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.
Pinned
Blueprint for a Strong and Resilient New Jersey - New Jersey Policy Perspective
The Blueprint is a bold vision for the our collective future through progressive policy — one that centers the needs of hard-working New Jerseyans.
www.njpp.org
Every four years, NJPP takes the time to reflect, revise, and map out the policies needed to build a stronger, more equitable Garden State.
The Blueprint isn’t just another report — it’s a bold vision for our collective future.
Read more:
www.njpp.org/publications...
The Blueprint isn’t just another report — it’s a bold vision for our collective future.
Read more:
www.njpp.org/publications...
🚨 New Report from @alexfromnj.bsky.social 🚨
More than 3.6 million New Jersey residents live within the evacuation zone of a hazardous materials train route, yet the state lacks basic safety rules and transparency measures.
Read more: www.njpp.org/publications...
More than 3.6 million New Jersey residents live within the evacuation zone of a hazardous materials train route, yet the state lacks basic safety rules and transparency measures.
Read more: www.njpp.org/publications...
Millions of New Jerseyans at Risk from Hazardous Materials Transported by Rail - New Jersey Policy Perspective
New Jersey should update its hazmat freight rail policies to protect the millions of residents who live along freight lines.
www.njpp.org
November 25, 2025 at 6:34 PM
🚨 New Report from @alexfromnj.bsky.social 🚨
More than 3.6 million New Jersey residents live within the evacuation zone of a hazardous materials train route, yet the state lacks basic safety rules and transparency measures.
Read more: www.njpp.org/publications...
More than 3.6 million New Jersey residents live within the evacuation zone of a hazardous materials train route, yet the state lacks basic safety rules and transparency measures.
Read more: www.njpp.org/publications...
Reposted by New Jersey Policy Perspective
Princeton's @heatherhhoward.bsky.social welcomed Laura Waddell from @njcitizenaction.bsky.social and Brittany Holom-Trundy from @njpolicy.bsky.social to her global health policy course this week. Their lecture on "Building A Health Care Movement" inspired the next generation of health care leaders!
November 21, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Princeton's @heatherhhoward.bsky.social welcomed Laura Waddell from @njcitizenaction.bsky.social and Brittany Holom-Trundy from @njpolicy.bsky.social to her global health policy course this week. Their lecture on "Building A Health Care Movement" inspired the next generation of health care leaders!
Reposted by New Jersey Policy Perspective
State governments are rushing to subsidize data centers without understanding their full costs.
These revenue losses add to the concerning fiscal and environmental costs of data centers.
itep.org/states-are-o...
These revenue losses add to the concerning fiscal and environmental costs of data centers.
itep.org/states-are-o...
States Are Opening a Pandora’s Box of Data Centers
State governments are rushing to offer billions of dollars in subsidies to data center construction, apparently without understanding their full costs.
itep.org
November 20, 2025 at 8:55 PM
State governments are rushing to subsidize data centers without understanding their full costs.
These revenue losses add to the concerning fiscal and environmental costs of data centers.
itep.org/states-are-o...
These revenue losses add to the concerning fiscal and environmental costs of data centers.
itep.org/states-are-o...
As residents face skyrocketing electricity bills, lawmakers can deliver much-needed relief to NJ households:
• Get clean energy projects onto the grid
• Data centers supply their own clean energy
• Rein in utility profit margins
Read more:
collaborative.evergreenaction.com/memos/new-je...
• Get clean energy projects onto the grid
• Data centers supply their own clean energy
• Rein in utility profit margins
Read more:
collaborative.evergreenaction.com/memos/new-je...
New Jersey Households Can Save $467 Per Year On Energy Costs With Key Policy Actions
What can New Jersey do to prioritize affordability, lower energy costs, and the build-out of more clean energy? By following these seven policy actions, local leaders can cut household energy bills by...
collaborative.evergreenaction.com
November 13, 2025 at 9:39 PM
As residents face skyrocketing electricity bills, lawmakers can deliver much-needed relief to NJ households:
• Get clean energy projects onto the grid
• Data centers supply their own clean energy
• Rein in utility profit margins
Read more:
collaborative.evergreenaction.com/memos/new-je...
• Get clean energy projects onto the grid
• Data centers supply their own clean energy
• Rein in utility profit margins
Read more:
collaborative.evergreenaction.com/memos/new-je...
