Sweeney Statement on Budget Proposal

Trenton – Senate President Steve Sweeney issued the following statement today in response to the budget proposal offered by Governor Phil Murphy:

“This is a positive budget plan that takes meaningful steps in the right direction, but I remain opposed to the proposed tax increase.  I welcome the Governor’s willingness to work with the Legislature in a constructive and cooperative way.

“The spending plan embraces many of the initiatives and priorities of the legislative Democrats and can help build on the progress we have made.

“What is most notable about the Governor’s budget plan is that it includes some of the cost-saving initiatives that we identified to address the state’s chronic fiscal problems. This shows that fiscal reforms and budget savings are achievable.  There is more that can and should be done.

“This is the approach and the attitude that is needed to correct the structural fiscal problems that, left unaddressed, threaten to cripple our ability to provide the programs and services that are so important to the people of New Jersey. These savings will help to provide the resources for our shared priorities, including continued increases in education aid, Pre-K, higher education, a full pension payment and a boost for NJ Transit, among other Democratic priorities.

“We have to continue to make the reforms that will allow for investments that address the needs of the people, that make New Jersey a more affordable place to live and that ensure that government operates efficiently and effectively.

“It is now the Legislature’s responsibility to give the budget proposal a thorough review so that we can put a spending plan in place that makes the investments that will expand opportunities for everyone and move the state forward.”