SENATE MILITARY AND VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 202

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: FEBRUARY 19, 2026

      The Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 202.

This bill requires the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy of Rutgers, The State University, through its Economic Advisory Service, to study the economic impact of the military installations in New Jersey to determine the overall impact of the installations upon the State gross domestic product. 

     The purpose of the analysis is to: provide data-driven insights to deliver a thorough understanding of the economic impacts of proposed operating and capital budgets for all military installations within the State, including direct and indirect impacts at the State and county levels; evaluate the benefits and provide an objective review of potential construction and infrastructure projects, military and civilian employment, and State and local tax generation; and support strategic decision-making to serve as a foundation for evidence-based resource allocation and long-term planning while identifying potential weaknesses and threats. 

     The Bloustein School is a recognized authority in this field and conducted similar studies in 2010 and 2013.  The new study will provide up-to-date information for State policymakers.  The insights derived from the analysis will enable informed, strategic, and impactful decisions that foster economic growth and prosperity. 

     The bill appropriates $155,000 to Rutgers, The State University, to perform the study. 

      This bill was prefiled for introduction in the 2026-2027 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.