AFPI-NJ: Sherrill Budget Adds Billions Despite $3B Deficit Warning

Trenton, NJ—The America First Policy Institute–New Jersey (AFPI-NJ) issued the following statement in response to Governor Mikie Sherrill's first budget address:

“We heard from Governor Sherrill about 'changing the status quo' in Trenton during her FY2027 address, but the reality is quite different: she plans to spend $23.3 billion more than former Governor Phil Murphy's first budget and nearly $2 billion more than last year despite warning of a $3 billion structural deficit,” said AFPI-NJ Executive Director Matt Rooney. “New Jersey cannot spend its way back into good fiscal health — you cannot fix a cracked foundation by simply building higher.”

While the Governor provided few concrete line-item details during her remarks, it appears her bloated proposal does not match her lofty rhetoric promising fiscal responsibility. For example, she unironically plans to spend $13.3 million on online projects including a “report card” to track state spending. There is also scant evidence the Governor plans to seriously address waste and institutionalized corruption in the new budget.

“Sanctuary Statehood alone costs this state $7.3 billion per year, a huge percentage of Governor Sherrill's overall $60.7 billion spending plan. It is long past time for elected officials in Trenton to pursue America First policy solutions that prioritize New Jersey taxpayers,” added AFPI-NJ Chairman and retired Superior Court Judge Michael Donohue. “There's no better time than America's 250^th birthday for a genuine revolution in thinking in the New Jersey State House; our taxpayers cannot afford anything less.”

America First Policy Institute (AFPI), the nation’s leading voice for America First policies, founded a New Jersey chapter (AFPI-NJ) in early 2025 with former New Jersey Superior Court Judge Michael J. Donohue as chair and attorney Matthew T. Rooney as executive director. Rooney is also a radio host and owner of Save Jersey, the state’s leading conservative media outlet. Donohue serves as chair of CapeGOP and is a former State Assembly candidate.