(TRENTON) – Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin (D-Middlesex) released the following statement on the $36.5 billion budget sent by the Legislature to Gov. Murphy on Thursday:
“This budget represents months of hard work, dedication and a commitment to mitigating the financial burden that weighs heavy on the shoulders of New Jersey taxpayers. It represents our values and priorities as Democrats, and our responsibility to provide valuable services to our working families while reducing the cost of government.
“I commend Assembly Budget Chair Eliana Pintor-Marin and the rest of the budget committee for their tireless work and commitment to this process to ensure the budget we moved today meets the needs of our residents.
“This is a responsible budget based on sustainable revenues. It makes a considerable investment in education, restores the homestead rebate, expands the earned income tax credit, creates a Child and Dependent Tax Credit to help families with the rising cost of child care, and restores valuable social programs while minimizing the financial impact on our working families. This budget operates with the best interest of residents in mind.
“We have done our due diligence and put forth a budget we believe in and one that puts New Jersey on a path towards a revitalized economy.”