The positions of Senate president, Senate majority leader and Senate and Assembly minority leader each change hands for the first time in 10 years or more.
Democratic lawmakers are adjusting to the changes voters imposed on the legislative roster and political mood, acknowledging the importance of focusing on taxes as a policy and message in the upcoming legislative session.
The action comes as agency locations continue to work through heavy demand built up during state-mandated closures, and are forced to close themselves on a case-by-case basis due to coronavirus cases among workers.
The budget appropriates $38.7B, which is $142M more than Murphy sought in February, though $151M less than Murphy’s revised blueprint described by the state treasurer in May.
Overtime costs in the state Department of Corrections have gotten the attention of state lawmakers – growing 4% from last year at a cost of $38 million.
Amol Sinha, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey, called the funding a great step forward because it will help people at risk of losing their livelihoods and families.