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.

Labor Day Snapshot: New Jersey’s Uneven Recovery

Just as the pandemic disproportionately harmed low-income workers and people of color, New Jersey’s pandemic recovery is similarly divided.

Friday Facts and Figures: September 3, 2021

Hurricane Ida was one of the deadliest storms in state history. New Jersey is on pace for record-breaking overdose deaths in 2021.

Redistricting: Where Do Incarcerated People Count?

New law ending prison gerrymandering means people who are incarcerated will be counted at their address prior to incarceration.

Friday Facts and Figures: August 27, 2021

New Jersey is the latest state to ban jails from contracting with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Gas Tax to drop by 8.3 cents.

Friday Facts and Figures: August 20, 2021

This week marks the 25th anniversary of welfare "reform." President Biden enacts the largest-ever increase in food assistance benefits.

How New Jersey’s Population Changed Since 2010 and What it Means for Redistricting

As New Jersey continues to grow larger and more diverse, its institutions and political boundaries should accurately represent its population.

Friday Facts and Figures: August 13, 2021

New Census data shows that New Jersey is growing bigger and more diverse. Credit rating agency upgrades New Jersey's credit outlook.

Friday Facts and Figures: August 6, 2021

Students will be required to wear masks this fall. Governor Murphy signs landmark eviction and tenant protection bill into law.

Friday Facts and Figures: July 30, 2021

Murphy administration holds hearing on how to spend American Rescue Plan funds. Unemployment benefits do not disincentivize work.

Pandemic Relief Funds Must Be Used to Dismantle Racial, Gender, and Economic Inequities

Testimony by NJPP Senior Policy Analyst Sheila Reynertson on how to use federal pandemic relief funds from the American Rescue Plan.

Friday Facts and Figures: July 23, 2021

Atlantic City votes to shut down its lifesaving syringe exchange program. New Jersey is the best performing state in the bond market.

EITC Expansion Benefits Residents and Boosts the Economy

Expanding the EITC in New Jersey will provide a boost to state and local economies as EITC benefits are often spent immediately and locally.

Friday Facts and Figures: July 16, 2021

Expanded Child Tax Credit payments are here! A new report finds the true poverty rate for New Jersey. NJPP has a new job opening.

More Than 50,000 Kids in New Jersey Could Miss Out on the Child Tax Credit

Up to 55,000 qualifying families in New Jersey may miss out on Child Tax Credit payments because the IRS does not have their information on file.

Friday Facts and Figures: July 9, 2021

New data documents millions of State Police traffic stops. Expanded federal Child Tax Credit takes effect later this month.

The Consequences of School Underfunding

Inadequately funded schools have fewer experienced teachers and fewer curricular offerings.

Friday Facts and Figures: July 2, 2021

New state budget includes big investments to aid the state's recovery, but lacks bold, transformative policies to close the racial wealth gap.

Shining a Light on New Jersey’s FY 2022 Budget

New Jersey's latest budget meets the immediate needs of the pandemic recovery, pays off debt, and invests in key public assets.

Expanded Child Tax Credit Will Benefit More Than 1 Million Kids in New Jersey

An estimated 1.6 million children in New Jersey will benefit from a temporary expansion to the federal Child Tax Credit (CTC).

Four Ways New Jersey Can Improve Health Care Using American Rescue Plan Funds

Effectively targeting American Rescue Plan funds can solidify New Jersey’s path to a quick, strong, and equitable recovery.

Friday Facts and Figures: June 25, 2021

State budget was passed in committee mere minutes after bill language was made public. Legislature passes historic Cover All Kids bill.

Friday Facts and Figures: June 18, 2021

New Jersey spent $11.6 billion enforcing the “War on Drugs” over the last decade. New federal bill would decriminalize all drugs.

A War on Us: How Much New Jersey Spends Enforcing the War on Drugs

New Jersey spent $11.6 billion over the last decade enforcing the War on Drugs, exacerbating inequality and costing people their lives.

Friday Facts and Figures: June 11, 2021

Election results show the power of "the line" on primary ballots. Strong revenue collections provides big opportunity to advance equity.

Friday Facts and Figures: June 4, 2021

Stimulus checks reduced hardship during the pandemic. New poll finds that New Jersey voters support Universal Basic Income (UBI).

  • Show These Topics

  • Show These Types

  • Show These Authors