Garden State Times

Senator Michael Testa has introduced a bill proposing a $1,500 retention bonus for all teachers in New Jersey. The funding for this initiative would come from state money currently allocated for benefits to illegal immigrants.

During the budget season, large numbers and abstract concepts often dominate discussions, making it difficult to grasp their significance. For context, New Jersey plans to spend over $200 million this year on benefits for immigrants who entered the country illegally. This includes taxpayer-funded legal services to contest deportations and detentions, as well as free healthcare in some cases.

While there is general support for legal immigration, public sentiment does not favor offering extensive taxpayer-funded services to those who enter the United States unlawfully. These benefits make New Jersey an attractive destination for illegal immigration and contribute to the state's affordability crisis.

Governor Phil Murphy's administration has implemented programs such as a $5 million appropriation two years ago to extend free healthcare to minors here illegally. This cost has since escalated to over $100 million annually due to increasing illegal border crossings.

Simultaneously, New Jersey faces challenges in attracting and retaining classroom teachers. Senator Testa argues that priorities need to shift. Instead of providing benefits to illegal immigrants, he suggests reallocating these funds to support teachers.

"New Jersey has roughly 117,000 teachers," said Testa. "That would be over $1,500 to each and every one of them."

Testa acknowledges that while $1,500 may not drastically change lives, it would assist teachers who often pay for classroom supplies out of pocket. It would also signal a shift in priorities towards supporting students, teachers, and taxpayers.

The New Jersey budget exceeds $55 billion and continues to grow annually. Testa and his Republican colleagues have proposed various changes aimed at making the budget fairer and stronger for residents and businesses. He hopes that Democrats will consider these proposals but views rewarding teachers as a crucial first step.