South Jersey Deserves Its Fair Share: No More Second-Class Status in State Funding

Glassboro – We recognize that there is significant budget uncertainty coming out of Washington DC, and in Trenton, we know already it’s going to be a tough budget cycle. But as Gov. Murphy prepares to deliver his budget address next Tuesday, we are asking him to remember the needs of the Third Legislative District – including Gloucester, Salem, and Cumberland Counties. Finally commit to fair funding that would put our region on par with the rest of the state.

For far too long, South Jersey has been treated like an afterthought in New Jersey’s budget process. While North Jersey gets the lion’s share of funding for education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development, South Jersey’s schools struggle, our roads crumble, and our higher education institutions fight for scraps. That must end now.

It’s time to end the status quo where state dollars flow north while our students, workers, and families get left behind. We demand action in the following areas:

1. K-12 EDUCATION: FUND OUR SCHOOLS LIKE THEY MATTER

South Jersey’s students are just as deserving as those in North Jersey, yet our school districts are consistently underfunded. We demand:

• Full and fair school funding for our districts to close the persistent funding gaps that hurt our students.
• More investment in special education to ensure every child gets the resources they need.
• Real support for mental health services in our schools to address the growing crisis affecting young people.

2. HEALTHCARE: SOUTH JERSEY CAN’T WAIT

Healthcare access should not depend on geography. Our District has just one hospital system – Inspira Health – where more investment is critical, before it’s too late. We need:

• An end to Medicaid reimbursement cuts that disproportionately impact South Jersey’s rural hospitals, care facilities for the disabled, and healthcare facilities that already operate on thin margins or at a loss. Continued cuts threaten access to critical healthcare services, which are forcing hospitals and other facilities to reduce staff, limit services, or even close their doors.
• State funding to expand healthcare facilities in rural and underserved communities.
• More resources for mental health and addiction treatment to fight the opioid crisis and provide care for those who need it most.
• A fair share of state healthcare dollars so South Jersey residents don’t have to cross the river for quality care.

3. TRANSPORTATION: FIX OUR ROADS AND INVEST IN PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

South Jersey’s infrastructure is failing while billions are spent upgrading transportation in the northern part of the state. It’s time to:

• Fully fund long-overdue road and bridge repairs that have been ignored for too long.
• Develop reliable and affordable transit options to get people safely to work, school and medical appointments, especially in rural areas.
• Invest in regional transportation planning for the future and improve regional connectivity.

4. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: STOP IGNORING SOUTH JERSEY BUSINESSES

Small businesses are the backbone of South Jersey’s economy, yet they don’t get the same level of state support as businesses up north. This year’s budget must include:

• More investment in workforce development programs to connect local businesses with skilled workers.
• State funding for business growth initiatives that empower entrepreneurs in South Jersey.
• Targeted infrastructure investments in our communities to boost tourism and long-term economic stability.

5. HIGHER EDUCATION: STOP SHORTCHANGING SOUTH JERSEY’S COLLEGE STUDENTS

Rowan University, Stockton University, and the community colleges of South Jersey are the economic drivers of our region. Yet state funding fails to reflect their importance. This year, the budget must include:

• Full funding for the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) and Tuition Aid Grants (TAG) so low-income students in our region aren’t denied access to higher education.
• Increased investment in South Jersey’s higher education institutions to support research and innovation, as well as workforce training and education.
• More support for Workforce Development Boards and career training programs that prepare students for high-paying jobs in high-demand fields like healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and construction trades.

THE TIME FOR TALK IS OVER: SOUTH JERSEY DEMANDS ACTION

We will not sit quietly while our schools, roads, hospitals, and businesses continue to be underfunded. The time for action is now.

We understand the challenges of this budget year, with federal funding uncertainties adding to the strain. But that can no longer be an excuse to overlook our District and South Jersey yet again. As the Governor delivers his budget address next Tuesday, we urge him to ensure the families, employers, schools and hospitals of South Jersey get the fair funding they deserve.