July 1, 2025
On June 30th, New
Jersey’s Senate and General Assembly voted on a $58.8 billion FY2026 budget bill,
a record high and $728 million more than Governor Phil Murphy’s proposed $58.05
billion budget.
Recognizing
growth in multiple programs in the Department of Children and Families,
increases to the ARRIVE (Alternative Responses to Reduce Instances of Violence
& Escalation) program, new state funding for Certified Community Behavioral
Health Clinic demonstration programs, funding for harm reduction services and
other instances of new or higher funding, NJAMHAA President and CEO Debra L.
Wentz, Ph.D. stated, “While we are extremely grateful for the funding that was
maintained, new funding for some services and nominal increases in other areas,
it unfortunately is not enough to support a stable workforce nor sustainability
for many programs.”
Dr.
Wentz added, “At a time when the prevalence of mental illness and substance use
disorders across all age groups and other demographics continues to rise,
providers of these services are being reimbursed at levels that do not cover
the actual costs of care. Program capacities are shrinking and many are
evaluating if they must close programs as the losses to operate them have
grown. It is very disappointing that mental health and substance use treatment
and supports were not made a higher priority.”
Here
is NJAMHAA’s summary of the FY2026
Budget bill including both changes the Legislature has made to
the Governor’s proposed FY2026 budget that are relevant to NJAMHAA members and
the many significant items that were included in the Governor’s original
proposal.
NJAMHAA will continue to
advocate for adequate rates and contracts for all of the critical behavioral
health services its members provide to New Jersey’s adults, children, youth and
families.