New Jersey residents can now review updated details of the proposed $60.74 billion state budget before lawmakers cast their final votes later this week.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced Monday, June 29, that the state’s online Budget Report Card has been updated to reflect changes approved by the Assembly Budget Committee and Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee as the Fiscal Year 2027 budget moves toward final passage.
The updated report provides what the governor describes as a more transparent look at how taxpayer dollars would be spent if the full Legislature approves the budget. Under the New Jersey Constitution, the budget bill must remain on legislators’ desks for one full calendar day before a final vote can take place.
The revised Budget Report Card includes the final proposed FY 2027 budget total of $60.74 billion, along with side-by-side comparisons showing how funding levels for state departments changed between the governor’s original March proposal and the version approved by legislative budget committees. It also includes a link to the budget bill language prepared by the Office of Legislative Services.
“New Jerseyans should be able to easily see how their tax dollars are spent and which programs they are funding,” Sherrill said. “That’s why we created the Report Card.”
She said the online resource is intended to serve as a “one stop shop” where residents can review a user-friendly summary of the state budget before it receives final legislative approval.
Sherrill also called the proposal “the most fiscally responsible in years,” saying it focuses on making life more affordable for residents while maintaining responsible spending. She said she looks forward to signing the budget in the coming days if it is approved by the Legislature.
Greater transparency
State Chief Operating Officer Kellie Doucette said the updated report is designed to improve accountability by allowing the public to better understand where state funding is being directed.
“The FY2027 Budget makes strategic investments to lower costs for families, strengthen our economy, and deliver high-quality services,” Doucette said. “The Budget Report Card demonstrates that we are taking the steps necessary to match those investments with greater accountability.”
She said updating the report before the Legislature’s final vote reflects the administration’s commitment to transparency and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
One-stop resource for residents
The Budget Report Card was created through Executive Order No. 5, which Sherrill signed on her first day in office. The public website is designed to help New Jersey residents see how state funding supports programs and services in their communities.
Administration officials said the report will continue to be updated as additional budget information becomes available from the Office of Legislative Services and as more detailed program information is added.
The website was previously updated in May to reflect revisions included in the governor’s budget update.
Residents can review the Budget Report Card at ReportCard.NJ.Gov.