FY26 Budget Season Recap: Standing with the Hispanic Women’s Resource Centers

With life-changing programs on the chopping block, HWRC clients and community leaders took action to fight devastating budget cuts head-on.

As the FY26 budget season wraps up in New Jersey, the Latino Action Network Foundation (LANF) remains committed to uplifting the voices of the women we serve. This year, we faced serious proposed funding cuts to the Hispanic Women’s Resource Centers (HWRCs)—cuts that would have devastated the programs that empower Latinas to build better futures for themselves and their families.

Throughout budget hearings, LANF staff, community partners, and HWRC clients participated in committee meetings, submitted testimonies, and shared stories to highlight just how essential these programs are. These actions helped center the experiences of over 8,500 Latinas served in the past year alone—many of whom are now employed, self-sufficient, and contributing to the state’s economy thanks to the HWRCs.

Here’s a quick look at how we worked to defend this vital funding:

• Assembly Budget Committee Hearing – March 25, 2025: LANF Director of Policy Saray Ramos and HWRC client Lucina F. delivered powerful remarks urging lawmakers to restore full funding to $4.04 million. Lucina’s heartfelt testimony shared her personal transformation through ESL and computer classes.

• Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee at NJIT – March 26, 2025: LANF Executive Director Jesselly De La Cruz testified alongside HWRC client Bertha G., who spoke directly to legislators about how the program gave her the confidence and skills to pursue stable employment.

• LANF Budget Testimony Submission: Our formal statement outlined the severe impact these cuts would have, and presented real numbers—highlighting the drop from $3.07M to a proposed $535,000.

LANF FY26 Budget Testimony.pdf

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Lucina F. 3_25_25 testimony.jpeg.pdf

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• Media Coverage:The issue gained traction in the press:

  • 📺 NJ Spotlight News video

  • 📰 NJ Spotlight article: “Latino Action Network programs face massive cut in state aid”

  • NorthJersey.com: “This NJ nonprofit organization is bracing for a major cut in state aid. So are others.”

• Visual Materials: We created and shared flyers and program summaries, including our latest HWRC pamphlets and a photo/video folder documenting the community’s involvement.

Why This Matters

HWRCs are more than job training centers—they are safe, welcoming spaces where Latinas gain the skills and confidence to support their families and change the trajectory of their lives. From ESL classes to sewing, resume writing, and financial literacy, these services are designed to help women break cycles of poverty and build toward long-term self-sufficiency.

And the numbers don’t lie: Over 3,200 clients served already this grant cycle. Over 8,500 last year. These are real lives, real stories, and real progress at stake.

What’s Next?

We’re proud of everyone who stood up during this process to protect funding for the HWRCs. Whether you attended a hearing, submitted a testimony, shared your story, or simply cheered us on—thank you. Your support fuels this work.

LANF will continue to spotlight programs that empower New Jersey’s Latina community. Stay connected with us as we work to ensure that HWRCs continue to thrive and serve the women who depend on them.