TRENTON, N.J. — Gov. Mikie Sherrill on Thursday unveiled a new online platform designed to give residents greater insight into how state tax dollars are spent and how government programs are performing.
The New Jersey Report Card, available at ReportCard.NJ.Gov, is an interactive website that provides detailed information on the state’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budget, past spending trends and the impact of key state-funded programs.
Officials said the tool fulfills a commitment made in an executive order signed on Sherrill’s first day in office, aimed at improving transparency and accountability in state government.
“On my first day in office, I signed an Executive Order declaring that state government will be transparent and accountable for every New Jerseyan. With the New Jersey Report Card, we are doing exactly that,” said Governor Sherrill. “This is a restructuring of how state government delivers for the people it serves. Residents can now easily see how their tax dollars are spent and which programs they are funding. New Jerseyans deserve this level of accountability, and we are setting a gold standard here in New Jersey to make government work for the people and businesses we serve.”
The site includes interactive charts and data visualizations showing appropriations across budget categories, as well as spending and revenue trends over the past decade. It also provides information on programs such as the Child Care Assistance Program and the Bringing Veterans Home initiative.
“Since day one, this Administration has been focused on making government work better for the people of New Jersey through greater transparency, stronger accountability, and better outcomes for those we serve,” said Chief Operating Officer Kellie Doucette. “The New Jersey Report Card is a key part of that effort, giving residents a clear and accessible way to see how taxpayer dollars are being used. By putting this information in one place, we are giving residents greater visibility into how government operates. We’re proud to partner with the New Jersey Innovation Authority to build this platform and bring a more modern, data-driven approach to how we track spending and measure results.”
State Treasurer Aaron Binder said the platform will help residents better understand state finances.
“As we move toward fulfilling Governor Sherrill’s pledge to make New Jersey government more transparent and accountable, the Report Card will allow residents to see exactly how and where their tax dollars are spent,” said Binder. “With this tool, residents can see what programs and services their taxes will fund, which sets a new model for the operation of state government in New Jersey.”
New Jersey’s chief innovation officer, Dave Cole, said the platform is designed to improve public access to information.
“This Report Card is an important budget transparency tool, with data points presented in a meaningful and accessible way so that New Jerseyans can know more about how their state runs,” Cole said. “When taxpayers can easily see a connection between their dollars and the public services that benefit their lives, we foster both civic engagement and overall trust in government.”
Supporters said the initiative could help increase public engagement in the budget process.
“We cannot have a functioning democracy without an informed public,” said Majority Leader Lou Greenwald (D-Camden, Burlington). “That’s why I’ve worked to make transparency a priority throughout my career, from holding budget hearings in communities all across the state, to supporting the growth of local news outlets, and investing in technology that brings live-streaming hearings to people no matter where they are. This tool builds on those efforts by letting folks know how their tax dollars are being spent and the impact they’re having in a way that’s clear, accessible, and easy to navigate. By putting this information directly into the hands of residents, we’re building trust and empowering them to be informed and engaged participants in the budget process.”
Advocacy and business groups also welcomed the initiative.
“For too long, New Jersey’s budget process has happened behind closed doors, leaving residents with little insight into how their tax dollars are spent. When people can see where the money goes, which programs their dollars support, and what those programs deliver, it creates the conditions for an honest, fact-based conversation about what a sustainable budget actually looks like. Gov. Sherrill’s commitment to that kind of transparency is a great start, and we look forward to seeing it built out further and become a permanent part of how the state does business.” said Nicole Rodriguez, NJ Policy Perspective President.
“NJBIA thanks Governor Sherrill for continuing to make budget accountability and transparency a priority in her administration. This new Budget Report Card will serve as a vital tool in our shared pursuit of greater fiscal responsibility, and towards that we are also encouraged that the proposed FY27 budget tries to hold the line on spending. We agree with the governor’s call to limit last-minute spending items given our fiscal challenges, and we support the reasonable reductions proposed for Stay NJ.” said Michele Siekerka, NJBIA President & CEO.
“Making the NJ Report Card available to the general public is a great step forward for transparency and accountability,” said Damon King, New Jersey Institute for Social Justice Senior Counsel. “We look forward to building on this strong foundation.”
Officials said additional features and data will be added to the platform over time.
