-If control of Congress changes, Democrats would be taking on the power of the purse at a time when federal debt has soared above the $40T threshold.
-Our @njspotlightnews.org DC reporter @bhulac.bsky.social talked fiscal policy with NJ reps who could soon be in a Democratic majority.
-Our @njspotlightnews.org DC reporter @bhulac.bsky.social talked fiscal policy with NJ reps who could soon be in a Democratic majority.
NJ Democrats wary of federal spending as debt tops $40 trillion | NJ Spotlight News
'Fewer and fewer nickels to help people,' says Gottheimer, as voters fret about inflation's toll in the weeks leading to midterm elections
www.njspotlightnews.org
September 24, 2026 at 1:51 PM
-If control of Congress changes, Democrats would be taking on the power of the purse at a time when federal debt has soared above the $40T threshold.
-Our @njspotlightnews.org DC reporter @bhulac.bsky.social talked fiscal policy with NJ reps who could soon be in a Democratic majority.
-Our @njspotlightnews.org DC reporter @bhulac.bsky.social talked fiscal policy with NJ reps who could soon be in a Democratic majority.
-NJ's ongoing streak of credit-rating upgrades coincides with state government's return to full funding of its annual pension obligations.
-Rating upgrades often lead to lower borrowing costs for state government, resulting in savings for New Jersey taxpayers.
@njspotlightnews.org
-Rating upgrades often lead to lower borrowing costs for state government, resulting in savings for New Jersey taxpayers.
@njspotlightnews.org
NJ’s credit rating rises as pension funding continues to flow | NJ Spotlight News
Rating upgrades often lead to lower borrowing costs, resulting in savings for New Jersey taxpayers
www.njspotlightnews.org
September 17, 2026 at 3:01 PM
-NJ's ongoing streak of credit-rating upgrades coincides with state government's return to full funding of its annual pension obligations.
-Rating upgrades often lead to lower borrowing costs for state government, resulting in savings for New Jersey taxpayers.
@njspotlightnews.org
-Rating upgrades often lead to lower borrowing costs for state government, resulting in savings for New Jersey taxpayers.
@njspotlightnews.org
Reposted by John Reitmeyer
Caskets to culinary? Experts say a Newark mortician’s $700k contract raises school job training red flags.
www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/08/how-...
www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/08/how-...
How Whitney Houston's mortician got a $700k Newark school deal | NJ Spotlight News
Critics ask why contract for hotel and food service training was awarded to local go-to embalmer for celebrities and political elite
www.njspotlightnews.org
August 31, 2026 at 1:24 PM
Caskets to culinary? Experts say a Newark mortician’s $700k contract raises school job training red flags.
www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/08/how-...
www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/08/how-...
"The interest payments on the nation's debt are already larger than what we spend on national defense or Medicare."
Total public debt hit $40 trillion Wednesday, faster than expected.
There is a lot to unpack about the national debt, which is easily misunderstood. Here's a starter guide to what's happening with the national debt right now.
https://to.pbs.org/4g8hBmQ
There is a lot to unpack about the national debt, which is easily misunderstood. Here's a starter guide to what's happening with the national debt right now.
https://to.pbs.org/4g8hBmQ
How did U.S. debt hit $40 trillion? Here's what to know
There is a lot to unpack about the national debt. Here's a starter guide to what's happening with the national debt right now.
www.pbs.org
August 20, 2026 at 1:24 AM
"The interest payments on the nation's debt are already larger than what we spend on national defense or Medicare."
As fare hikes help sustain NJ Transit’s growing annual budget, advocates say it's time to establish a discount program for low-income riders.
@njspotlightnews.org
@njspotlightnews.org
NJ Transit low-income riders need fare discounts, advocates say | NJ Spotlight News
By poverty measures, nearly 2 million New Jersey residents would qualify for the 50% reduction that New York City offers
www.njspotlightnews.org
August 17, 2026 at 12:24 PM
As fare hikes help sustain NJ Transit’s growing annual budget, advocates say it's time to establish a discount program for low-income riders.
@njspotlightnews.org
@njspotlightnews.org
Reposted by John Reitmeyer
For the first time since World War II, the country’s debt is actually larger than the economy itself. Driven by surging federal spending, the government has already borrowed almost $2 trillion in fiscal year 2026 and is on track to borrow even more before the year is over.
