March 21, 2023

For the first time ever, the New Jersey Senate Budget and Appropriations Budget Hearing was held at Ramapo College of New Jersey.  Senator Paul A. Sarlo (D-Wood-Ridge), Chairman of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, presided over the hearing. “On behalf of the Legislative Services Commission, I am grateful to Ramapo College and President Jebb for welcoming us to its beautiful campus for this hearing, which was a collaborative discussion with statewide advocates,” said Sarlo.

Ramapo College President Cindy Jebb thanked the legislative panel and shared the need for continued state support in critical areas at the College, including specialized services for students. Jebb also underscored how Ramapo and its peer institutions that comprise the New Jersey Association of State Colleges and Universities (NJASCU) are committed to the students. “While much is made of the outward migration of New Jersey students, New Jersey continues to offer quality undergraduate and graduate education, building upon the #1 K-12 system in our country.”

The 2023 hearing is the first in-person hearing since 2019. The annual hearing had to pivot to remote operations in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. “It is a historic day for Ramapo College to host the hearing. Many thanks to Senator Sarlo for this opportunity. We hope to welcome the committee back for future hearings,” says Ramapo College Government Relations Officer Pat O’Connor. This was the first in a series of budget hearings since Governor Murphy delivered the 2024 budget address in February. The hearings schedule can be found on njleg.state.nj.us/.

To learn more about Ramapo College, visit: ramapo.edu/about.