Englewood Teen Center Could Lose $120K Under Murphy Budget Cuts

ENGLEWOOD, NJ — A city-based center that provides after-school care for local teenagers could lose $120,000 in funding from the state.

The money was allocated to the teen center at the Bergen Family Center. It was part of Gov. Phil Murphy freezing $235 million in spending this week. The center provides after-school care and enrichment programs to local teenagers.

"We're thrilled to have it, but if we don't get the money we're going to do anything we can to keep our doors open. To say that that money would significantly benefit local youth in Englewood, would be an understatement," said Liz Corsini, the center's vice president. "Teenagers also have limited access to after-school programs in our community. Here they get tutoring support, learn conflict resolution, and get a hot meal every night."

The center has been, except for the $120,000, completely privately funded.

"We're thrilled they included us, and we're hoping that after the funding is evaluated, we'll receive that money," Corsini said. "The whole goal is to increase access and opportunities for teens. It would allow us to breathe."

The center was one of 64 items that could permanently lose funding under Murphy's plan, a plan he put in place since he failed to get a millionaire's tax inserted into New Jersey's 2020 budget.

"We must be honest about its shortfalls: This is a budget that does not include tax fairness, does not ask opioid manufacturers to help fund addiction services, and does not raise gun fees that have been untouched since 1966," Murphy said. "These common-sense revenues would have allowed us to save for a rainy day and sustainably fund necessary investments for New Jersey's 9 million residents. Make no mistake, I will continue fighting for tax fairness and fiscal responsibility well beyond (the) budget actions."

Senate President Stephen Sweeney called the move a "shameless act of political retribution."

A complete list of spending items that Governor Murphy has placed into reserve is here.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com