This year's budget deficit has almost reached $2 trillion. It's not over yet.
The U.S. has already surpassed its 2025 budget deficit with about a month and a half left to go in its fiscal year. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the government is on track to borrow m...
www.marketplace.org
August 14, 2026 at 8:35 PM
For the first time since World War II, the country’s debt is actually larger than the economy itself. Driven by surging federal spending, the government has already borrowed almost $2 trillion in fiscal year 2026 and is on track to borrow even more before the year is over.
Reposted by John Reitmeyer
New labor data shows the U.S. economy lost 23,000 jobs in July when economists had predicted modest growth. https://to.pbs.org/4wj6QTo
What the July jobs report reveals about the strength of the economy
New labor data shows the U.S. economy lost 23,000 jobs in July, when economists had predicted modest growth. Revised numbers for May and June also show 103,000 fewer jobs created than originally repor...
to.pbs.org
August 8, 2026 at 1:20 AM
New labor data shows the U.S. economy lost 23,000 jobs in July when economists had predicted modest growth. https://to.pbs.org/4wj6QTo
Another good story coming from Ben this week is this in-depth look at what a major freight rail merger could mean for our beloved NJ Transit.
August 7, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Another good story coming from Ben this week is this in-depth look at what a major freight rail merger could mean for our beloved NJ Transit.
It's the middle of the summer, but my @njspotlightnews.org colleague @bhulac.bsky.social is hard at work on the DC-NJ beat.
This story on the proposed rolling back of post-Great Recession banking reforms is an important one.
www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/08/bank...
This story on the proposed rolling back of post-Great Recession banking reforms is an important one.
www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/08/bank...
Banking bill is latest step back from financial crash protections | NJ Spotlight News
'Most sweeping deregulation of Wall Street' since Great Recession would boost lenders, put consumers at risk, says House Democrat
www.njspotlightnews.org
August 7, 2026 at 7:21 PM
It's the middle of the summer, but my @njspotlightnews.org colleague @bhulac.bsky.social is hard at work on the DC-NJ beat.
This story on the proposed rolling back of post-Great Recession banking reforms is an important one.
www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/08/bank...
This story on the proposed rolling back of post-Great Recession banking reforms is an important one.
www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/08/bank...
Reposted by John Reitmeyer
Trump officials want to strip federal rules for Head Start's pre-k programs, saying that would free funds to serve more kids. But experts fear the changes could degrade the programs terribly, putting hundreds of thousands of kids at risk -- including in NJ www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/08/trum...
Trump's Head Start rollback a 'Trojan horse' for pre-K, critics say | NJ Spotlight News
Thousands of New Jersey children at risk of losing instruction hours and teacher-to-student ratio would suffer
www.njspotlightnews.org
August 7, 2026 at 5:58 PM
Trump officials want to strip federal rules for Head Start's pre-k programs, saying that would free funds to serve more kids. But experts fear the changes could degrade the programs terribly, putting hundreds of thousands of kids at risk -- including in NJ www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/08/trum...
-NJ’s public worker pension fund appears poised to continue a multiyear winning streak.
-The fund’s FY2026 investment returns totaled 14%, through the end of May, doubling the assumed rate of return.
@njspotlightnews.org
-The fund’s FY2026 investment returns totaled 14%, through the end of May, doubling the assumed rate of return.
@njspotlightnews.org
New Jersey pension fund on track to continue winning streak | NJ Spotlight News
Investments may double the targeted rate of return for 2026, defying worries about war in Iran and easing taxpayer pressure
share.google
July 30, 2026 at 12:40 PM
-NJ’s public worker pension fund appears poised to continue a multiyear winning streak.
-The fund’s FY2026 investment returns totaled 14%, through the end of May, doubling the assumed rate of return.
@njspotlightnews.org
-The fund’s FY2026 investment returns totaled 14%, through the end of May, doubling the assumed rate of return.
@njspotlightnews.org
The last year has been difficult, but I'm also proud of my @njspotlightnews.org colleagues.
