TRENTON, N.J. – Republican lawmakers from New Jersey’s 9th Legislative District criticized Governor Phil Murphy’s proposed FY2026 budget, arguing it exacerbates the state’s affordability crisis by increasing spending rather than prioritizing tax relief and school aid reform.
Senator Carmen Amato Jr., a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, said the budget fails to address rising costs for residents. “The state needs to control spending and give residents real property tax relief, not more government programs,” Amato said.
Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, serving on the Assembly Budget Committee, took issue with the administration’s handling of school funding. “The Governor spoke of reducing ‘volatility in the school funding process,’ thus admitting that his Administration has failed thousands of students, education professionals, and parents,” he said.
Assemblyman Gregory Myhre, a member of the Assembly Appropriations Committee, criticized what he called excessive government spending and tax hikes. “Governor Murphy has thrown jet fuel on New Jersey’s out-of-control spending inferno,” he said, pointing to firearm fee increases and other rising costs.
The legislators urged the administration to curb spending and provide tax relief, arguing that affordability remains a major issue for New Jersey residents.