On Wednesday, June 17, CivicsNJ Steering Committee members Brandon McKoy (President, The Fund for New Jersey) and Nicholas Chiaravalotti (Former Assemblyman for District 31 and advisor to the Maher Family) led an interactive discussion about the New Jersey state budget process. With almost 10 million residents and a 2026 proposed budget of $60.6 billion, New Jersey ranks 22nd in the U.S. for spending. These numbers debunk the narrative of NJ’s out of control spending. The budget numbers are obviously important, but the power lies in the budget language.

While the high season around budgeting is February-June, the budgeting process takes place all year long. There is no budgeting season, but a budgeting life. When the budget is signed on June 30, work immediately begins on the next year’s budget. Meeting with constituents is critical to understand what’s important to them in order to advocate for their priorities.

There was consensus that New Jersey should lean into a more inclusive, transparent budget process, with the document easily accessible to the public on a website. 

This Exchange was full of compelling, critical information. Check out the recording here!