🚨 NEW from @ptrchn1.bsky.social 🚨
New Jersey has eliminated nearly 20,000 state workforce positions even as the population has grown, leaving residents with worse service and higher costs.
Read the full report:
www.njpp.org/publications...
New Jersey has eliminated nearly 20,000 state workforce positions even as the population has grown, leaving residents with worse service and higher costs.
Read the full report:
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
🚨 NEW from @ptrchn1.bsky.social 🚨
New Jersey has eliminated nearly 20,000 state workforce positions even as the population has grown, leaving residents with worse service and higher costs.
Read the full report:
www.njpp.org/publications...
New Jersey has eliminated nearly 20,000 state workforce positions even as the population has grown, leaving residents with worse service and higher costs.
Read the full report:
www.njpp.org/publications...
Reposted by New Jersey Policy Perspective
It's clear New Jerseyans understand that clean energy is the solution to the affordability crisis, not the problem.
I spoke to @keatonpeters.bsky.social about how energy affordability became a top election issue this year! Full piece here >>
san.com/cc/high-elec...
I spoke to @keatonpeters.bsky.social about how energy affordability became a top election issue this year! Full piece here >>
san.com/cc/high-elec...
High electric bills proved a motivating issue for voters in Georgia, New Jersey
From Georgia to New Jersey, rising electricity bills were on millions of voters’ minds as they cast ballots on Tuesday.
san.com
November 6, 2025 at 7:57 PM
It's clear New Jerseyans understand that clean energy is the solution to the affordability crisis, not the problem.
I spoke to @keatonpeters.bsky.social about how energy affordability became a top election issue this year! Full piece here >>
san.com/cc/high-elec...
I spoke to @keatonpeters.bsky.social about how energy affordability became a top election issue this year! Full piece here >>
san.com/cc/high-elec...
Reposted by New Jersey Policy Perspective
The Trump administration is ending Direct File, the IRS's free tax-filing program. It's another win for the corporate tax prep industry.
But the success of the short-lived Direct File program can set a precedent for future Congresses and administrations.
itep.org/trump-admini...
But the success of the short-lived Direct File program can set a precedent for future Congresses and administrations.
itep.org/trump-admini...
Trump Raises the Price of Filing a Tax Return
The move was expected, given heavy lobbying from tax prep companies like Intuit and H&R Block to put a halt to the IRS’s popular Direct File program.
itep.org
November 6, 2025 at 4:36 PM
The Trump administration is ending Direct File, the IRS's free tax-filing program. It's another win for the corporate tax prep industry.
But the success of the short-lived Direct File program can set a precedent for future Congresses and administrations.
itep.org/trump-admini...
But the success of the short-lived Direct File program can set a precedent for future Congresses and administrations.
itep.org/trump-admini...
Reposted by New Jersey Policy Perspective
Last week, the Federal Communications Commission voted to increase phone and video calling rate caps for incarcerated people.
In July we published dispatches about the necessity of phone calls, and how high costs — relative to extremely low prison wages — affect their connections to loved ones.
In July we published dispatches about the necessity of phone calls, and how high costs — relative to extremely low prison wages — affect their connections to loved ones.
Phone Calls Are a Lifeline in Prison, But They Are Expensive
A recent decision from the FCC will keep jail and prison phone calls more costly for at least the next couple years.
prisonjournalismproject.org
November 4, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Last week, the Federal Communications Commission voted to increase phone and video calling rate caps for incarcerated people.
In July we published dispatches about the necessity of phone calls, and how high costs — relative to extremely low prison wages — affect their connections to loved ones.
In July we published dispatches about the necessity of phone calls, and how high costs — relative to extremely low prison wages — affect their connections to loved ones.
Reposted by New Jersey Policy Perspective
@njpolicy.bsky.social doing its annual report distribution
October 31, 2025 at 2:42 PM
@njpolicy.bsky.social doing its annual report distribution
🚨 NEW from @marleinau.bsky.social 🚨
Despite the constitutional right to an attorney, municipal courts charge up to $200 for public defenders, pushing low-income residents into debt.
Read more:
www.njpp.org/publications...
Despite the constitutional right to an attorney, municipal courts charge up to $200 for public defenders, pushing low-income residents into debt.
Read more:
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
🚨 NEW from @marleinau.bsky.social 🚨
Despite the constitutional right to an attorney, municipal courts charge up to $200 for public defenders, pushing low-income residents into debt.
