Katie Brennan Criticizes State Budget for Diverting Funds from Key Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Katie Brennan, a housing expert and Democratic nominee for the New Jersey State Assembly, has publicly criticized the recently passed state budget for reallocating hundreds of millions of dollars from critical programs aimed at addressing pressing social and environmental issues. Brennan emphasized that these budget decisions undermine progress towards several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including affordable housing, clean energy, and health and well-being.

Budget Diversions and Their Impact on SDGs

The new budget agreement diverts over $300 million from three essential funds:

1. $100 million from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund
2. $190 million from the Clean Energy Fund
3. $45 million from the Opioid Settlement Fund

Additionally, the budget includes $100 million in healthcare “savings” measures that are expected to increase costs for middle-class public sector workers and retirees amid rising healthcare expenses.

SDG-Related Concerns Highlighted by Brennan

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The $100 million cut from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund threatens efforts to address the ongoing housing crisis, limiting access to safe and affordable housing.
• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – The $190 million reduction from the Clean Energy Fund undermines initiatives to promote renewable energy and reduce utility costs during an energy crisis.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The $45 million diversion from the Opioid Settlement Fund compromises harm reduction programs amid a continuing overdose crisis.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The proposed healthcare savings may increase financial burdens on middle-class workers and retirees, potentially affecting their health outcomes.

Call for Transparency and Improved Budget Process

Brennan criticized the opaque nature of the budget negotiations, which were conducted behind closed doors and finalized late on a Friday night. She stressed the need for a transparent and accountable budget process that aligns with the SDGs by protecting dedicated funds for critical social and environmental programs.

Her recommendations include:

• Conducting budget negotiations openly to ensure public scrutiny.
• Making budget language publicly available well in advance of voting.
• Protecting dedicated funds from being repurposed, especially those supporting affordable housing, clean energy, and harm reduction.

About Katie Brennan

Katie Brennan is a long-time Jersey City resident and community advocate with national recognition as an affordable housing expert. She has held leadership roles in state and local housing agencies in New Jersey and New York, secured historic funding for affordable housing in New Jersey, and advocated for stronger tenant protections and support for survivors of sexual assault.

Conclusion

As a candidate for State Assembly representing Legislative District 32, Brennan is committed to reforming the budget process to better serve working people and advance the Sustainable Development Goals related to housing, clean energy, and health. She is running alongside Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla to represent parts of Jersey City and all of Hoboken.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 1: No Poverty – Addressing affordable housing to reduce poverty and homelessness.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Tackling the opioid overdose crisis and healthcare cost issues.
3. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Focusing on clean energy funding to address energy crises and rising utility bills.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Promoting affordable housing and sustainable urban development.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – Advocating for government accountability, transparency, and better budget processes.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 1 – No Poverty
   • Target 1.4: Ensure access to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.
2. SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection and access to quality essential healthcare services.
3. SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Target 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
4. SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.
5. SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Affordable Housing Fund Allocation – Amount of funds allocated and spent from the affordable housing trust fund to measure progress on housing availability and affordability.
2. Clean Energy Fund Allocation – Funding levels and utilization of the Clean Energy Fund to track progress in clean energy projects and energy efficiency improvements.
3. Opioid Settlement Fund Usage – Amount of funds used for opioid crisis interventions to monitor efforts in reducing substance abuse and overdose rates.
4. Healthcare Cost Savings and Impact – Measurement of healthcare costs for middle-class workers and retirees to assess financial risk protection and access to healthcare services.
5. Transparency and Accountability in Budget Process – Availability of budget language to the public and timing of budget negotiations as indicators of institutional transparency and accountability.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: insidernj.com