TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey lawmakers approved $128 million in new spending with almost no public notice this week, funneling millions into a series of politically connected projects just days before Governor Phil Murphy leaves office. The surprise appropriations package — passed in a rushed, end-of-session vote — is drawing criticism from transparency advocates and state Republicans who are calling it a “budget ambush.”
The bill, added quietly to a broader spending measure, cleared the Legislature in a matter of hours without public comment or committee hearings. Lawmakers confirmed the allocations include tens of millions in discretionary funding for county projects, technology upgrades, and promotional events tied to the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Among the largest line items is $26 million directed to a World Cup promotional committee chaired by former First Lady Tammy Murphy, a move that immediately sparked scrutiny from both parties. Other allocations include $25 million for a state-owned supercomputer, $12 million for hospital improvements in Bergen County, $9 million for Union County capital projects, $13 million for a regional jail reentry center in Camden and Cumberland Counties, and $10 million for Hudson County Schools of Technology.
Republican lawmakers denounced the action, accusing Democratic leadership of abusing its lame-duck authority and concealing major spending decisions from taxpayers. “This was a deliberate attempt to hide millions in politically driven projects,” one GOP legislator said after the vote. “The public had no opportunity to review or comment — this is exactly the kind of last-minute deal-making that destroys confidence in Trenton.”
Democratic leaders defended the appropriations, arguing the funds were essential to advancing economic and infrastructure priorities before the administration transitions to Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill. They maintained that the process complied with state budget laws and that end-of-session amendments are a longstanding legislative practice.
Supporters of the bill said the additional spending ensures continuity for projects that would otherwise lose federal or state matching funds if delayed until the next fiscal year. “These are strategic investments in infrastructure, education, and workforce development,” one Democratic lawmaker said. “This is about finishing what we started.”
Still, government watchdog organizations have condemned the move for its lack of transparency, saying the vote undermines public trust. Groups such as the New Jersey Policy Perspective and the state’s chapter of the League of Women Voters have called for an independent review of the process used to insert the spending items into the bill.
Budget analysts say the timing and scope of the appropriations reflect a pattern seen in previous lame-duck sessions, but the scale of this year’s additions — particularly those tied to the First Lady’s World Cup initiative — make it unusually contentious.
Governor Murphy, whose second term ends later this month, has not commented publicly on the spending package. His office also did not respond to questions about the $26 million allocation connected to his wife’s committee.
- Lawmakers approved $128 million in new spending with less than an hour of public notice
- $26 million of the funds will go to a World Cup committee chaired by First Lady Tammy Murphy
- Critics called the move a “budget ambush,” while Democrats said it secures key investments before a change in administration