Read more:
www.njpp.org/publications...
Despite the constitutional right to an attorney, municipal courts charge up to $200 for public defenders, pushing low-income residents into debt.
Read more:
www.njpp.org/publications...
🚨 New from @jerseyjazzman.bsky.social 🚨
New Jersey’s school funding formula shortchanges schools serving students from low-income families, leaving 80 percent of Black and Latinx/Hispanic students in schools without adequate resources.
Read the full report:
www.njpp.org/publications...
New Jersey’s school funding formula shortchanges schools serving students from low-income families, leaving 80 percent of Black and Latinx/Hispanic students in schools without adequate resources.
Read the full report:
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
🚨 New from @jerseyjazzman.bsky.social 🚨
New Jersey’s school funding formula shortchanges schools serving students from low-income families, leaving 80 percent of Black and Latinx/Hispanic students in schools without adequate resources.
Read the full report:
www.njpp.org/publications...
New Jersey’s school funding formula shortchanges schools serving students from low-income families, leaving 80 percent of Black and Latinx/Hispanic students in schools without adequate resources.
Read the full report:
www.njpp.org/publications...
Reposted by New Jersey Policy Perspective
New Jersey’s window shopping for 2026 ACA marketplace plans is open, with large premium spikes because of expiring premium tax credit enhancements. A typical 60-year-old couple making $85,000 will have to pay an additional $20,600 annually for benchmark coverage. (1/4)
October 27, 2025 at 1:37 PM
New Jersey’s window shopping for 2026 ACA marketplace plans is open, with large premium spikes because of expiring premium tax credit enhancements. A typical 60-year-old couple making $85,000 will have to pay an additional $20,600 annually for benchmark coverage. (1/4)
Reposted by New Jersey Policy Perspective
I talked to @fortune.com about how everyday New Jerseyans are hurt by data centers and how it's affecting our governor's race. We need a leader who will protect residents from rising costs and create a more equitable energy future for all!
fortune.com/2025/10/22/a...
fortune.com/2025/10/22/a...
Huge AI data centers are turning local elections into fights over the future of energy | Fortune
Rising energy bills and growing scrutiny of Big Tech’s political influence are transforming AI data centers from obscure infrastructure into political flashpoints for both progressives and conservativ...
fortune.com
October 22, 2025 at 4:16 PM
I talked to @fortune.com about how everyday New Jerseyans are hurt by data centers and how it's affecting our governor's race. We need a leader who will protect residents from rising costs and create a more equitable energy future for all!
fortune.com/2025/10/22/a...
fortune.com/2025/10/22/a...
Nearly one in 10 New Jerseyans lived below the poverty level in 2024.
By prioritizing and expanding cash assistance programs such as the Child Tax Credit, lawmakers can help close the wealth gap and end child poverty.
Read the full analysis from NJPP's Tonanziht Aguas: www.njpp.org/publications...
By prioritizing and expanding cash assistance programs such as the Child Tax Credit, lawmakers can help close the wealth gap and end child poverty.
Read the full analysis from NJPP's Tonanziht Aguas: www.njpp.org/publications...
Census 2024: Economic Gains Bypass Many New Jersey Communities - New Jersey Policy Perspective
Nearly one in 10 New Jerseyans still lived below the poverty level last year.
www.njpp.org
October 21, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Nearly one in 10 New Jerseyans lived below the poverty level in 2024.
By prioritizing and expanding cash assistance programs such as the Child Tax Credit, lawmakers can help close the wealth gap and end child poverty.
Read the full analysis from NJPP's Tonanziht Aguas: www.njpp.org/publications...
By prioritizing and expanding cash assistance programs such as the Child Tax Credit, lawmakers can help close the wealth gap and end child poverty.
Read the full analysis from NJPP's Tonanziht Aguas: www.njpp.org/publications...
Reposted by New Jersey Policy Perspective
Big Tech is driving up the cost of electricity, so we’re fighting back!
We’re launching Power Play NJ to lower energy costs by holding Big Tech accountable and bringing clean energy (and jobs!) to our state.
We’re launching Power Play NJ to lower energy costs by holding Big Tech accountable and bringing clean energy (and jobs!) to our state.
October 8, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Big Tech is driving up the cost of electricity, so we’re fighting back!
