Senator Carmen Amato, Jr. announced on May 21 his plan to introduce legislation that would require New Jersey school districts to receive the full amount of State aid determined by the state’s funding formula, prohibiting any artificial cap on annual increases.
The proposed bill addresses concerns that some school districts are not receiving all the funding they qualify for, as the State has been capping increases for budget reasons. This issue affects students, educators, and property taxpayers who may have to make up the difference locally. Amato said, “School districts across New Jersey are being told they qualify for additional State aid under the funding formula, only to have Trenton turn around and cap that aid for budgetary convenience. Not only is that unfair to students and educators, it is a direct tax increase for property taxpayers who are forced to make up the difference. This is simple, if the State’s own formula determines a district is entitled to a certain level of funding, then the State should fully deliver it.”
Amato’s announcement followed a Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee hearing where it was reported that state revenues had increased by $500 million. He argued this new revenue—along with previously proposed Republican savings and spending reforms—means there should be enough funds available so every school district can be fully supported.
This move continues Amato’s efforts to change what he describes as an unfair school funding system in New Jersey. In April, he joined Senator Declan O’Scanlon in sending a letter to Governor Sherrill urging immediate action to restore capped school aid based on revised revenue projections and Republican budget proposals.
According to the official website, Bucco serves as Senate Republican Leader and chairs key committees such as Judiciary while also serving on Budget and Appropriations; he provides constituent services through his office and participates actively in legislative work including sponsoring bills.
A draft of Senator Amato’s bill is available online.
