Raritan NJ
2-25-2025 2:31pm

First Lady Tammy Murphy Announces Special Guests for Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Address

TRENTON – On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, Governor Murphy will deliver his final budget address outlining his Administration’s spending priorities for Fiscal Year 2026. In attendance will be First Lady Tammy Murphy’s six special guests, including business owners, community leaders, and hardworking parents from across New Jersey whose work helps to move our state forward every single day. Each guest has a personal or professional journey that illustrates key policies and initiatives that have been, and will continue to be, a top priority of the Murphy Administration.

"As I present my final budget proposal, as Governor, I am honored to be joined by these six extraordinary guests whose stories underscore our Administration’s vision for a New Jersey that is stronger, fairer, and more prepared for the future," said Governor Murphy. "With our budget proposal for the next fiscal year, we are going to run through the tape in delivering economic security and opportunity to New Jerseyans from all walks of life. And together, we are going to leave the next generation of New Jerseyans a state that is better than we found it."

"I am honored to welcome this incredible group of individuals to this year’s budget address," said First Lady Tammy Murphy. "Each of these special guests represents the one-of-a-kind ambition and resilience that can only be found here in New Jersey. For over seven years, we have remained committed to supporting and empowering families across the state by reducing barriers and creating new paths towards success. Our work is far from over and we are thrilled to be kicking off our final fiscal year alongside these six inspiring leaders."

The following guests, listed in alphabetical order by last name, will be in attendance:

Andrew Bell, Sr. (Woodbury City, NJ): Andrew Bell, Sr. has served as Woodbury City Public Schools superintendent for the past six years. With 30 years of experience in education, including 22 years in Camden City Public Schools, Andrew has held various educational leadership roles like teacher, assistant principal, principal, and assistant superintendent. Andrew is currently pursuing his doctoral degree with an anticipated graduation in 2026. His extensive background reflects his dedication to fostering academic excellence and supporting the growth of students and staff. As part of this mission, Andrew worked with his colleagues to create a phone-free learning environment in Woodbury City Junior-Senior High School. Last week, Andrew welcomed the Governor to speak with students about the policy’s success. The accounts and personal experiences shared by the students at Woodbury City Junior-Senior High School reinforced the Governor’s ongoing commitment to working alongside school leaders, parents, and students to expand phone-free learning environments in school districts throughout New Jersey.

Tahir Johnson (Trenton, NJ): Tahir Johnson is the founder and CEO of Simply Pure Trenton, one of New Jersey’s first Black-owned recreational cannabis dispensaries. A Trenton native and social equity licensee, Tahir was previously arrested for cannabis and overcame significant regulatory and financial hurdles to build a thriving business in his hometown. Before entering the cannabis industry, he had a successful career in finance, including roles at Morgan Stanley and other prominent firms. He also served as President of the Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA) and held key positions at the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), the U.S. Cannabis Council (USCC), and the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA), shaping policies to expand social equity and incentivize minority entrepreneurship in adult-use cannabis. With Simply Pure Trenton, Tahir has proven that the social equity programs supported by the Murphy Administration can drive meaningful economic growth and uplift historically marginalized communities. Tahir’s story is a perfect example of what it means to build a stronger and fairer New Jersey.

James Sawn (Mountain Lakes, NJ): James Sawn, originally from Millville, honorably served in the United States Army during the 1980s and is a proud father of two daughters. As a veteran, James understands first-hand the many challenges that come with re-integrating into civilian life, such as accessing affordable housing. With the support, in part, of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, last year, James was able to move into a new housing complex in Mountain Lakes.

Albeiro Orozco (Elizabeth, NJ): Albeiro Orozco is the proud founder and owner of Brisas Corp, a family-run restaurant and business based in Elizabeth that has been serving the community for 26 years. Albeiro moved to the United States from Colombia 35 years ago, with the dream of building a better future for his family. He grew up in poverty and was forced to leave school in fifth grade to provide financial support to his family, which he credits as a driving force behind his ambition today. Under his leadership, Brisas has expanded to include a restaurant, a bakery, and a wholesale empanada manufacturing facility which was highlighted by the Murphy Administration during Hispanic Heritage Month. Brisas has created jobs, supported local economic growth, and emerged as a staple in the broader Union County community.

Tina Pastoressa (Hamilton, NJ): Tina Pastoressa is a skilled tradeswoman who successfully completed the Carpenter's Apprentice Ready Program (CARP) offered by the Northeast Carpenters Apprentice Fund, the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, and the Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey. She also completed the carpentry certificate program at Mercer County Technical Schools. After joining Carpenters Local 254 in 2022, Tina was enlisted to work on the renovation of the 231-year-old historic New Jersey State House. Tina currently serves as a third-year apprentice and she works in the field, every day, to help build a stronger New Jersey for all.

Abigail Perez (Union County, NJ): Abigail Perez is a proud second-generation Puerto Rican American and a single parent living in Union County. She serves her community as a Senior Center Program Aid. She finds joy and inspiration in her adventurous four-year-old who keeps her fun and optimistic. In her free time, she is an early riser, starting her day with a 5:00 a.m. workout. Abigail enjoys cooking, reading, praying, and watching a good sci-fi action film in her spare time. Last year, Abigail was one of 237,000 parents who received, on average, more than $950 in direct relief through the new Child Tax Credit, which the Murphy Administration created in 2022.

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