We’re launching Power Play NJ to lower energy costs by holding Big Tech accountable and bringing clean energy (and jobs!) to our state.
We’re launching Power Play NJ to lower energy costs by holding Big Tech accountable and bringing clean energy (and jobs!) to our state.
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...
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
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...
Read more from @njpolicy.bsky.social’s @ptrchn1.bsky.social: www.njpp.org/publications...
Health care is under attack and unaffordable for many. Programs like the 988 hotline provide vital support in times of crisis, particularly for LGBTQIA+ youth. Now's the time for lawmakers to protect these critical services so New Jerseyans can get the mental health care they need when they need it.
October 10, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Health care is under attack and unaffordable for many. Programs like the 988 hotline provide vital support in times of crisis, particularly for LGBTQIA+ youth. Now's the time for lawmakers to protect these critical services so New Jerseyans can get the mental health care they need when they need it.
Reposted by New Jersey Policy Perspective
“The solution is straightforward: We can give families money to meet the costs that come with raising children.” - Peter Chen of @njpolicy.bsky.social
NJ could dramatically cut child poverty with cash payments, report says | Video | NJ Spotlight News
Think tank proposes $5,000 annually for eligible families
www.njspotlightnews.org
October 1, 2025 at 9:02 PM
“The solution is straightforward: We can give families money to meet the costs that come with raising children.” - Peter Chen of @njpolicy.bsky.social
Reposted by New Jersey Policy Perspective
We are SO excited to be expanding our team and adding a new analyst to focus on economic security! Tonanziht is amazing and we’re lucky to have her 💚
We’re excited to welcome Tonanziht Aguas (toe-NAHN-see a-GOO-as) to the NJPP team! 🎉
As our new Policy Analyst, Tonanziht will focus on economic security, bringing experience from a guaranteed income pilot in Newark, research on food access in North Jersey, and more.
Welcome! 💙
As our new Policy Analyst, Tonanziht will focus on economic security, bringing experience from a guaranteed income pilot in Newark, research on food access in North Jersey, and more.
Welcome! 💙
NJPP Welcomes Tonanziht Aguas as Newest Policy Analyst - New Jersey Policy Perspective
NJPP welcomes newest policy analyst and CBPP Fellow Tonanziht Aguas
www.njpp.org
September 25, 2025 at 1:30 AM
We are SO excited to be expanding our team and adding a new analyst to focus on economic security! Tonanziht is amazing and we’re lucky to have her 💚
We’re excited to welcome Tonanziht Aguas (toe-NAHN-see a-GOO-as) to the NJPP team! 🎉
As our new Policy Analyst, Tonanziht will focus on economic security, bringing experience from a guaranteed income pilot in Newark, research on food access in North Jersey, and more.
Welcome! 💙
As our new Policy Analyst, Tonanziht will focus on economic security, bringing experience from a guaranteed income pilot in Newark, research on food access in North Jersey, and more.
Welcome! 💙
NJPP Welcomes Tonanziht Aguas as Newest Policy Analyst - New Jersey Policy Perspective
NJPP welcomes newest policy analyst and CBPP Fellow Tonanziht Aguas
www.njpp.org
September 24, 2025 at 8:34 PM
We’re excited to welcome Tonanziht Aguas (toe-NAHN-see a-GOO-as) to the NJPP team! 🎉
As our new Policy Analyst, Tonanziht will focus on economic security, bringing experience from a guaranteed income pilot in Newark, research on food access in North Jersey, and more.
Welcome! 💙
As our new Policy Analyst, Tonanziht will focus on economic security, bringing experience from a guaranteed income pilot in Newark, research on food access in North Jersey, and more.
Welcome! 💙
While 720,000 wealthy NJ families get permanent tax breaks under the "One Big Beautiful Bill," 360,000 poor, disabled, and elderly residents lose Medicaid and food assistance. This isn't economic policy. This is choosing winners and losers based on wealth.
It’s a great time to be rich in N.J. Here’s why.
Here's what the One Big Beautiful Bill means for your wallet.
www.nj.com
September 22, 2025 at 6:16 PM
While 720,000 wealthy NJ families get permanent tax breaks under the "One Big Beautiful Bill," 360,000 poor, disabled, and elderly residents lose Medicaid and food assistance. This isn't economic policy. This is choosing winners and losers based on wealth.
