Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco testified before the Senate Education Committee on June 2 in support of his legislation aimed at restoring school funding for communities within New Jersey’s Highlands preservation area.
The proposed measure, Senate bill 4118, is known as the “Fairness for School Districts in Development Restricted Areas Act.” The bill would provide additional state aid to qualifying school districts that have lost funding while facing development restrictions imposed by the state.
During his testimony, Bucco said that Highlands and Pinelands communities face unique challenges because environmental preservation requirements prevent them from expanding their local tax base. He said these same communities have also experienced significant reductions in state school aid. “Listen to Senator Bucco’s testimony here:”
Bucco was joined by co-sponsors Senator Latham Tiver and Senator Carmen Amato, as well as school officials, parents, teachers, and community advocates who testified in support of the legislation.
According to the official website of the New Jersey Legislature, Bucco serves as Senate Republican Leader and chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee while serving on the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. He provides constituent services through a district office and email for legislative inquiries. The website also states that he engages in legislative work including sponsoring bills and contributing to committee discussions on key issues.
