New Jersey Policy Perspective produces independent research and analysis on policy solutions to advance social, economic, and racial justice. From data-driven reports to policy briefs and explainers, we work to provide lawmakers, legislative staff, advocates, community leaders, and reporters with the facts and figures behind the most pressing policy issues facing the Garden State.

Blog

A LI“HEAP” of Trouble: Slashing Federal Utility Assistance Will Hurt New Jersey Seniors, Families, and Working-Class Households

April 23, 2025 • Peter Chen • Economic Justice
Ahead of record-high energy costs expected this summer, lawmakers must protect energy assistance for New Jersey's low-income families.
Testimony

End the Unjust Subminimum Wage for Tipped Workers

April 10, 2025 • Peter Chen • Economic Justice
Testimony from NJPP Senior Policy Analyst Peter Chen in support of eliminating subminimum wage for tipped workers.
Report

New Jersey Pensions Are the Least Generous in the U.S. For New Teachers

March 26, 2025 • Mark Weber • Education
As the state struggles with a growing teacher shortage, quality retirement benefits are a major barrier to recruitment and retention.
Blog

Dismantling U.S. Dept. of Ed. is Costly and Inefficient for New Jersey

March 20, 2025 • Mark Weber • Education
Trump Administration efforts to dismantle USED would have far-reaching and long-term disastrous effects for communities across New Jersey.
Testimony

Legislature Must Raise Revenue, Support Working Families in FY 2026 Budget

March 19, 2025 • Peter Chen • Tax and Budget
Testimony of Peter Chen, Senior Policy Analyst, in support of raising sustainable, equitable revenue for the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Proposal
Blog

Medicaid Cuts and Red Tape Jeopardize Health Care for Over 750,000 New Jerseyans

March 13, 2025 • Peter Chen • Health
Harmful federal proposals undermine affordability, strain the state’s budget, and put New Jerseyans at risk of losing health insurance.
Blog

From Health Care to Highways: How Federal Funding Shapes New Jersey

March 12, 2025 • Alex Ambrose • Tax and Budget
Federal budget cuts would lead to reductions in state agency funding and essential services that New Jersey families rely on.
Report

How the Governor’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Measures Up

March 5, 2025 • Peter Chen • Tax and Budget
NJPP's research team evaluates whether Governor Murphy's final budget proposal sufficiently advances economic, social, and racial justice.
Blog

Federal Funding Cuts Threaten New Jersey’s Residents

February 21, 2025 • Nicole Rodriguez • Tax and Budget
Cuts to federal funding for state programs to fund tax breaks for corporations and the ultra-wealthy could harm millions of New Jerseyans.
Report

What to Look for in the New Jersey Budget for Fiscal Year 2026

February 19, 2025 • Peter Chen • Tax and Budget
Ahead of Governor Murphy’s final budget address, here are key benchmarks and priorities to evaluate whether the budget sufficiently advances economic, social, and racial justice.
Blog

Boost Family Tax Credits to Boost Affordability

February 5, 2025 • Peter Chen • Economic Justice, Tax and Budget
New Jersey should expand the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit to help families struggling to make ends meet.
Blog

Extending Trump Tax Cuts Would Benefit the Wealthiest New Jerseyans

February 3, 2025 • Peter Chen • Tax and Budget
New tax plan would make the wealthiest New Jerseyans richer while cutting programs for families who need help affording basic necessities.
Hoboken, New Jersey, USA - New Jersey Transit commuter train at the Erie Lackawanna rail terminal in Hoboken New Jersey
Blog

Corporate Transit Fee Should Only Go to NJ Transit

January 28, 2025 • Alex Ambrose • Transportation
Dedicated CTF revenue will ensure that NJ Transit can continue to serve as a lifeline for residents and support economic growth.
Blog

Expand Anti-Poverty Programs to Help Families in Crisis

January 22, 2025 • Brittany Holom-Trundy • Economic Justice, Tax and Budget
Lawmakers should increase outdated TANF grant amounts in the FY 2026 budget to support hard-working New Jersey families.
Blog

End Predatory Prison Communication Fees

January 15, 2025 • Marleina Ubel • Economic Justice, Public Safety
Accessible and affordable prison communications are vital for family connections, supporting human dignity, and ensuring successful reentry.
Blog

Combating Surveillance and Protecting Privacy: Why New Jersey Needs the Immigrant Trust Act

November 26, 2024 • Marleina Ubel • Immigrants' Rights
Federal immigration enforcement collects sensitive data to track, target, and separate families. The Immigrant Trust Act would limit what information can be shared.
Explainer

Immigrants are a Vital Part of New Jersey’s Future

November 26, 2024 • NJPP Staff • Economic Justice, Immigrants' Rights
Just as we came together from different places and races to build New Jersey in past decades, a strong future for our state includes immigrants.
Report

Understaffed and Underfunded: Barriers to Effective Anti-Poverty Assistance

November 25, 2024 • Brittany Holom-Trundy • Economic Justice
Declining staffing and increasing caseloads hurt social service workers' ability to assist New Jersey residents.
Testimony

New Jersey Department of Human Services Can Secure Support for Residents Ahead of Uncertain Federal Policy Landscape

November 19, 2024 • Brittany Holom-Trundy • General
Testimony from Senior Policy Analyst Dr. Brittany Holom-Trundy with recommendations for New Jersey Department of Human Services.
Report

Fair and Square: Changing New Jersey’s Tax Code to Promote Equity and Fiscal Responsibility

November 14, 2024 • Peter Chen • Economic Justice, Tax and Budget
Reforming New Jersey’s tax system would reduce income inequality and provide revenues needed for public investments to make the state more affordable.
Testimony

New Jersey’s Ballot Design Should Prioritize Transparency, Fairness, and Accessibility

November 7, 2024 • Peter Chen • Democracy and Media
Testimony from NJPP Senior Policy Analyst Peter Chen before the Assembly Select Committee on Ballot Design.
Blog

New Jersey’s Prescription Drug Price Council Must Act To Build on Federal Progress

October 9, 2024 • Brittany Holom-Trundy • Health
Allowing the Prescription Drug Affordability Council to begin work will help make medicine more affordable for more New Jerseyans.
Blog

Beyond the Pandemic: New Data Reveals Growing Health Insurance Coverage Gaps

September 26, 2024 • Brittany Holom-Trundy • Health
Significant increases in uninsured New Jerseyans highlight gaps in coverage and potential threats to health care progress.
Report

Reforming School Funding in New Jersey: Equity For Taxpayers, Excellence For Students

September 24, 2024 • Bruce Baker • Education
Adjusting SFRA to provide more funding to the highest-poverty districts will enable students to meet current, more rigorous education standards.
Blog

Taxing “Super Luxury” Home Sales Could Make New Jersey Affordable for More Residents

September 10, 2024 • Peter Chen • Economic Justice, Tax and Budget
Increasing the fee on sales of homes sold for over $1 million could raise revenue to help pay for vital public programs.

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