New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill SCR23

Introduced

1/11/22

Refer

1/11/22

Caption

Proposes constitutional amendment to establish a 2 percent cap on annual appropriations increases for certain State government spending.

Impact

If adopted, SCR23 will have significant implications for budgetary processes, effectively capping the amount of money the state can appropriate each fiscal year unless specific exceptions apply. Notably, this amendment would not impact appropriations such as state aid to educational institutions and local governments, federal funds received by the state, pension payments, or expenses arising from natural disasters. This framework is designed to encourage prudent fiscal management and prevent sudden increases in state spending that could affect overall financial stability.

Summary

SCR23 is a constitutional amendment proposed to establish a strict 2 percent cap on annual increases in appropriations for certain state government spending in New Jersey. This amendment seeks to amend Article VIII, Section II of the state constitution, standardizing the spending growth limit by requiring that any appropriation law enacted for a state fiscal year may not exceed the appropriations made in the previous fiscal year by more than 2 percent. The intention of this limitation is to enforce fiscal discipline and ensure that state expenditures do not escalate unchecked.

Contention

The proposal has sparked debate among lawmakers and constituents, as it balances the need for fiscal caution against the potential restrictions it poses on spending flexibility during emergencies or economic downturns. Opponents may argue that a rigid cap could inhibit the state's ability to adapt to changing economic conditions, particularly when increased funding is needed for essential services. Furthermore, supporters of the amendment contend that it will create a more predictable and stable financial environment for state budgeting, safeguarding taxpayers from excessive governmental expenditure.

Latest NJ SCR23 Activity

View All Events: NJ 2022-2023 Regular Session SCR23

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ SCR41

Proposes constitutional amendment to establish a 2 percent cap on annual appropriations increases for certain State government spending.

NJ ACR28

Proposes constitutional amendment to establish revenue responsibility through annual State appropriations cap limiting spending growth to one percent per year over six years and a permanent revenue responsibility fund reserved for reducing State pension benefit liabilities.

NJ ACR14

Proposes constitutional amendment to establish State right to keep and bear arms.

NJ SCR24

Proposes constitutional amendment to increase amount of veterans' property tax deduction based on annual increases in CPI.

NJ ACR39

Proposes constitutional amendment to increase amount of veterans' property tax deduction based on annual increases in CPI.

NJ ACR83

Proposes temporary constitutional amendment to provide for State constitutional convention to reduce government spending and to reform system of property taxation.

NJ ACR127

Proposes constitutional amendment to limit annual increase in assessment of real property.

NJ ACR27

Proposes constitutional amendment to increase veterans' property tax deduction to $1,000, and base future deductions on annual CPI increases.

NJ SCR99

Proposes constitutional amendment to increase amount of annual veterans' property tax deduction from $250 to $1,250.

NJ ACR36

Proposes constitutional amendment to increase amount of annual veterans' property tax deduction from $250 to $1,250.

Similar Bills

MD SB282

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB0390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

PA HB1330

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

PA SB160

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB1220

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.