Senator Jim Holzapfel, Assemblyman Greg McGuckin, and Assemblyman Paul Kanitra have criticized Governor Phil Murphy and Trenton Democrats over the recently approved budget that affects Toms River Schools. The lawmakers expressed their disapproval of a budget that results in a property tax increase of nearly 13 percent for the district.
The District 10 legislators stated, “What the Democrats are doing to Toms River residents is nothing short of a disgrace and Governor Murphy and Trenton Democrats only have themselves to blame.” They accused the Democrats of passing a budget filled with nearly $1 billion in unnecessary spending while neglecting Republican communities like Toms River during an affordability crisis.
The FY2026 budget includes allocations for various projects such as:
– City of Hoboken Maritime Park Improvement Project
– Township of Monroe Indoor Recreational Facility Construction
– Wood-Ridge School District Capital Improvements
– City of Newark Police Department Noise Control Program
Additionally, there is an undisclosed project in the Newark School District which has reportedly misused over $1 billion in state aid on activities such as Hawaiian travel and alcohol-fueled parties.
The legislators further commented, “This entire situation is the direct result of Phil Murphy’s failed leadership and Trenton Democrats’ warped priorities. Democrats love to claim others haven’t lived up to their responsibilities but the truth is, they’re the only ones who haven’t. They blew up a school funding formula that now punishes districts like Toms River and rewards their political allies.”
The criticism highlights concerns about fiscal management and priorities within New Jersey’s government, particularly regarding education funding.
