Coalition Statement on Governor Murphy’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Address

Diane Schrauth, Chair of the Clean Water, Healthy Families, Good Jobs Campaign and Policy Director, Water, New Jersey Future, comments:

“Clean water is essential, and the stakes could not be higher for New Jersey. Over the next five years, we still face a $7 billion clean water funding gap. The Clean Water, Healthy Families, and Good Jobs Campaign is disappointed that Governor Murphy did not identify further action on this vital issue during his budget address. After decades of neglect, the need for water infrastructure funding will only grow. This is particularly acute as New Jersey localities deal with existing requirements to address lead service line removal and local flooding. At the same time, they prepare to address an array of new issues, including “forever chemicals” and microplastics.

Our polling showed that bold action on water infrastructure investments is a top priority for New Jersey residents. The diversity of our coalition further illustrates the point. The people and organizations representing labor, business, the environment, and communities across the state stepped up to advocate for more water infrastructure funding.

We look forward to continuing to work with Governor Murphy and the State Legislature to protect the health of our families and create good jobs through investment in water infrastructure. We cannot afford to wait to upgrade our water infrastructure.”

Read coverage on Insider NJ: https://www.insidernj.com/press-release/policy-experts-at-new-jersey-future-comment-on-housing-public-transportation-and-water-infrastructure-following-governor-murphys-fiscal-year-2025-budget-address/