New Jersey Policy Perspective
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njpolicy.bsky.social
New Jersey Policy Perspective
@njpolicy.bsky.social
New Jersey Policy Perspective (NJPP) is a nonpartisan think tank that drives policy change to advance economic, social, and racial justice.
“The myth of ‘Big Government’ in New Jersey ignores the reality: the state has cut its public workforce to dangerous levels,” said NJPP's @ptrchn1.bsky.social.

“New Jersey residents deserve better.”

Read the full report: www.njpp.org/publications...
November 10, 2025 at 4:02 PM
The report recommends rebuilding New Jersey's state workforce by offering candidates competitive pay and benefits, and ensuring that the state has enough revenue to fund a more robust state workforce.

Read more: www.njpp.org/publications...
Gutted: New Jersey’s Shrinking Public Workforce - New Jersey Policy Perspective
The state has eliminated nearly 20,000 positions even as population has grown, leaving residents with worse service and higher costs.
www.njpp.org
November 10, 2025 at 4:02 PM
The report finds that the state now employs 15 percent fewer public servants per resident than historical levels across all levels of government, gutting the capacity of government to respond effectively to residents’ needs.

Read more:
www.njpp.org/publications...
November 10, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Public defender fees don't generate substantial revenue and wouldn't cost municipalities much to eliminate.

The report recommends eliminating all municipal public defender application fees and ensuring public defense is funded through sustainable public investments.

www.njpp.org/publications...
The $200 Barrier to Justice: Why NJ Must Eliminate Municipal Public Defender Fees - New Jersey Policy Perspective
Despite the constitutional right to an attorney, municipal courts charge fees up to $200 for public defenders, pushing low-income residents into debt.
www.njpp.org
October 31, 2025 at 1:50 PM
The report finds that up to 90 percent of New Jersey defendants can't afford attorneys — and Black and Latinx/Hispanic residents are disproportionately harmed.

Municipal fees push defendants into debt and pressure them into entering pleas to avoid financial strain.

www.njpp.org/publications...
The $200 Barrier to Justice: Why NJ Must Eliminate Municipal Public Defender Fees - New Jersey Policy Perspective
Despite the constitutional right to an attorney, municipal courts charge fees up to $200 for public defenders, pushing low-income residents into debt.
www.njpp.org
October 31, 2025 at 1:50 PM
For more information on how New Jersey funds its schools, check out our guide to understanding New Jersey's school funding formula and closing gaps for students who need resources most.

www.njpp.org/publications...
How Does New Jersey Fund Its Schools — And How Can We Make It Fairer? - New Jersey Policy Perspective
A guide to understanding New Jersey's school funding formula and closing gaps for students who need resources most.
www.njpp.org
October 29, 2025 at 3:02 PM
“New Jersey has a constitutional obligation to provide all students with an education that prepares them to succeed,” said @jerseyjazzman.bsky.social. “The state must act now to fulfill its constitutional mandate and ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.”

www.njpp.org/publications...
Resetting School Funding for New Jersey’s Next Decade - New Jersey Policy Perspective
New Jersey can adjust the school funding formula so all students receive an education that meets the state’s new, higher standards.
www.njpp.org
October 29, 2025 at 3:02 PM
The report recommends changing the current formula to increase the additional per-student funding for students from low-income families to fund resources such as smaller class sizes, reading specialists, after-school programs, and updated technology.

www.njpp.org/publications...
Resetting School Funding for New Jersey’s Next Decade - New Jersey Policy Perspective
New Jersey can adjust the school funding formula so all students receive an education that meets the state’s new, higher standards.
www.njpp.org
October 29, 2025 at 3:02 PM
The report finds that under the current school funding system, New Jersey’s school funding formula shortchanges schools serving students from low-income families by about $5,300 per student.

When schools lack the necessary resources, students fall behind.

www.njpp.org/publications...
Resetting School Funding for New Jersey’s Next Decade - New Jersey Policy Perspective
New Jersey can adjust the school funding formula so all students receive an education that meets the state’s new, higher standards.
www.njpp.org
October 29, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Reposted by New Jersey Policy Perspective
These strategies also move us closer to racial equity. By investing directly in families, we can begin to dismantle structural barriers and build a more just and inclusive New Jersey.

Read more from @njpolicy.bsky.social’s @ptrchn1.bsky.social: www.njpp.org/publications...
Freedom from Want: An Economic Guarantee for New Jersey's Kids - New Jersey Policy Perspective
Two pathways can dramatically reduce child poverty and ensure all families in New Jersey have what they need through cash assistance programs.
www.njpp.org
October 16, 2025 at 2:01 PM