Budget & Taxes (Appropriations) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2327: Increases FY2026 annual appropriation to DCF by $16.7 million to increase NJ FamilyCare monthly reimbursement rate paid to care management organizations.

This bill increases the FY2026 annual funding for New Jersey's Department of Children and Families (DCF) by $16.7 million to raise the monthly reimbursement rate paid to care management organizations (CMOs). Specifically, it raises the NJ FamilyCare reimbursement rate for CMO services from $1,032 to $1,200 per client starting in FY2026, with annual $100 increases until reaching $1,500 per client. CMOs - county-based agencies providing coordinated care for youth with complex behavioral health needs, substance use disorders, or developmental disabilities - are directly affected by this rate change. The funding adjustment ensures CMOs receive higher payments for services delivered under the NJ FamilyCare program.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

Sub-Topics Appropriations

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3990: Establishes NJHousing pilot program for rental assistance.

This bill establishes a 24-month pilot program providing monthly cash assistance to 300 low-income renters in New Jersey at risk of eviction. It targets households where rent consumes a high percentage of income ("rent burdened"), with eligibility based on income, rent burden, and eviction risk. Selected households receive direct monthly cash payments (no spending restrictions) calculated using a department formula, funded by a $6.55 million appropriation. The program includes random county-based lottery selection, public outreach, and post-program surveys to evaluate impact.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Appropriations Renters Tenant Rights

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 12, 2026

A 4030: Establishes grant program for reimbursement of tuition and fees for certain qualifying courses taken by farmers; appropriates $100,000.

This bill creates a New Jersey grant program to reimburse farmers for tuition and fees of approved courses related to farming, business, or agriculture. It directly affects farmers who own or operate a farm with at least $2,500 in annual sales, including both experienced farmers (10+ years) and new farmers (less than 10 years). Reimbursement percentages increase with course count: experienced farmers get 10-30% back, while new farmers receive 15-35% for qualifying courses. The program is funded by a $100,000 appropriation from the General Fund, administered by the Department of Agriculture.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 12, 2026

S 3471: Establishes New Jersey Veteran Gravesite Maintenance Grant Program in DVA.

This bill establishes a New Jersey Veteran Gravesite Maintenance Grant Program within the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). It provides grants to qualified nonprofit veterans' organizations (specifically 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) tax-exempt groups or federally chartered Veterans' Service Organizations) to help maintain veteran gravesites across the state. The DVA must develop application guidelines, monitor grant usage, require recipient reporting, and annually report program effectiveness to the Governor and Legislature. Funding for the program requires future legislative appropriation.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Appropriations Memorials & Recognition

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 19, 2026

A 4250: Makes supplemental appropriation of $2,500,000 to Salvation and Social Justice for "Return and Restore" Program.

This bill appropriates $2.5 million in supplemental funding from the General Fund to Salvation and Social Justice for its "Return and Restore" program. The funds will be administered by the Trenton Restorative Street Team (TRST), a community-based initiative that directly serves formerly incarcerated individuals in Trenton at risk of gang involvement or recidivism. Key provisions include providing comprehensive supportive services - such as outreach, counseling, and conflict mediation - through a team of trained workers, including former gang members and formerly incarcerated residents. The program aims to reduce gang-related activities, gun violence, and recidivism by addressing root causes in high-risk communities. This funding supplements existing state appropriations for the 2026 fiscal year and takes effect immediately.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Firearms

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2428: Establishes "Comprehensive Geriatric Fall Prevention Pilot Program" in DHS; appropriates $11.7 million.

This bill establishes a three-year "Comprehensive Geriatric Fall Prevention Pilot Program" within New Jersey's Department of Human Services, targeting at least 6,000 Medicaid recipients aged 60 or older (with a control group of 6,000) to reduce falls. It provides proven prevention services including individualized risk assessments, counseling, and rehabilitative care - tailored for high-risk seniors and Medicare-Medicaid dual eligibles - with funding from an $11.7 million appropriation. The program requires a review of Medicaid reimbursement policies and a cost-effectiveness evaluation within three years, aiming to lower healthcare costs by preventing falls, building on successful models from states like Pennsylvania and Florida.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Appropriations Medicaid Medicare

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2799: Establishes process for recovery of Superstorm Sandy aid overpayments and makes General Fund appropriation.

This bill creates a clear process for recovering overpaid Superstorm Sandy recovery funds from eligible homeowners. It requires the Department of Community Affairs to send detailed "Notice of Over-Disbursement" documents showing exactly which funds were overpaid, including a line-item breakdown. Homeowners then have 60 days to choose repayment options: pay in full immediately or set up a flexible 60-month payment plan with no minimum monthly payments. If they don't comply, unpaid debt transfers to the Division of Revenue. The bill directly affects Sandy-impacted homeowners who received duplicate federal aid under RREM or LMI programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2185: Requires public institutions of higher education to provide menstrual products in all campus buildings; appropriates $85,000 from General Fund to Office of Secretary of Higher Education.

This bill requires all public colleges and universities in New Jersey to provide free menstrual products (tampons and sanitary napkins) in all campus buildings, including women’s restrooms, all-gender restrooms, and at least one men’s restroom in locations like lecture halls, residence halls, and libraries. Institutions must offer a variety of products - regular to super-plus, ultra-thin to overnight, and allergy-friendly options - and install dispensers or maintain existing ones that provide free access. The bill also mandates educational materials about toxic shock syndrome and proper disposal, with the state covering all costs through an $85,000 appropriation to the Office of Higher Education. Public institutions must submit reimbursement requests for expenses incurred.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Higher Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 2, 2026

S 3707: Establishes EDA grant program to support increased business expenses incurred by certain businesses impacted by certain public highway projects; provides 50 percent sales and use tax exemption in impacted municipalities; appropriates $1 million.

This bill establishes a grant program administered by New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to reimburse small retail businesses (with 50 or fewer employees) for increased operating costs caused by public highway projects. It also provides a 50% sales and use tax exemption for eligible businesses in municipalities affected by these projects. The grants cover the difference between a business's normal operating expenses and the increased costs during the project's duration, requiring documentation of both periods. The program is funded by a $1 million appropriation, with applications reviewed by the EDA using criteria defined in the bill.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Appropriations Sales Tax Tax Incentives Roads & Highways

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 19, 2026

S 3582: Establishes Gold Star Family Scholarship Program; appropriates $100,000 from General Fund to Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.

S 3582 would establish a scholarship program for family members and legal guardians of New Jersey military personnel who died while on active duty. The program, initially funded by a $100,000 state appropriation, would provide undergraduate scholarships at New Jersey colleges and universities, with awards capped at the average tuition cost for four-year public institutions. The bill also creates two new funding sources: voluntary taxpayer contributions through state income tax returns and a $2 annual fee on personalized license plates.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Appropriations Income Tax State Budget Higher Education Student Financial Aid Veteran Education

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