New Jersey

What Are the Budget Issues Facing New Jersey?

In 2009, New Jersey faces a $4.6 billion budget gap representing 14.2% of the general fund. In 2010, New Jersey is looking at another $4.0 billion shortfall, 12.3% of the general fund.

What the Federal Stimulus Proposal Will Mean for Children in New Jersey

The economic stimulus recently passed by the United States Congress and signed into law by the Obama Administration will provide significant investment in the health, education, and safety of America’s children over the next two years. It also provides significant support to their parents and grandparents. Highlights include:

• $2,220,000,000 in relief for New Jersey’s Medicaid costs. Medicaid provides health care coverage for low-income children and seniors.
• $1,088,300,000 in relief to the state of New Jersey to prevent cuts to programs for school-aged children.
• $265,700,000 for the Title I academic achievement of the disadvantaged program.
• $365,400,000 services to children with disabilities in Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funding.
• $63,400,000 for other education programs in New Jersey’s schools.
• $297,000,000 in food stamps for 473,000 New Jersey men, women, and children.
• $41,200,000 in emergency shelter grants for 5,900 households.
• 253,000 New Jersey children will benefit from the child tax credit provisions of the legislation.
• $34,106,012 in Emergency Child Care and Development Block Grant funds to provide child care to 4,740 New Jersey children.
• An increase in unemployment benefits to 730,943 New Jersey families.
• $35,900,000 in additional child support enforcement matching funds.
• $21,000,000 in youth training employment services.

How Have New Jersey’s Senators Have Voted on Important Children’s Legislation in 2009?
Frank Lautenberg (D)

Robert Menendez (D)

Sources: State Budget Information, Stimulus Information