Spread the word » Facebook Twitter
ACNJ Enews

To view this ACNJ Email in your web browser click here.

Governor Christie's Proposed FY 2014 Budget
Highlights for Children and Families

Governor Christie unveiled his proposed FY 2014 budget on Feb. 26, 2013. Details are still sparse and will emerge in the coming weeks. The budget will be debated in the state Legislature over the next few months. The Legislature must adopt a final budget by June 30. Changes could occur during that time. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Here is what we know so far:

  • State Aid to Schools:  The Governor is recommending increasing state aid to schools by $97.3 million to almost $9 billion. School aid represents over 27% of the $32.9 billion total state budget recommendation.
  • Preschool:  The $9 billion school aid recommendation includes $648.1 million in Preschool Education Aid for districts with existing programs. This is an increase of $14.4 million over FY 2013.
  • FamilyCare:  State funding for children enrolled in FamilyCare is recommended to increase by $6.4 million. The number of children enrolled in FY 2014 is projected at 164,000 – a 2,000 increase over FY 2013.
  • Medicaid Expansion:  The Governor has elected to expand health care coverage through enhancements to the state Medicaid program made possible by the federal Affordable Care Act. Federal funding will cover 100% of the costs of expanding Medicaid coverage to adults (including parents) at or below 133 percent of the federal poverty level for three years, with a gradual reduction to 90% in 2020.
  • Newborn Screening:  Currently, every baby born in New Jersey is eligible to be screened for 54 disorders that can cause serious health problems. $1.6 million in additional funding is recommended in FY 2014, which will increase the number of disorders to 60.
  • Earned Income Tax Credit:  The EITC restoration proposed in the Governor’s FY 2013 budget proposal is not included in the FY 2014 recommendation.

Advocates for Children of New Jersey will continue to comb budget documents for more details. Watch for future updates.

The Senate and Assembly Budget Committees will be holding public hearings beginning next week.

Find more information on the hearings and register.  

Take Action
Tell a Friend

Help Give Every
Child a Chance
.

Advocates for Children of New Jersey relies on the generous contributions of individuals, corporations and foundations to support our work.

Advocates for Children of New Jersey
 35 Halsey Street 2nd Floor, Newark, NJ 07102
(Between Bleeker St. and Central Ave.)
973.643.3876 I Fax 973.643.9153 I www.acnj.org 
Questions about this communication can be directed  to Communications Director.
Not interested anymore? Unsubscribe