The budget process is well underway in Trenton as the heads of various state agencies come before lawmakers to make their case for resource requests. Questions remain over hot topics like aid for public schools and the expiration of the corporate-business tax surcharge, as well as how to spend an influx of federal funds. But looming over all of it is the fight in Washington over the federal debt ceiling that has put the nation on the brink of default as soon as June 1. How “catastrophic” would such an outcome be?
State budget debate continues in the shadow of federal debt showdown
A failure to lift the federal debt ceiling could be 'catastrophic'
Senior Correspondent
Joanna Gagis joined the NJ Spotlight News team in 2018. As a Senior Correspondent, her coverage includes education, health care, the environment, New Jersey politics and more.
Budget/Finance Writer
John Reitmeyer has covered state and local government in New Jersey for more than 20 years, and for the last 10 years with NJ Spotlight News. He primarily focuses on issues related to the state budget, taxes and public finance. Prior to joining NJ Spotlight News, Reitmeyer wrote for The Record of Bergen County, The Burlington County Times and The Press of Atlantic City.