The ACLU of New Jersey has called on Governor Murphy and the state legislature to focus on equity and justice in the fiscal year 2026 budget. The organization is advocating for increased funding in several key areas.
The ACLU-NJ proposes allocating $19.5 million to provide legal representation for immigrants facing detention and deportation. Additionally, they recommend $3 million to support language access implementation. Further funding is sought for the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice priorities, including initiatives like Cover All Kids and legal representation for unaccompanied children.
The organization also calls for a $4 million allocation to support the Salvation & Social Justice street team. Another priority is enhancing transparency and accountability in the cannabis community reinvestment process, ensuring that revenue from cannabis sales tax benefits communities most affected by marijuana criminalization rather than law enforcement.
Sarah Fajardo, Policy Director at ACLU-NJ, stated: “A state’s budget reflects its values and most pressing priorities. For our state to move toward a more inclusive future, it is essential that lawmakers put racial and social justice at the core of the budget process. New Jersey can set a national example by building a budget that prioritizes equity and truly invests in our communities.”
