Garden State Times

Senator Owen Henry (R-12) recently met with school officials in the Jackson School District to address the significant impact of Governor Murphy’s proposed S2 funding cuts. During the round table discussion, Senator Henry expressed his concern over the disproportionate nature of the cuts, stating, "It is abundantly clear that the school funding formula is broken."

The Jackson School District reported a substantial loss of funding despite a relatively smaller decrease in enrollment, with Senator Henry noting that they have resorted to taking out loans to cover budget shortfalls. He emphasized the detrimental effects of these cuts on the district, stating, "They’ve been forced to make tough choices by cutting educators and programs which are vital for students’ success."

Senator Henry, who has been actively engaging with educators and school administrators in the 12th Legislative District, reiterated his commitment to advocating for fair treatment of school districts impacted by the S2 funding formula. He is supporting Republican-led legislation, S-3076, aimed at responsibly restoring the funding cuts proposed by Governor Murphy.

In response to the Democrat-led alternative, S-3081, which involves raising property taxes, Senator Henry expressed his opposition, stating, "We have to keep fighting for our students and our educators." He emphasized the importance of ensuring that schools have the necessary resources to support student success, highlighting the restoration of state aid as a critical first step.

Senator Henry's dedication to advocating for adequate funding for schools and his efforts to address the challenges faced by districts like Jackson demonstrate his commitment to supporting quality education for all students.