Garden State Times

Assemblyman Erik Simonsen expressed his support for new school funding initiatives during a panel meeting in Trenton. Simonsen, a member of the Assembly Education Committee, emphasized the need for immediate action to assist districts facing state aid cuts.

Regarding the current school funding formula, Simonsen stated, “A new funding formula that fairly supports our schools, teachers and students is what I want going forward, but at this point we have to survive and help these school districts hit hard weather the S2 storm a little longer.”

Simonsen highlighted the challenges faced by several districts in Atlantic and Cape May counties, stating, “The bills we heard today are Band Aids. We need to work together to replace S2 and properly fund schools as Republican Leader John DiMaio has proposed.”

DiMaio’s proposed legislation, the “Fully Funding Schools and Cutting Property Taxes Act” (A1125), aims to fund schools up to their adequacy budget and reduce property taxes accordingly. Simonsen stressed the importance of revising the current approach to school funding to alleviate the burden on taxpayers and ensure the future of public school systems.

Referring to the existing school funding formula in New Jersey, Simonsen pointed out the disparity in measuring district wealth based on property value rather than income. He advocated for a comprehensive overhaul of the system to prioritize adequate funding for education.

In support of the Republican plan, which includes a significant increase in state aid to districts and average property tax cuts, Simonsen remarked, “Our kids and their education are of the utmost importance. It’s time to regroup and fix school funding for good.”