Sherrill Unveils Fiscally Responsible $60.7B NJ Budget

Governor touts plan to close $3B deficit without tax hikes, but Republicans criticize lack of cuts

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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In her first budget address, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill presented a $60.7 billion spending plan that closes a $3 billion structural deficit without raising taxes. However, Republican lawmakers like Assemblyman Chris DePhillips criticized the budget for not going far enough, arguing Sherrill should have proposed cutting the corporate business tax or sales tax.

Why it matters

Sherrill's budget proposal reflects a philosophical divide between the Democratic governor and Republican legislators over the role of government spending and taxation. While Sherrill touts the plan as "fiscally sensible," Republicans view it as more of the same from the previous administration.

The details

Sherrill's budget would reduce the income eligibility cap for the Stay NJ property tax relief program from $500,000 to $250,000 per year, which she says will save taxpayers hundreds of millions. The governor also wants to eliminate "Christmas Tree" grants awarded to lawmakers' pet projects at the last minute. Additionally, Sherrill discussed consolidating school programs as a way to save money, though past efforts at school district and municipal consolidation have faced significant political hurdles.

  • Sherrill presented her inaugural budget address on Tuesday afternoon.
  • The $60.7 billion budget plan would close a $3 billion structural deficit.

The players

Mikie Sherrill

The Democratic governor of New Jersey, presenting her first budget proposal.

Chris DePhillips

A Republican Assemblyman from Bergen County who criticized Sherrill's budget for not going far enough in cutting taxes.

Brian Rumpf

A Republican Assemblyman from Ocean County who sarcastically noted that Sherrill highlighted a Pennsylvania resident in her speech.

Tracy Porter

A union worker building the Gateway tunnel project who Sherrill highlighted as an example of someone who can't afford to live in New Jersey.

Donald DiFrancesco, Jim McGreevey, Chris Christie

Three former New Jersey governors who attended Sherrill's budget address.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.