Following months of advocacy and negotiation, the New Jersey Legislature has passed the $58.8 billion state budget for Fiscal Year 2026, which Governor Phil Murphy signed into law late Monday night.
Despite a $1.5 billion structural deficit and over $100 million in statewide cuts, Agudath Israel of America’s New Jersey office is happy to report several significant funding increases for programs that directly impact the state’s nonpublic school community.
Throughout the budget process, Shlomo Schorr, Director of Legislative Affairs for Agudath Israel of America in New Jersey, testified before both the Senate and Assembly budget committees and held dozens of meetings with key legislators. These efforts were focused on protecting and enhancing vital services for nonpublic school students.
Thanks to this advocacy and strong legislative support, the following increases were secured for FY2026:
- $48.8 million for Chapter 192 services (services for nonpublic school students), a $2.65 million increase from last year.
- $22.6 million for nonpublic school nursing services, representing a $2.5 million increase over last year, or $145 for every child.
- Continued support for programs such as $28.4 million for Chapter 193 (speech), $1,177 per student eligible for aid-in-lieu of transportation, $205 per student for school security, $7.4 million in technology aid, and $10 million for the New Jersey nonprofit security grant program.
“These increases demonstrate the state’s commitment to ensuring that all schoolchildren, including those in nonpublic schools, receive essential services,” said Shlomo Schorr. “Amid a challenging fiscal environment, we are gratified that our efforts not only preserved but expanded funding for the programs that matter most to our families.”
Overall, the new budget includes an increase of more than $5 million for our priorities, for a total of just under $160 million.
Rabbi Schorr also extended his gratitude to two key champions in the Legislature:
“We are extremely grateful to Assemblyman Avi Schnall (D-Lakewood) for his relentless efforts in securing these vital funds. His dedication and hard work have been instrumental in achieving this outcome, and we are immensely grateful for his support and advocacy on behalf of our community.”
“Additionally, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Assemblyman Gary Schaer (D-Passaic) for his invaluable contributions. His tireless efforts on behalf of the community have been crucial in ensuring that these essential services are adequately funded, and we are deeply appreciative of his efforts,” Rabbi Schorr added.
Agudath Israel remains committed to working with state leaders to ensure that every child in New Jersey—regardless of the school they attend—has access to the support and services they need to thrive.