New Jersey Lawmakers Fast-Track $128 Million Spending Plan as Legislative Term Nears End

Democratic lawmakers quickly approved a $128 million spending bill as the legislative session nears its end, prompting Republican criticism and reigniting Trenton debates over transparency and fiscal priorities.

Two key state bodies approved the funding plan, which allocates millions of dollars to municipal, county, and state projects, late Thursday night with less than an hour’s notice. The vote came less than two weeks before Governor Phil Murphy leaves office and days before the legislature session ends at noon Tuesday, surprising minority party lawmakers and at least one government watchdog group.

End-of-session action is normal in state legislatures, but Republicans called this move hasty. As the Republican Senate budget officer for 15 years, Monmouth County State Senator Declan O’Scanlon stated he had never witnessed such rapid approval of spending. He wondered why the state would make new financial obligations when it has a multibillion-dollar structural shortfall and Medicaid budget deficits.

The approved package includes prominent allocations. State Economic Development Authority receives $25 million for a new supercomputer. A further $26 million is allocated for FIFA World Cup host committee promotional events. Tammy Murphy, First Lady, chairs that committee.

Major financing goes to county initiatives. Eight Democratic stronghold counties will share $54 million for development projects. Bergen County, home to Senate Budget Chairman Paul Sarlo, will get $12 million for Bergen New Bridge Medical Center capital improvements in Paramus. Senate President Nicholas Scutari’s Union County receives $9 million for undefined capital upgrades.

A proposed regional rehabilitation and reentry center serving Camden, Cumberland, and possibly surrounding inmates received $13 million. The plan allocates $10 million to Hudson County Schools of Technology.

Six months after Democratic leaders contributed $500 million in project financing to the state budget, this expenditure choice was made. That prior package included investments in Newark public schools, capital enhancements for New Jersey’s four-year institutions, and emergency medical responder training through one of the state’s hospital networks.

It passed the Assembly Appropriations Committee and Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee without Republican support. Senate President Nicholas Scutari and Assembly Budget Chair Eliana Pintor Marin sponsored it. Democratic congressional leadership spokespeople declined to comment after the late-night vote.

The Senate and General Assembly must pass and Governor Murphy sign the budget package before his term ends on January 20 for it to take effect. Both houses vote on Monday. Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill will be sworn in on January 20 when the two-year legislative term begins at noon Tuesday.

Senator O’Scanlon said he has been talking to Governor-elect Sherrill’s team, including her treasurer nominee, and is cautiously optimistic that the state would cut expenditure. Governor Murphy increased New Jersey’s state budget from $37.4 billion in 2018 to $58.8 billion in eight years.

The fast-tracked spending bill has become a focal point in the larger discourse about fiscal responsibility, legislative openness, and how New Jersey makes big financial decisions during political transitions as the final votes approach.