New Jersey's budget drama centered mostly on higher taxes for millionaires, but the $38.7 billion budget now waiting for Gov. Phil Murphy's signature features new spending and new programs designed to help people across the state earning well below that top tax bracket.

While there are no new tax increases, the budget is also missing several of Murphy's revenue-generating priorities, including the millionaires tax, which he has suggested is non-negotiable to gain his signature. Murphy can sign the budget as is, veto parts of it, or reject it outright and send it back the the Legislature. Whatever happens, the state must have a balanced budget in place before July 1.

Here's a look at how the budget affects people beyond the big-ticket programs:

More for immigrants facing deportation

Murphy last year allocated $2.1 million to multiple legal service agencies to defend immigrants pulled into deportation proceedings. New Jersey joined New York and California in providing taxpayer-funded legal aid for immigration court, where, unlike in criminal proceedings, individuals are not guaranteed a lawyer.

The Legislature says: Make it $3.1 million next year.

BACKGROUND:New Jersey allocates $2.1 million for legal aid for immigrants

More for families on government assistance

An additional $2.5 million is earmarked for families who rely on utility assistance benefit payments, whose annual checks will increase to $21. While an extra twenty bucks might not seem like a lot, the change is a response to cutbacks at the federal level. The increase will make it easier for families who qualify for food stamps — formally called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — to receive additional federal benefits.

About 100,000 New Jersey residents can expect an additional $100 a month to buy food because of the change, according to Nancy Parello, a spokeswoman for Hunger Free New Jersey, which advocated for the measure.

Steady funding for college students

The governor wanted to expand a program that pays tuition for students who attend one of 13 community colleges, putting more than $28 million more toward the program to aid an additional 5,000 students.

But the Legislature keeps the funding steady year over year, and increases eligibility by raising an income cap from $45,000 each year to $65,000. About 13,000 students used so-called Community College Opportunity Grants to help them pay for class last year, according to the governor's office.

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More for victims

Organizations that help victims of sexual assault in each of New Jersey's 21 counties and the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault will get an additional boost totaling $2 million. The organizations provide counseling and support to victims, as well as training for law enforcement, and operate a 24-hour crisis hotline.

More to make commutes easier (fingers crossed)

Lawmakers pump $50 million more into NJ Transit, the state's beleaguered public transportation system. Don't worry: The governor has said this isn't coming from fare hikes.

The investment in NJ Transit — a system plagued by complaints of delayed or canceled trains — anticipates a $35 million increase in labor costs and the possibility of an influx of Manhattan commuters avoiding New York state's new congestion toll.

MORE:NJ Transit posts lowest annual ridership since Superstorm Sandy

More for seniors to help with property taxes

A program that reimburses seniors and individuals with disabilities for part of their property tax bills is getting an $18 million boost. The Legislature also removed a $70,000 annual income cap that curbed eligibility for the Senior Freeze program.

And a bigger deduction for veterans

Veterans used to be able to deduct $3,000 from their income tax bill. Now, it's doubled.

Veterans honorably discharged from the military can claim a $6,000 deduction. With more than 350,000 veterans living in the Garden State, this measure is expected to decrease revenue by about $14 million.

Stacey Barchenger: @sbarchenger; 732-427-0114; sbarchenger@gannettnj.com