Senate Budget Officer Declan O’Scanlon, along with fellow Republican Senators Michael Testa, Doug Steinhardt, and Carmen Amato Jr., criticized the current budget process in New Jersey. They expressed concerns about tax increases and spending practices that they claim are not transparent.
“Our budget process is an absolute mess,” stated Sen. O’Scanlon. He pointed to a $3 billion structural deficit and other financial issues as evidence of poor management over the past seven years.
Sen. Testa echoed these sentiments, accusing Democrats of pushing through a “bloated, pork-filled budget” without proper oversight. He criticized the increase in taxes and fees, claiming it worsens the state’s financial situation.
As potential government shutdown looms, Sen. Steinhardt noted that negotiations are stalled and questioned whether lawmakers would see a draft budget before voting on it. He criticized what he sees as a lack of transparency from Trenton Democrats.
Sen. Amato highlighted the impact on schools and towns due to funding cuts and called for new leadership focused on students and taxpayers.
The statements reflect ongoing tension between Republican senators and Democratic leadership over fiscal policy in New Jersey.
