ACR118

A Concurrent Resolution respectfully urging the Governor to declare a public health emergency due to the ongoing implementation of the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”

Whereas, HR1, also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” Pub. L. 119-21, was passed by the federal government and became law, on July 4, 2025; and

Whereas, Despite the attempts at patriotism and positive messaging, the consequences of the federal law will be anything but beautiful and will have a harmful impact on middle- and working-class American people; and

Whereas, The federal law includes over $1 trillion in cuts to federal health care programs administered by the states; and

Whereas, New Jersey State could face cuts to SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, and other socio-economic programs aimed at uplifting and supporting low-income households; and

Whereas, New Jersey continues to pay the federal government more than its fair share of federal taxes; and

Whereas, For the 2024 fiscal year, the State paid the federal government approximately $68 billion more than it received back in federal funding—at a time when the State’s homeless population is increasing and social services funded partially through federal funds are needed and desired; and

Whereas, As the “One Big Beautiful Act” goes into effect, the approximately 42.7 million student loan borrowers who hold student loan debt and will be forced to pay back their loans or have their wages garnished amid rising inflation costs, potentially putting them in need of social programs that will soon cease to exist; and

Whereas, Additionally, by eliminating most income-based repayment plans of federal student loans for new borrowers, the bill targets those seeking socio-economic mobility; and

Whereas, The law will cause the State to raise less revenue while still obligating the State to pay more than its fair share of taxes to the federal government; and

Whereas, The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” is harmful to the American people and the Governor should take appropriate action to protect our State and our citizens; now, therefore

Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey (the Senate concurring):

1. The New Jersey State Legislature respectfully urges the Governor to declare a public health emergency and take any additional actions necessary to protect the State’s citizens from the ill effects of the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”

2. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of the State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly or the Secretary of the Senate to the Office of the Governor and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.

STATEMENT

This resolution urges the Governor of New Jersey to declare a public health emergency due to the ongoing roll-out of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” The act includes over $1 trillion in cuts to health care programs and social services programs.

As a result of the federal act, the State could face cuts to SNAP, WIC, and Medicaid while New Jersey continues to pay a disproportionate share in federal taxes—often receiving several billions less in federal funds compared to the taxes the State pays to the federal government. In 2024, the State received approximately $68 billion less in federal aid than it paid to the federal government in taxes.

The federal act also increases the fiscal burden of the states for administration of federal programs in certain circumstances – potentially cutting into the revenues of the State. Consequently, the Governor should take appropriate action to protect our State and our citizens against the harmful impact of the “One Big Beautiful Act” on the State’s middle- and working-class citizens.