On March 30, Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey (CCSNJ) Director of Government Affairs Hilary Chebra testified before the New Jersey Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee during the final public hearing on Fiscal Year 2027 New Jersey State Budget proposed by Governor Mikie Sherrill.

During her testimony, Ms. Chebra emphasized the importance of ensuring that state transportation investments benefit South Jersey communities, urging lawmakers to sustain funding for the SJ Connects micro-transit pilot program. The program is designed to expand transportation access and better connect workers to employment opportunities across the region.

Ms. Chebra also raised concerns about several proposed tax policies that could negatively impact employers. In particular, she highlighted the proposed Employer Healthcare Assistance Contribution, which would assess employers whose workers or their dependents are enrolled in NJ FamilyCare. She noted that eligibility for the program is determined by household circumstances that are often beyond an employer’s control.

The detailed budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2027 New Jersey State Budget is now available online through the New Jersey Department of the Treasury Office of Management and Budget.

The budget book includes summaries of appropriations, revenues, expenditures, and fund balances, along with department-by-department spending details and recommended budget language.

The Legislature will now move into departmental hearings, where agency heads appear before the Assembly and Senate Budget Committees to answer questions and provide testimony on their departments’ proposed budgets. CCSNJ will remain actively engaged throughout the budget process, which must conclude with a budget signed by the Governor by June 30.

To read the CCSNJ's written testimony on the budget, click here.

Please reach out to Hilary Chebra, Director, Government Affairs at hchebra@chambersnj.com if you have any questions.