Governor Murphy has released his proposed state budget for FY2026. NJCTS’s main source of funding has been eliminated! It will now be up to our state lawmakers to decide what to do with the governor’s plan. This marks the beginning of a lengthy legislative review process, which must be concluded by July 1.
As the process moves forward, it is crucial that lawmakers understand the importance of sustaining the current year’s level of funding for NJCTS. The services we provide—such as support programs, advocacy, education, and outreach—are vital to individuals living with Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders across New Jersey. We need your support to ensure it will be returned.
We kindly ask that you contact your local state representatives to express your support for NJCTS and request that they advocate for our funding in the FY2026 budget. Your voice can make a significant difference in ensuring that our programs can continue without interruption.
- Call your local state representatives’ office to express your support for NJCTS and the essential services we provide. DOWNLOAD IMPACT REPORT
- Email your representatives (through the website) to let them know how important NJCTS is to you and your family, and ask them to ensure we receive continued funding in the FY2026 budget.
- Encourage your friends and family members who live in NJ to call their legislators as well!
- Use this form letter (edit as appropriate) to send to your representatives in Trenton.
The work we do would not be possible without your support. With your advocacy, we can continue to provide the critical programs that make a real difference in the lives of individuals, like those below, living with Tourette Syndrome.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
What level of funding is needed?
NJCTS requests continued funding at the level received in FY 2025. In FY 2025, NJCTS received two grants from the State: $455,000 as a budget line item and $400,000 through Special Child Health and Early Intervention Services (NJDOH).
What is the history of the state funding?
In 2004, NJCTS received funding from the State of New Jersey to create a Center of Excellence that would provide programs and services to support families as well as education for schools and healthcare professionals in every corner of the state. Twenty years later, that funding has also helped NJCTS expand its reach through programs such as educational webinars, youth development initiatives, support groups, the Tim Howard Leadership Academy, and the NJCTS Family Retreat Weekend.
Our state funding has been stable at $800,000 since FY2018. $55,000 was added for 2025 in support of the TS Clinic at Rutgers.
Here is the 2026 proposed budget with $0 for NJCTS.
What are the consequences if funding is not restored?
If our funding is cut in FY2026 we would be forced to eliminate staff positions and scale back our programs. We are extremely frugal and focus our resources on serving our families. Though we continue to implement new and creative fundraising activities, the funding from the state represents two-thirds of our budget.
What programs does NJCTS provide that are at risk if State funding is cut?
Our programs supported by State funding include, but are not limited to:
• Camp FantasTIC
• Tim Howard Leadership Academy
• Various Resources for Families: These include maintaining a physician referral list of knowledgeable medical professionals; in-service programs for teachers; grand rounds for medical professionals; empowerment programming for teens; and monthly educational webinars.
• TS Clinic at the Rutgers School of Applied and Professional Psychology
What is NJCTS doing to restore funding?
- NJCTS advocates will be testifying at upcoming budget committee hearings in Trenton.
- We continue to meet with NJ legislators urging them to support our funding and programs.