I ran for Governor to build a stronger and fairer state that works for every family. The budget I signed today is a victory for the values and vision we share.

The simple question that should drive all of us in public office is this: Whose side are you on?

I am on the side of putting New Jersey’s families ahead of the wealthy, ahead of privileged insiders, and ahead of powerful special interests.

This budget makes a historic investment in public education, continues the progress of turning around NJ TRANSIT, and provides more direct property tax relief, among other worthy items.

This budget contains over $1 billion in real and sustainable savings, including innovative public-employee health care savings that our administration negotiated in good faith with our union partners through collective bargaining — the way these kinds of agreements should be done.

We are making the first payment into the state’s Rainy Day Fund in a decade, and taking further steps to secure the investments in the budget and New Jersey’s fiscal integrity.

I remain an optimist. I am resolved to make this a stronger and fairer state where every family can succeed, where innovators and world-class businesses come to make their future, and where people can live their dreams and reap the benefits of their hard work.

To the advocates who have been with us every step of the way driving the conversation about what we must do to invest in our middle class, I want to say thank you. I will continue to be an ally and a partner in the hard work to build a stronger and fairer state. That work continues, and I look forward to it.

The question all leaders must answer is: Whose side are you on? My answer is simple: Yours.

Sincerely,

Governor Phil Murphy