Rally Against ‘Huge Cuts’ In NJ Budget Planned This Week

NEW JERSEY — A coalition of progressive groups in New Jersey is planning a rally in Trenton this week to protest against potentially “huge cuts” to the state budget, advocates say.

The rally will take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20 at the Statehouse annex steps, organizers said. Learn more here.

According to “For the Many” – a coalition of more than 40 Garden State advocacy groups – here’s why the demonstration is taking place:

“This week, it was reported Governor [Phil] Murphy’s budget will include ‘huge cuts’ to vital programs to address a $3 billion budget shortfall. On Thursday, advocates will unite to call for bold action to pass a responsible budget that prioritizes raising new revenue over slashing essential services, raiding dedicated funds, or further draining the surplus. Meanwhile, federal lawmakers are pushing tax cuts for millionaires, billionaires, and wealthy corporations at the expense of Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, and other critical state funding that working families rely on.”

Speakers and participating groups will include New Jersey Policy Perspective, New Jersey Citizen Action, Make the Road New Jersey, Climate Revolution Action Network, New Jersey Communities United, and Housing & Community Development Network of New Jersey.

Organizers pointed to a recent study that found New Jersey would be able to raise nearly $4 billion more per year if it jacks up taxes for super-wealthy corporations and residents, hikes its sales tax and reforms its tax code. Read More: NJ Can Raise $4B By Taxing The Rich, Hiking Sales Tax: Study

“With the governor’s final budget address scheduled for Feb. 25, now is the time for action,” the coalition said.

• See Related: Medicaid Cuts, Billionaire Tax Breaks: NJ Reaction To House Budget

REPUBLICANS PITCH ‘DOGE OF NJ’

Meanwhile, several Republican lawmakers have pitched New Jersey's own version of the federal Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), claiming that state spending has grown out of control.

Assembly members Alex Sauickie and Christopher DePhillips have introduced legislation that would bring a version of DOGE to New Jersey, with the task of determining “how to better save public funds and how to implement greater efficiencies in government functions.”

The proposed New Jersey Delegation on Government Efficiency would be under the state auditor's office, and include up to 20 members of the public.

“Taxpayers want accountability for how their hard-earned money is spent,” DePhillips said. “And they do not want to read about the waste after the budget is already passed and signed.”

• See Related: Bringing DOGE To NJ Proposed By Lawmakers

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.