Senator zwicker secures funding for nj tourette syndrome initiatives — Rutgers flag. Photo by Photo 35381409 © Mira Agron

TRENTON – In a move praised by healthcare advocates, the NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders (NJCTS) and the Tourette Syndrome Clinic at Rutgers University will receive significant funding thanks to the efforts of Senator Andrew Zwicker.

The funding, part of the FY 2025 budget, restores and increases support for these critical resources in New Jersey.

The FY 2025 budget resolution championed by Senator Zwicker not only reinstates the previous year’s grant-in-aid for NJCTS but also provides additional funds to the NJCTS Tourette Syndrome Clinic at Rutgers University. This clinic, unique in the nation, combines treatment with education, operating as a university-based, stand-alone clinic that also serves as a teaching practicum for student clinicians.

NJCTS, established in 2004 in partnership with Rutgers University, remains the only entity in New Jersey dedicated to supporting families impacted by Tourette Syndrome and related disorders. “Tourette Syndrome, which affects individuals from all walks of life, is still highly stigmatized and misunderstood,” stated Senator Zwicker, representing Middlesex, Mercer, Somerset, and Hunterdon counties.

He emphasized the importance of the center’s work in reducing stigma and connecting those affected with educators and medical professionals.

The enhanced funding will allow the center and its clinic to continue their vital work and expand educational opportunities for graduate students. Hilary Kruchowy, Executive Director of NJCTS, expressed deep gratitude for the support, noting the broad impact of Tourette Syndrome on families and communities and the importance of state support in continuing their advocacy and educational efforts.

Shore News Network Latest posts

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.