2026 Budget Introduction Remarks, Craig Guy Hudson County Executive

Added: 2026-05-17

[00:00:00]Good afternoon, everybody.

[00:00:02]And thank you, commissioners, uh for allowing me to address you, and thank you for always being a partner in in doing what we do best in uh Hudson County is serve our residents.

[00:00:14]Since day one, I focused my administration on service and opportunity.

[00:00:19]I am so proud of the efforts of the county staff. Day in and day out, they work tirelessly to ensure our residents get the help they need.

[00:00:27]This budget will continue to fund the services and the resources our residents so much depend on.

[00:00:34]This time last year, I talked about the Trump administration threatening Hudson County with drastic cuts that would hurt everyone in this community.

[00:00:42]In the past year, we've seen some of those cuts become a reality.

[00:00:48]Trump Trump's unnecessary wars have led to highest prices at the grocery store and the gas station.

[00:00:54]In November, the Trump administration cut the SNAP benefits during the federal government shutdown.

[00:01:02]And fe- federal immigration authorities continued to terrorize our communities.

[00:01:08]I am here to say that we are fighting back in Hudson County. When the Trump administration cut SNAP benefits last year, our Department of Aging and Veteran Affairs was there to deliver thousands of meals to our SNAP residents.

[00:01:23]And they continue to do so on a daily basis. Our Department of Family Services and Reintegration is helping residents navigate welfare issues every day.

[00:01:32]We are keeping residents off the streets with our homeless prevention programs and rental assistance.

[00:01:39]Our Health and Human Services Department is fighting food insecurity along with DAVA by funding pantries and non- nonprofits, ensuring no resident goes home hungry.

[00:01:51]And thanks to our law department who's working with immigration advocates to make sure no residents fall through the cracks of our legal system.

[00:01:59]Earlier, this Hudson County established two committees to ensure a clear line of communication between county government residents and an immigration advocacy organizations.

[00:02:11]Through those committees, we continue to explore opportunities to involve non-profit organization in this year's budgets.

[00:02:19]I truly believe a budget reflects a community's values.

[00:02:24]Compassion for those who are most vulnerable, resources for those who need them, and services that benefit every member of our community.

[00:02:32]All of these are Hudson County's values represented in this budget.

[00:02:37]Hudson County does indeed face challenges, but I remain optimistic about our county's direction.

[00:02:44]This budget maintains fiscal responsibility while maintaining the same high-quality services our residents have come to expect from our county.