New Jersey Policy Perspective produces independent research and analysis on policy solutions to advance social, economic, and racial justice. From data-driven reports to policy briefs and explainers, we work to provide lawmakers, legislative staff, advocates, community leaders, and reporters with the facts and figures behind the most pressing policy issues facing the Garden State.

Friday Facts and Figures: July 23, 2021

Atlantic City votes to shut down its lifesaving syringe exchange program. New Jersey is the best performing state in the bond market.

EITC Expansion Benefits Residents and Boosts the Economy

Expanding the EITC in New Jersey will provide a boost to state and local economies as EITC benefits are often spent immediately and locally.

Friday Facts and Figures: July 16, 2021

Expanded Child Tax Credit payments are here! A new report finds the true poverty rate for New Jersey. NJPP has a new job opening.

More Than 50,000 Kids in New Jersey Could Miss Out on the Child Tax Credit

Up to 55,000 qualifying families in New Jersey may miss out on Child Tax Credit payments because the IRS does not have their information on file.

Friday Facts and Figures: July 9, 2021

New data documents millions of State Police traffic stops. Expanded federal Child Tax Credit takes effect later this month.

The Consequences of School Underfunding

Inadequately funded schools have fewer experienced teachers and fewer curricular offerings.

Friday Facts and Figures: July 2, 2021

New state budget includes big investments to aid the state's recovery, but lacks bold, transformative policies to close the racial wealth gap.

Shining a Light on New Jersey’s FY 2022 Budget

New Jersey's latest budget meets the immediate needs of the pandemic recovery, pays off debt, and invests in key public assets.

Expanded Child Tax Credit Will Benefit More Than 1 Million Kids in New Jersey

An estimated 1.6 million children in New Jersey will benefit from a temporary expansion to the federal Child Tax Credit (CTC).

Four Ways New Jersey Can Improve Health Care Using American Rescue Plan Funds

Effectively targeting American Rescue Plan funds can solidify New Jersey’s path to a quick, strong, and equitable recovery.

Friday Facts and Figures: June 25, 2021

State budget was passed in committee mere minutes after bill language was made public. Legislature passes historic Cover All Kids bill.

Friday Facts and Figures: June 18, 2021

New Jersey spent $11.6 billion enforcing the “War on Drugs” over the last decade. New federal bill would decriminalize all drugs.

A War on Us: How Much New Jersey Spends Enforcing the War on Drugs

New Jersey spent $11.6 billion over the last decade enforcing the War on Drugs, exacerbating inequality and costing people their lives.

Friday Facts and Figures: June 11, 2021

Election results show the power of "the line" on primary ballots. Strong revenue collections provides big opportunity to advance equity.

Friday Facts and Figures: June 4, 2021

Stimulus checks reduced hardship during the pandemic. New poll finds that New Jersey voters support Universal Basic Income (UBI).

Friday Facts and Figures: May 28, 2021

Police and prison reform bills stall in the Legislature. NJ Transit unveils ambitious bus electrification plan.

What’s Included, and Missing, in Gov. Murphy’s FY 2022 Budget Proposal

New Jersey lawmakers must keep their eyes peeled on the not-so-distant future and find ways to protect new investments long-term.

Camden Sheds Black Teachers at a Uniquely High Rate

Charter school growth accounts for changes in teacher race; other cities with large charter sectors have not seen as dramatic a shift.

Friday Facts and Figures: May 21, 2021

Bill to ban contracts with ICE advances through Senate committee. New housing protection bill falls short.

Early Education Matters: Connecting High-Quality Pre-K to K-3 Classrooms

The benefits of pre-K programs can disappear if they are not connected to equally high-quality instruction in the K-3 years.

Five Ways to Strengthen Tax Credits for Workers

The American Rescue Plan expands tax credits for working families, but many of these changes fall short of the need. Here's what state lawmakers can do to better support workers.

Friday Facts and Figures: May 14, 2021

Treasury rules state and local aid cannot be used for tax cuts. Governor Murphy announces Excluded New Jerseyans Fund. 

State Takeover of Camden Schools Did Not Improve Students’ Academic Performance

There is no evidence that the 2013 state takeover of Camden's public schools has improved students' standardized test scores.

Friday Facts and Figures: April 30, 2021

New census numbers prove that people are NOT fleeing New Jersey. Driver's license expansion to finally take effect!

Friday Facts and Figures: April 23, 2021

Repealing the SALT cap would widen the racial wealth gap. The USDA extends its universal free lunch program.

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