-Under difficult circumstances, we've grown our following to 72K YouTube subscribers & 17K Instagram followers
-We also launched an award-winning podcast
-And we're still sending out our AM and PM newsletters
-Under difficult circumstances, we've grown our following to 72K YouTube subscribers & 17K Instagram followers
-We also launched an award-winning podcast
-And we're still sending out our AM and PM newsletters
PBS Slashes Budget by 21% After Federal Funding Cuts
The nonprofit will receive less revenue from its members, which are under pressure to make up for shortfalls of their own.
www.nytimes.com
July 23, 2026 at 8:49 PM
The last year has been difficult, but I'm also proud of my @njspotlightnews.org colleagues.
-Under difficult circumstances, we've grown our following to 72K YouTube subscribers & 17K Instagram followers
-We also launched an award-winning podcast
-And we're still sending out our AM and PM newsletters
-Under difficult circumstances, we've grown our following to 72K YouTube subscribers & 17K Instagram followers
-We also launched an award-winning podcast
-And we're still sending out our AM and PM newsletters
-Maintaining flush budget reserves is one thing state policymakers can do to manage revenue losses that come with economic downturns.
-As inflation and war now threaten to slow economic growth nationwide, NJ's latest annual budget calls for surplus to be used as revenue to support annual spending.
-As inflation and war now threaten to slow economic growth nationwide, NJ's latest annual budget calls for surplus to be used as revenue to support annual spending.
NJ’s new budget dips into surplus, leaving less for emergency need | NJ Spotlight News
'That's not a good savings account,' says Republican assemblyman, as state set to drain reserve fund by well over $1 billion in next year
share.google
July 13, 2026 at 1:03 PM
-Maintaining flush budget reserves is one thing state policymakers can do to manage revenue losses that come with economic downturns.
-As inflation and war now threaten to slow economic growth nationwide, NJ's latest annual budget calls for surplus to be used as revenue to support annual spending.
-As inflation and war now threaten to slow economic growth nationwide, NJ's latest annual budget calls for surplus to be used as revenue to support annual spending.
Spending is up, but the structural budget gap is a bit smaller compared to this time last year.
Don't overlook full pension funding, but COLAs remain suspended, and this year policymakers went backward on last-minute add-ons transparency.
@njspotlightnews.org
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JA-O...
Don't overlook full pension funding, but COLAs remain suspended, and this year policymakers went backward on last-minute add-ons transparency.
@njspotlightnews.org
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JA-O...
Breaking down New Jersey's $60.7 billion budget
YouTube video by NJ Spotlight News
www.youtube.com
July 1, 2026 at 9:54 PM
Spending is up, but the structural budget gap is a bit smaller compared to this time last year.
Don't overlook full pension funding, but COLAs remain suspended, and this year policymakers went backward on last-minute add-ons transparency.
@njspotlightnews.org
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JA-O...
Don't overlook full pension funding, but COLAs remain suspended, and this year policymakers went backward on last-minute add-ons transparency.
@njspotlightnews.org
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JA-O...
Gov. Sherrill signs into law "affordability budget" that calls for record $60.7B spending in FY2027, and a separate appropriations measure that spends another $360M.
Budget surplus takes another big hit, will drop to about $6B by June 30, 2027.
@njspotlightnews.org
Budget surplus takes another big hit, will drop to about $6B by June 30, 2027.
@njspotlightnews.org
NJ lawmakers rush to get $61 billion in spending signed into law | NJ Spotlight News
Republicans ask: Where is the transparency that governor had promised on millions of dollars in 'Christmas tree' items?
www.njspotlightnews.org
July 1, 2026 at 4:20 AM
Gov. Sherrill signs into law "affordability budget" that calls for record $60.7B spending in FY2027, and a separate appropriations measure that spends another $360M.
Budget surplus takes another big hit, will drop to about $6B by June 30, 2027.
@njspotlightnews.org
Budget surplus takes another big hit, will drop to about $6B by June 30, 2027.
