July 1, 2025 - BLOOMFIELD, NJ - The Township of Bloomfield is pleased to announce that it will receive $2 million in direct appropriations from the Fiscal Year 2026 New Jersey State Budget, signed into law last night by Governor Phil Murphy. This critical funding is the result of extensive collaboration between Mayor Jenny Mundell and the District 34 legislative team - Senator Britnee N. Timberlake, Assemblyman Michael Venezia, and Assemblywoman Carmen Theresa Morales - who worked closely to ensure Bloomfield’s most pressing needs were represented and prioritized in Trenton. 

The appropriation will allow Bloomfield to advance a comprehensive pedestrian safety initiative, preserve essential public health programming impacted by federal grant funding losses, invest in senior transportation and socialization services, support youth mental health programs in schools, and enhance park amenities and green space throughout the community.

Mayor Jenny Mundell expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort that led to this investment: 

“This funding reflects a strong, intentional partnership with our state legislators. From the outset, we approached this year’s budget process with a clear and unified vision of what Bloomfield needed - especially for seniors, our youth, and our most vulnerable residents. Thanks to Senator Timberlake, Assemblyman Venezia, and Assemblywoman Morales, those needs were not only heard, they were met with action. This is what good government looks like: collaboration, compassion, and results.”

Senator Britnee N. Timberlake (D-34) who championed the effort in the State Senate, emphasized the importance of delivering for local communities in the face of broader fiscal uncertainty: 

“As the State Senator proudly representing District 34, I was honored to lead the effort—alongside my Assembly colleagues—to secure critical funding for Bloomfield and every municipality in our district. In a moment when the federal government poses tremendous fiscal cuts, we stepped up at the state level to deliver real results. This isn’t just budgetary success; it’s an investment in infrastructure, opportunity, climate resilience, recreation, seniors, education, and support for our first responders—concrete progress for the future our residents deserve.”

Assemblyman Michael Venezia (D-34), a former Mayor of Bloomfield and a member of the Assembly Budget Committee, spoke to the impact of delivering real funding through focused legislative work:

"As a member of the Assembly Budget Committee, I made sure Bloomfield’s priorities were front and center throughout this year’s budget process. From public safety to senior services, I worked closely with Mayor Mundell and our legislative partners to turn local needs into state-level action. This $2 million investment is a direct result of that effort—proof that when we bring local knowledge to the budget table, we get results that truly matter to the people we serve. As a lifelong Bloomfield resident, I’m proud to help deliver meaningful resources that will improve lives across our community."

Assemblywoman Carmen Theresa Morales (D-34) highlighted how thoughtful budgeting translates into direct service for residents:

“These budget victories reflect a commitment to equity and care in how we serve our constituents. By investing in mental health programs, health services, and transportation for seniors, we’re putting our values into action. I’m proud of the thoughtful, community-focused process that brought Bloomfield’s priorities to the table—and even more proud of the results we’ve delivered together.”

The $2 million investment positions Bloomfield to meet urgent needs while planning for long-term improvements in public health, infrastructure, and overall quality of life. It also stands as a model of how effective partnerships between municipal leaders and state lawmakers can produce real, community-centered progress.

“This budget is a reflection of our values and our vision for Bloomfield’s future,” said Mayor Mundell. “I’m proud to stand with our state delegation in delivering tangible results for the residents we serve.”