TRENTON, N.J. – Senate Republican members of the New Jersey Budget Committee are urging significant changes to Governor Phil Murphy’s proposed state budget, criticizing what they describe as excessive spending, looming tax increases, and politically driven funding decisions.
Senators Declan O’Scanlon (R-13), Michael Testa (R-1), Doug Steinhardt (R-23), and Carmen Amato (R-9) issued a joint statement and detailed letter on Thursday, calling for Democrats to consider long-standing GOP proposals aimed at improving affordability, enhancing transparency, and curbing fiscal imbalances.
“While we have come to the sad realization that we will have to wait until after the next election to be able to work with a Governor who will give us a seat at the budget table, it’s not too late for you to finally take our proposals seriously,” the senators wrote.
The Republican proposal opposes more than $2 billion in projected tax, fee, and fare hikes, including what they labeled “regressive fun taxes” on recreation, increased costs on home sales, health care, and technology services. They argue these measures disproportionately affect working residents.
GOP senators highlight spending concerns and funding disparities
The senators cited examples of what they describe as wasteful spending added to the budget over the past three years, including over $100 million directed toward items such as a minor league baseball stadium, a local tiki bar, a lacrosse association, and various clubs. They claim these funds should be redirected toward unmet needs.
They also reiterated proposed reforms such as ending pension loopholes, recovering hospital overpayments, investing state assets more effectively, and addressing taxation issues for New Jersey residents working in New York.
The GOP legislators further criticized the current school funding model, claiming it shortchanges districts that have seen aid cuts for seven consecutive years. They advocate restoring formula-based aid and accuse the Murphy administration of redirecting those funds based on political favoritism.
In addition, they called for increased funding for services supporting the state’s most vulnerable populations, including EMS responders, county colleges, the disability community, and organizations like the Rutgers Cancer Institute and the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome.
