Pet projects, public cash, an NJ Spotlight News series, details how New Jersey lawmakers add millions of dollars to the state budget, often with little public scrutiny. Over the past five years, almost $1.2 billion was added for the lawmakers’ so-called Christmas-tree items.

NJ Spotlight News’ Senior Writer and Projects Editor Colleen O’Dea discusses the series.

 The basics: By the time New Jersey’s state budget is ready to be ratified each year, it’s usually loaded with “Christmas tree” items, millions of dollars directed by lawmakers to their favored causes. Read more.

How the money is doled out: Adding pet projects to a budget is not unique to New Jersey. It happens in many states. At the federal level, these projects are called earmarks or “pork.” Here’s how it’s done in Trenton. Read more.

Lack of transparency: The legislators can add money to the state budget for their employer or for an organization where they might be a board member. They can add money for groups where a family member draws a paycheck or has some other financial relationship. The only requirement is that legislators must disclose those relationship. Do they? Read more.

Critics and defenders: The way New Jersey lawmakers can add millions of dollars to the state budget by way of resolutions has plenty of critics, who say the process is in urgent need of reform. It also has defenders, who see it as a legitimate legislative exercise. Read more.