TRENTON – Senate President Steve Sweeney, Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, Senate Budget Chair Paul Sarlo, Senator Sandra Cunningham, Senator M. Teresa Ruiz and Senator Nick Scutari issued the following joint statement on Governor Phil Murphy’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2019:
“This is the first budget plan by the new Governor and it includes many Democratic priorities that continue or expand upon policies that we have fought for in recent years. We look forward to building on our progress where we can. It also includes many ambitious proposals that are appealing, but will require thorough review and consideration to determine if they are achievable. We will maintain an open mind throughout the budget process.
“Enacting a state budget is one of the most important responsibilities we have as public officials. Making decisions on how revenue is generated and how it is invested and allocated is a responsibility that demands the best judgement and the best intentions of the Legislature and the Governor. We have to strike a balance on costs and spending in ways that serve the best interests of the state. We must be mindful that our decisions will have a real-life impact on the people of New Jersey.
“That is why we are committed to a thorough and deliberative review of the Governor’s proposal by the Senate Budget Committee, studying all aspects of the plan while factoring in economic conditions and fiscal requirements. We will work with our colleagues in the Assembly and the administration to put in place a budget that addresses the state’s needs and improves future opportunities.”