New Jersey Citizen Action has called for increased transparency and public participation in the state's Fiscal Year 2026 budget process. Maura Collinsgru, the Director of Policy and Advocacy for the organization, emphasized the importance of these measures amid potential federal budget cuts proposed by the GOP.
"We appreciate that our elected state leaders face unprecedented challenges this fiscal year," said Collinsgru. "But should the proposed GOP federal budget cuts be enacted, whatever state budget is passed on June 30, it may need to be revisited in months to come."
Collinsgru expressed concern over the limited time available for review and feedback on the proposed state budget. "What is happening in Washington makes transparency and public engagement during this year’s budget process even more crucial," she stated. "We’re disappointed and frustrated that legislators, policy experts, advocates, and the general public will have little more than 48 hours to review and comment on the proposed budget before it’s adopted on Monday. With so much at risk, New Jerseyans deserve better."
She urged elected officials to prioritize public input in future legislative processes to ensure a comprehensive state budget that benefits all residents, especially vulnerable populations. "It is more important than ever that we maximize opportunities for public input to help ensure we have a state budget that works for all New Jerseyans, particularly our most vulnerable populations. We urge our elected leaders to ensure that all future legislative efforts have a robust public comment period."
New Jersey Citizen Action is an organization dedicated to advocacy and empowerment focused on social, racial, and economic justice across the state.