🎉 Congratulations to NJPP President Nicole Rodriguez for being named to ROI's 2025 People of Color Influencer List!
Nicole's leadership in advancing social justice through evidence-based policy research makes New Jersey stronger for everyone.
www.roi-nj.com/2025/07/28/r...
Nicole's leadership in advancing social justice through evidence-based policy research makes New Jersey stronger for everyone.
www.roi-nj.com/2025/07/28/r...
September 12, 2025 at 6:19 PM
🎉 Congratulations to NJPP President Nicole Rodriguez for being named to ROI's 2025 People of Color Influencer List!
Nicole's leadership in advancing social justice through evidence-based policy research makes New Jersey stronger for everyone.
www.roi-nj.com/2025/07/28/r...
Nicole's leadership in advancing social justice through evidence-based policy research makes New Jersey stronger for everyone.
www.roi-nj.com/2025/07/28/r...
🚨 New from @ptrchn1.bsky.social 🚨
Despite being one of the wealthiest states, 1 in 8 New Jersey children live in poverty. However, New Jersey has the resources to dramatically cut child poverty through direct cash assistance to families.
Read more: www.njpp.org/publications...
Despite being one of the wealthiest states, 1 in 8 New Jersey children live in poverty. However, New Jersey has the resources to dramatically cut child poverty through direct cash assistance to families.
Read more: 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
September 10, 2025 at 3:10 PM
🚨 New from @ptrchn1.bsky.social 🚨
Despite being one of the wealthiest states, 1 in 8 New Jersey children live in poverty. However, New Jersey has the resources to dramatically cut child poverty through direct cash assistance to families.
Read more: www.njpp.org/publications...
Despite being one of the wealthiest states, 1 in 8 New Jersey children live in poverty. However, New Jersey has the resources to dramatically cut child poverty through direct cash assistance to families.
Read more: www.njpp.org/publications...
Reposted by New Jersey Policy Perspective
I spoke with CBS news about the upcoming election and rising utility bills.
New Jersey needs a leader who will build more newer, reliable energy sources. It’s the best way to keep costs down and make the state more affordable for all!
New Jersey needs a leader who will build more newer, reliable energy sources. It’s the best way to keep costs down and make the state more affordable for all!
When lawmakers talk about kitchen table issues, utility costs should be among them as New Jerseyans face rising rates.
"Affordability is the number one issue in this race, and rising energy prices are also at the top of everyone's mind," @alexfromnj.bsky.social.
www.cbsnews.com/news/rising-...
"Affordability is the number one issue in this race, and rising energy prices are also at the top of everyone's mind," @alexfromnj.bsky.social.
www.cbsnews.com/news/rising-...
Energy prices could be election issue as voters see jump in utility bills
Energy suppliers are having trouble keeping up with the rapid increase in demand, and consumers in some states are seeing higher monthly bills.
www.cbsnews.com
August 22, 2025 at 5:55 PM
I spoke with CBS news about the upcoming election and rising utility bills.
New Jersey needs a leader who will build more newer, reliable energy sources. It’s the best way to keep costs down and make the state more affordable for all!
New Jersey needs a leader who will build more newer, reliable energy sources. It’s the best way to keep costs down and make the state more affordable for all!
When lawmakers talk about kitchen table issues, utility costs should be among them as New Jerseyans face rising rates.
"Affordability is the number one issue in this race, and rising energy prices are also at the top of everyone's mind," @alexfromnj.bsky.social.
www.cbsnews.com/news/rising-...
"Affordability is the number one issue in this race, and rising energy prices are also at the top of everyone's mind," @alexfromnj.bsky.social.
www.cbsnews.com/news/rising-...
Energy prices could be election issue as voters see jump in utility bills
Energy suppliers are having trouble keeping up with the rapid increase in demand, and consumers in some states are seeing higher monthly bills.
www.cbsnews.com
August 21, 2025 at 9:35 PM
When lawmakers talk about kitchen table issues, utility costs should be among them as New Jerseyans face rising rates.
"Affordability is the number one issue in this race, and rising energy prices are also at the top of everyone's mind," @alexfromnj.bsky.social.
www.cbsnews.com/news/rising-...
"Affordability is the number one issue in this race, and rising energy prices are also at the top of everyone's mind," @alexfromnj.bsky.social.
www.cbsnews.com/news/rising-...