are very challenging times for the Atlantic City casino industry and its employees. Tourism is down and visitation has decreased at our brick-and-mortar casinos. As a destination resort, Atlantic City has still not recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent gaming revenue reports show that six of nine casinos have not returned to pre-pandemic gaming levels. This unnecessary tax proposal, against the backdrop of a weakened economic climate, would jeopardize our properties and ultimately hurt the working-class people it supports. We strongly urge lawmakers to oppose any legislation, including this bill, that would deter business and hinder our ongoing efforts to transform Atlantic City into a leading beachfront resort destination.”

Commerce & Industry Association of New Jersey President Anthony Russo

“While we appreciate the Governor’s tax credit for businesses manufacturing products in New Jersey, more needs to be done to reduce those taxes and costs for all businesses that provide private sector jobs.  New Jersey businesses provide a good quality of life for our residents through creating private sector jobs.”

New Jersey Chamber of Commerce President Tom Bracken

“After warnings that the proposed 2026 state budget would contain significant cuts, at first glance, it closely mirrors those in each of our last seven years. It includes additional spending and increases in programs bolstering the “fairer” side of our economy, but once again, little assistance to the business community to enable them to generate the sustainable revenue needed to pay for everything.

“For years, the business community has warned that increasing state spending, plus a lack of recurring revenue, would lead us to fiscal imbalance. You cannot increase spending by more than 65% over eight years without a balanced emphasis on sustainable, organic revenue growth through the expansion of our business community. That has not happened in the governor’s two terms and revenue is declining.

“Expenses up-revenue down does not work and never will. Even though the governor is reducing some overhead, there is an old saying: You cannot cut your way – or tax your way – to prosperity.

“We need pro-business legislation to create significant economic growth and the prosperity we deserve.”