By Darren Blough, MSW, BCaBA, LaBA, Director of Public Policy and Clinical Partnerships
Governor Mikie Sherrill’s proposed fiscal 2027 budget for New Jersey includes about $154 million in additional funding for the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and expand community-based services.
Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner Stephen Cha outlined key elements of the Sherrill budget plan during a briefing on March 10. He noted that more than 30,000 adults are currently served through DDD, and the budget would continue previously approved rate increases for Direct Support Professionals and supervisors. The administration also indicated it is working toward addressing the Community Care Waiver (CCW) waitlist in the coming year.
The governor’s $60.7 billion spending proposal is for the fiscal year that runs from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. The plan includes record investments in public education, with $22.5 billion for pre-K–12 schools and $12.4 billion in formula aid, the highest level of school funding in state history. The budget proposes to calculate special education aid based on actual enrollment, helping better align funding with the number of students with disabilities served by school districts.
State leaders also emphasized that the budget prepares New Jersey for the impact of potential federal cuts to programs such as Medicaid and SNAP, with additional state investments aimed at helping residents maintain access to health coverage, food assistance, and other essential supports.