Tonanziht Aguas

Tonanziht Aguas (toe-NAHN-see AH-gwas) (she/her) is a Policy Analyst and State Policy Fellow at New Jersey Policy Perspective, where she focuses on economic security and conducts research to advance policies that strengthen stability for New Jersey families.

New Census Data on Poverty and Health Coverage Needs a Careful Read

October 30, 2026 • Economic Justice, Health
On October 29, the U.S. Census Bureau released the 2025 American Community Survey (ACS) 1-Year Estimates, a release delayed from its usual September date by a U.S. Department of Commerce administrative order. The data show New Jersey’s poverty rate fell to 8.7 percent. The child poverty rate was [...]

New Jersey Should Keep Families Connected to Food and Health Assistance Benefits

October 27, 2026 • Economic Justice, Health
Testimony from NJPP Policy Analysts Tonanziht Aguas and Jennifer Spiegel urging state leaders to protect SNAP and Medicaid.

Meals as Fuel: Federal Cuts Put Free School Lunch at Risk for New Jersey Kids

October 15, 2026 • Economic Justice
Every student deserves the nourishment that helps them show up ready to learn each day. National School Lunch Week is a reminder that school meals keep students focused, healthy, and engaged in the classroom. But recent federal changes to key safety net programs could put free and reduced-price [...]

A Solid First Budget, but New Jersey Still Needs Revenue That Lasts

July 16, 2026 • Tax and Budget
Gov. Sherrill made real progress on the deficit, but the toughest choices are waiting for next year.

A Safety Net in Retreat: An Obstacle Course Known as TANF

April 23, 2026 • Economic Justice, Tax and Budget
New Jersey's top cash assistance program is long overdue for reform so it can reach the families it was designed to serve.

TANF Explained: New Jersey’s Safety Net Steadily Falls Short

April 21, 2026 • Economic Justice
New Jersey’s main cash assistance program for families hasn’t kept pace with the cost of living for decades.

How Gov. Sherrill’s Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Measures Up

March 11, 2026 • Tax and Budget
NJPP's research team evaluates whether Governor Murphy's final budget proposal sufficiently advances economic, social, and racial justice.

What to Look for in the New Jersey Budget for Fiscal Year 2027

March 3, 2026 • Tax and Budget
Ahead of Governor Sherrill's first budget address, here are key benchmarks to evaluate whether the budget sufficiently addresses fiscal challenges while aligning with the values of expanding opportunity for all.

Census 2024: Economic Gains Bypass Many New Jersey Communities

October 21, 2025 • Economic Justice
Nearly one in 10 New Jerseyans still lived below the poverty level last year.