@njspotlightnews.org
-For those keeping score, about $61B in new state spending is up for consideration today in Trenton
($60.74B FY2027 appropriations + $360M FY2026 supplemental)
-Budget surplus drops from $7.66B to $6.05B at close of FY2027 to help finance expenditures outpacing collections
@njspotlightnews.org
($60.74B FY2027 appropriations + $360M FY2026 supplemental)
-Budget surplus drops from $7.66B to $6.05B at close of FY2027 to help finance expenditures outpacing collections
@njspotlightnews.org
Amid budget gap, Democrats advance $360M in new spending | NJ Spotlight News
'This isn't normal. This isn't right,' Republican lawmaker says of dash to move a 358-page budget bill on day it was introduced
www.njspotlightnews.org
June 30, 2026 at 2:36 PM
-For those keeping score, about $61B in new state spending is up for consideration today in Trenton
($60.74B FY2027 appropriations + $360M FY2026 supplemental)
-Budget surplus drops from $7.66B to $6.05B at close of FY2027 to help finance expenditures outpacing collections
@njspotlightnews.org
($60.74B FY2027 appropriations + $360M FY2026 supplemental)
-Budget surplus drops from $7.66B to $6.05B at close of FY2027 to help finance expenditures outpacing collections
@njspotlightnews.org
Reposted by John Reitmeyer
NEWS: Congress scrapped all earmarks last year, a move that cost New Jersey more than $200 million.
Now, earmarks are back, and New Jersey is poised to reap the benefits.
www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/06/afte...
@njspotlightnews.org
#NJ
#Congress
Now, earmarks are back, and New Jersey is poised to reap the benefits.
www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/06/afte...
@njspotlightnews.org
#NJ
#Congress
After a year without, more than $250 million in earmarks for NJ | NJ Spotlight News
From military aircraft control tower design to 'not real sexy' recycling bins for Camden, lawmakers in Congress hail federal funding
www.njspotlightnews.org
June 23, 2026 at 6:58 PM
NEWS: Congress scrapped all earmarks last year, a move that cost New Jersey more than $200 million.
Now, earmarks are back, and New Jersey is poised to reap the benefits.
www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/06/afte...
@njspotlightnews.org
#NJ
#Congress
Now, earmarks are back, and New Jersey is poised to reap the benefits.
www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/06/afte...
@njspotlightnews.org
#NJ
#Congress
Gov. Sherrill and top NJ legislative leaders say they have a deal that ensures a full pension payment and expanded child tax credit will make it into the final budget for the next fiscal year.
But full details of their behind-the-scenes agreement were not disclosed.
@njspotlightnews.org
But full details of their behind-the-scenes agreement were not disclosed.
@njspotlightnews.org
Agreement reached on $60.7 billion NJ budget for next fiscal year | NJ Spotlight News
Sherrill, legislative leaders announce full pension payment, expanded child tax credit, cut in deficit ahead of July 1 deadline
www.njspotlightnews.org
June 23, 2026 at 7:18 PM
Gov. Sherrill and top NJ legislative leaders say they have a deal that ensures a full pension payment and expanded child tax credit will make it into the final budget for the next fiscal year.
But full details of their behind-the-scenes agreement were not disclosed.
@njspotlightnews.org
But full details of their behind-the-scenes agreement were not disclosed.
@njspotlightnews.org
-NJ's pension fund has shed its stake in a private company operating an ICE facility in Newark
-Some lawmakers are pushing to force the pension fund to ditch an investment in another ICE contractor amid hardline immigration crackdown
@njspotlightnews.org
-Some lawmakers are pushing to force the pension fund to ditch an investment in another ICE contractor amid hardline immigration crackdown
@njspotlightnews.org
NJ pension ditches stake in Geo Group, operator of Delaney Hall | NJ Spotlight News
Palantir Technologies, whose AI is useful to immigration agents, remains in portfolio as critics insist on divestment
www.njspotlightnews.org
June 22, 2026 at 1:33 PM
-NJ's pension fund has shed its stake in a private company operating an ICE facility in Newark
-Some lawmakers are pushing to force the pension fund to ditch an investment in another ICE contractor amid hardline immigration crackdown
@njspotlightnews.org
-Some lawmakers are pushing to force the pension fund to ditch an investment in another ICE contractor amid hardline immigration crackdown
@njspotlightnews.org
👀
Gov. JB Pritzker signed Illinois’ $56 billion fiscal year 2027 budget on Tuesday supported by hundreds of millions of dollars in new taxes on businesses. @benszalinski.bsky.social reports. buff.ly/E4kK4CC
Pritzker signs nearly $56B budget with new business taxes as he seeks 3rd term
Gov. JB Pritzker signs the fiscal year 2027 budget, calling the $55.9 billion spending plan balanced and contrasting it with federal policy.
