Sherrill Budget Grows Government to $60.7B While Taxpayers Struggle

Trenton, NJ — Assemblymen Erik Simonsen and Antwan McClellan (R–Cape May, Atlantic, Cumberland) criticized Governor Mikie Sherrill’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026 state budget, saying it continues a pattern of rising spending while offering little relief to taxpayers.

The proposal totals $60.7 billion, an increase of $1.57 billion over last year’s budget, and continues the rapid growth in state spending seen over the past several years.

“At $60.7 billion, this budget continues the same pattern of growing government while families are struggling with higher costs,” said Assemblyman Erik Simonsen. “New Jersey’s budget has already increased dramatically since Governor Murphy took office, and this proposal pushes spending even higher while the state runs a $3.5 billion deficit and drains the surplus to make the numbers work. That’s not fiscal discipline, and it does nothing to make New Jersey more affordable.”

Assemblyman Antwan McClellan said the state’s spending trajectory shows why taxpayers continue to face rising costs.

“In the nine years since Governor Christie’s last budget, state spending has increased by $26 billion—about 75 percent,” said McClellan. “This proposal continues that trend without delivering meaningful tax relief. Instead of expanding government again, we should be focused on controlling spending, strengthening our economy, and giving taxpayers the relief they deserve.”

Simonsen and McClellan said they will review the proposal during the legislative budget process and advocate for changes that prioritize affordability, fiscal responsibility, and transparency.

The assemblymen noted they have consistently opposed state budgets during their time in office, arguing that the budget has relied on unsustainable spending increases without delivering meaningful relief for taxpayers. They warned that if the same pattern continues during this year’s negotiations, the final budget could grow even larger before it is adopted.