Communities affected by the drug war faced a setback as the state Senate and Assembly passed an appropriations bill that increases the state's structural deficit. The bill rejects the Governor's proposal to raise the Social Equity Excise Fee (SEEF), which aimed to generate revenue for communities in need.
Marleina Ubel, Senior Policy Analyst at NJPP, expressed disappointment: “It is deeply disappointing that the Fiscal Year 2026 budget does not include the Governor’s proposal to increase the Social Equity Excise Fee (SEEF) to 15 percent. This omission represents a missed opportunity to make meaningful investments in the very communities that were most harmed by the War on Drugs."
Ubel highlighted that SEEF was established to support communities impacted by discriminatory drug policies. "By failing to raise the fee, we are choosing not to fully achieve that vision," she stated. She emphasized that increasing SEEF would strengthen New Jersey's commitment to equity and justice by funding programs and services that could make a significant difference.
"This is not just a matter of money — it is about making things right," Ubel added. She urged lawmakers to reconsider and move forward with a fee increase honoring SEEF’s mission.
