SENATE BILL NO. 2026

To the Senate:

     Pursuant to Article V, Section I, Paragraph 15 of the New Jersey Constitution, I am appending to Senate Bill No. 2026, at the time of my signing it, my statement of items, or parts thereof, to which I object so that each item, or part thereof, so objected to shall not take effect.

     I am pleased to have reached a comprehensive deal with my partners in the Legislature concerning the State’s spending plan for Fiscal Year 2026.  After many months of negotiations, we have crafted a budget that supports the State’s spending needs for the fiscal year.  With this budget, my final as Governor of the State of New Jersey, we have shown that it is possible to construct a responsible spending plan that provides record levels of direct and indirect property tax relief, delivers a full pension payment, fully funds public schools, provides considerable investments in our communities and economy, and maintains a robust surplus that cements New Jersey’s path to long-term fiscal stability.

I am making several changes to the bill before me to restore consistency with my original budget recommendations and with the comprehensive deal struck with my legislative partners concerning the State's spending plan for Fiscal Year 2026.  Accordingly, I am appending to Senate Bill No. 2026, at the time of my signing it, this statement of items, or parts thereof, to which I object and which shall not take effect.

                                   Respectfully,

     [seal]

                                   /s/ Philip D. Murphy

                                   Governor

Attest:

/s/ Kate E. McDonnell

Chief Counsel to the Governor