Following months of advocacy and engagement with lawmakers, the New Jersey Legislature has approved the Fiscal Year 2027 state budget, which was subsequently signed into law by Governor Mikie Sherrill.

Despite a challenging budget year marked by a projected $1.4 billion structural deficit and reductions to several statewide programs, Agudath Israel of America’s New Jersey Office is pleased to report that the final budget includes meaningful increases and continued support for programs that directly benefit New Jersey’s nonpublic school community.

Throughout the budget process, Shlomo Schorr, Director of Legislative Affairs for Agudath Israel of America in New Jersey, testified before both the Senate and Assembly Budget Committees and met extensively with legislative leaders and administration officials to advocate for critical nonpublic school priorities.

As a result of these advocacy efforts and the support of key legislative partners, the FY2027 budget includes:

• An additional $2 million for nonpublic school security aid, bringing total funding to $32.55 million, or $217 per student.

• An additional $18 million for New Jersey’s Child Care Assistance Program, helping ensure that eligible families continue to have access to affordable child care.

The budget also includes:

• $48.8 million for Chapter 192 services, which provide compensatory education, English language instruction, and home instruction for eligible nonpublic school students.

• $28.4 million for Chapter 193 services, which provide speech-language and supplemental instruction services.

• $1,177 per eligible student in aid-in-lieu of nonpublic school transportation.

• $22.6 million for nonpublic school nursing services, equal to $145 per student.

• $7.4 million for nonpublic school technology aid.

• $7 million for the New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Program.

Altogether, the budget provides $20 million in additional funding for Agudath Israel’s budget priorities, and brings the total State support for nonpublic school programs to more than $150 million.

“These investments reaffirm New Jersey’s commitment to ensuring that students attending nonpublic schools receive the essential services they deserve,” said Shlomo Schorr. “In what was an exceptionally difficult budget year, we are grateful that these critical programs were not only preserved but strengthened. These investments will make a meaningful difference for thousands of students and families across New Jersey.”

Schorr also expressed appreciation to the legislators who played leading roles in advancing these priorities.

“We are especially grateful to Assemblyman Avi Schnall for his unwavering commitment to New Jersey’s nonpublic school community,” Schorr said. “His tireless advocacy throughout the budget process was instrumental in securing these important investments, and we deeply appreciate his leadership.”

Schorr also thanked Senator Joe Lagana and Assemblymembers Gary Schaer, Lisa Swain and Chris Tully for their longstanding support.

“These legislators have consistently been champions for ensuring that nonpublic school students receive the services they need to succeed,” Schorr said. “We sincerely appreciate their partnership and continued commitments to these vital programs.”

Agudath Israel of America’s New Jersey Office remains committed to working with Governor Sherrill, legislative leadership, and members of both parties to strengthen educational opportunities and essential services for every nonpublic school student in New Jersey, regardless of the school they attend.