In recent months, the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) has focused its advocacy efforts on developments in both Washington, D.C., and Trenton. The Government Relations Division has been monitoring several key issues that have affected education professionals and communities across the state.
The 2025 federal government shutdown, which lasted 43 days, was the longest in U.S. history. Traditionally, Congress passes a bipartisan Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the government temporarily when a new budget cannot be agreed upon before October. However, this year saw increased partisanship as Senate Democrats demanded an extension of health care subsidies set to expire, which Republicans opposed. On November 11, eight Senate Democrats joined Republicans to pass a CR that reopened the government with guarantees for rehiring fired federal workers and a promised vote on health care tax credits. This decision angered many Democrats nationwide and could lead to further disputes when funding expires again in January.
The shutdown had significant effects on public services. Disruptions in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) funding impacted many families. SNAP contributes about $2 billion annually to New Jersey’s economy by supporting over 5,000 businesses and providing essential nutrition assistance to schools, food banks, and nearly 850,000 residents—including more than 267,000 children.
The Department of Education also faced challenges during the shutdown. The Trump administration reduced staff levels by half from about 4,133 at the start of 2025 to fewer than 2,000 employees. These layoffs affected critical offices such as Civil Rights; Elementary and Secondary Education; and Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. The reduced workforce has limited oversight of $68 billion in grants and diminished access to policy experts who support student services.
Throughout these events, NJEA maintained communication with federal representatives to share concerns about the shutdown’s impact on members and called for bipartisan negotiations to resolve the crisis. NJEA also mobilized members for food drives benefiting local food banks affected by SNAP funding lapses—collecting over 700 pounds of food at its convention alone.
Redistricting is another area under scrutiny as Republicans hold a narrow majority in the House of Representatives (219-213). Both Republican- and Democrat-controlled state legislatures are redrawing congressional districts ahead of potential shifts in power during upcoming elections. In New Jersey, only the Apportionment Commission can redraw congressional maps following a national census.
Several congressional races are being closely watched ahead of midterm elections:
– CD-7: Represented by Republican Tom Kean Jr., this district includes all of Hunterdon and Warren counties plus parts of Morris, Somerset, Sussex, and Union counties; Democrats see an opportunity here.
– CD-11: Mikie Sherrill will vacate this seat covering parts of Morris, Essex, and Passaic counties in 2026.
– CD-12: Traditionally Democratic but open after Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman announced her retirement; it covers parts of Mercer, Somerset, Union, and Middlesex counties.
At the state level in Trenton, NJEA is preparing for Mikie Sherrill’s transition as governor-elect by drafting policy recommendations for her team on priorities affecting educators and students. During the “lame duck” session—the period between Election Day and when new legislators take office—NJEA continues its advocacy efforts with priorities such as eliminating high school exit exams; reforming charter school legislation; and restoring pension benefits through Tier 1 for Everyone legislation.
Aaron McClendon from NJEA’s Office of Politics and Policy stated that these initiatives aim to support members’ interests while addressing broader community needs.
