TRENTON – Senator Troy Singleton (D-Burlington), the Senate Majority Caucus Chair and Chair of the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on Governor Murphy’s FY 2026 Budget Address:

“Today’s budget address highlighted our shared priorities to deliver on economic relief and directly tackle the most important issues facing New Jerseyans. I am heartened to see the continuation of historic levels of property tax relief, the full funding of our schools and pension, and the maintenance of a significant surplus so that our state is prepared for whatever economic circumstances are to come.

“Addressing our housing crisis needs to remain the focus of our public policy. As the author of our landmark affordable housing law, the Governor’s continued call for zoning reform is welcome. Expanding ADUs, converting vacant commercial properties into housing, and enabling transit-oriented development will allow even more housing to be created where it is needed most. But if we are truly committed to meeting our affordable housing goals, the Affordable Housing Trust Fund must also be fully-funded.

“Additionally, I applaud the inclusion of $40 million in down-payment assistance for first-time and first-generation homebuyers, which will allow thousands more residents to access the American Dream of owning a home. This is something I have long championed. However, I am concerned that increasing taxes on home purchases, even on those over a million dollars, may put homeownership that much further out of reach.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Legislature as well as Governor Murphy on the proposed budget to further promote affordability and continue directly tackling our housing crisis in the FY 26 budget and beyond.”

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