Mikie Sherrill delivers first budget address as New Jersey governor
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill delivered her first budget address since taking office.
The Democratic governor on Tuesday outlined her Administration’s plan to make the Garden State more affordable, protect children’s futures, and improve government accountability and transparency.
Sherrill proposed a $60.7 billion budget, slightly up 1.6% from last year’s state budget. She is proposing to spend more than the state takes in, but New Jersey is dealing with a $3 billion structural deficit, which means making some cuts.
In addition, Sherrill is proposing $2 billion in spending cuts, including reductions in corporate tax breaks.
The governor also wants to make changes to a property tax relief program for seniors. The eligibility would change, so it caps income to quality at 250,000 instead of 500,000, and the most you’d be able to get in relief is 4,000. That’s a fraction of what it would be otherwise.
Sherrill said that, given New Jersey’s financial situation, not taking action now would lead to worse consequences in the future.
“It could mean blunt cuts to public services, for everything from school funding to pensions,” Sherrill said. “It could mean credit downgrades and higher interest rates, pushing us deeper into debt. And it could mean tax hikes for businesses and families. I won’t let that happen. I refuse to put off for tomorrow what we have to fix today.”
The budget will go toward education, $12.4 billion for K through 12, and a focus on youth and mental health.
“Evidence shows the huge benefits of shared services for things like special education, transportation, books, and software,” said Sherill.
$33 million will go towards what are called spark grants for mental health services, and $ 500,000 will go towards a social media research center.
Sherrill, a four-term congresswoman and former Navy helicopter pilot, was sworn in as the 57th governor of New Jersey in January 2026.
She is the second woman to lead the state of nearly 9.5 million people and the first female military veteran to be elected governor of any U.S. state.
