New Jersey lawmakers moved quickly Thursday night to advance a spending bill that adds more than $128 million to the state’s current budget, drawing criticism from opponents over the content and the way it was approved.
The supplemental appropriations measure cleared Senate and Assembly budget committees late in the evening, with no testimony allowed before final votes, according to New Jersey Monitor. The bill now heads to a floor vote in both chambers on Monday, the final voting day of the legislative session, before going to Governor Phil Murphy’s desk. If passed, it will be one of the last pieces of legislation signed by Murphy.
The legislation authorizes funding across dozens of statewide projects, from improving social services to major investments in technology and tourism. One of the largest sends $26 million to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority for event marketing, including up to $20 million tied to promote the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
New Jersey is hosting matches as part of the New York–New Jersey bid.
You can read the full bill here.
The vote broke down along party lines. Democrats, who control the legislature, backed the package in both committees. On the other side of the aisle, Republicans voted no, raising concerns about transparency and timing. Critics of the bill argue the spending was rushed through nearing the end of lengthy hearings, after many observers had already left the Statehouse.
Supporters described the bill as a mix of budget fixes, previously discussed projects, and administration-backed priorities.
The vote comes just six months after lawmakers approved a record-setting, $58 billion state budget, amid warnings about future fiscal pressures and potential federal funding cuts.
The new legislation is expected to pass, though Murphy has not yet indicated whether he will sign it. If signed, the supplemental bill would take effect immediately.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.