capitolnewsillinois.com
June 18, 2026 at 7:17 PM
👀
-NJ's state government needs a new budget by July 1
-Lawmakers have yet to introduce the spending bill that needs to pass both houses and get the governor's signature by the deadline
-Without a budget, state govt shuts down in the middle of an international soccer tournament
@njspotlightnews.org
-Lawmakers have yet to introduce the spending bill that needs to pass both houses and get the governor's signature by the deadline
-Without a budget, state govt shuts down in the middle of an international soccer tournament
@njspotlightnews.org
Days before NJ budget deadline, major spending details unclear | NJ Spotlight News
Even Murphy, a Democrat, wanted more scrutiny of lawmakers' last-minute requests, and a Republican bill would increase transparency
www.njspotlightnews.org
June 18, 2026 at 7:14 PM
-NJ's state government needs a new budget by July 1
-Lawmakers have yet to introduce the spending bill that needs to pass both houses and get the governor's signature by the deadline
-Without a budget, state govt shuts down in the middle of an international soccer tournament
@njspotlightnews.org
-Lawmakers have yet to introduce the spending bill that needs to pass both houses and get the governor's signature by the deadline
-Without a budget, state govt shuts down in the middle of an international soccer tournament
@njspotlightnews.org
"(C)onsumer prices in May were up 4.2% from a year ago. That's the biggest annual increase since April of 2023. By contrast, the Labor Department says average wages have risen only 3.4% over the last year, so workers' real spending power has declined."
Inflation has surged to its highest level in more than three years since the U.S. and Israel launched their war on Iran, triggering a surge in gasoline prices. n.pr/4oiHyCt
Inflation tops 4% for the first time in 3 years on spike in gasoline prices
Inflation has surged to its highest level in more than three years since the U.S. and Israel launched their war on Iran, triggering a surge in gasoline prices.
n.pr
June 10, 2026 at 7:10 PM
"(C)onsumer prices in May were up 4.2% from a year ago. That's the biggest annual increase since April of 2023. By contrast, the Labor Department says average wages have risen only 3.4% over the last year, so workers' real spending power has declined."
-Gov. Sherrill’s proposed state budget flat funds NJ’s 988 suicide prevention hotline at a time when demand is rising.
-Some lawmakers say the system needs more funding and they still want to establish a tax on phone lines to bring in dedicated, additional revenue for NJ's 988.
@njspotlightnews.org
-Some lawmakers say the system needs more funding and they still want to establish a tax on phone lines to bring in dedicated, additional revenue for NJ's 988.
@njspotlightnews.org
Will NJ’s 988 crisis hotline get more state funding, dedicated tax? | NJ Spotlight News
Mental health service could broaden with bigger budget infusion, though governor is mindful of affordability
www.njspotlightnews.org
June 9, 2026 at 3:33 PM
-Gov. Sherrill’s proposed state budget flat funds NJ’s 988 suicide prevention hotline at a time when demand is rising.
-Some lawmakers say the system needs more funding and they still want to establish a tax on phone lines to bring in dedicated, additional revenue for NJ's 988.
@njspotlightnews.org
-Some lawmakers say the system needs more funding and they still want to establish a tax on phone lines to bring in dedicated, additional revenue for NJ's 988.
@njspotlightnews.org
-NJ farmers face some of the highest operating costs in the nation, including property taxes and labor. Now fuel and fertilizer prices are way up due to President Trump's war in Iran, adding to the financial strain.
@njspotlightnews.org
@njspotlightnews.org
Cost of fuel, fertilizer leaves NJ farmers facing 'financial strain' | NJ Spotlight News
On top of rising costs, farmers have had to contend with volatile spring temperatures that resulted in widespread damage to crops
www.njspotlightnews.org
June 2, 2026 at 3:08 PM
-NJ farmers face some of the highest operating costs in the nation, including property taxes and labor. Now fuel and fertilizer prices are way up due to President Trump's war in Iran, adding to the financial strain.
@njspotlightnews.org
@njspotlightnews.org