Garden State Times

Senator Jim Holzapfel (R-10) criticized the Murphy administration for allocating hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars to illegal immigrants while neglecting adequate funding for all New Jersey students.

"Governor Murphy's mismanagement of taxpayer funds has come at the cost of 150 school districts, leaving countless students at risk of losing resources that are necessary for a quality education," said Sen. Holzapfel. "The Murphy administration's priorities are out of touch with the needs of families in Toms River and Brick. We should not be diverting hundreds of millions of dollars to illegal immigrants while New Jersey schools are forced to cut critical resources for students and teachers."

The Toms River Regional School District and Jackson School Board are taking legal action against New Jersey's Department of Education over school funding cuts. These cuts, which have impacted 150 school districts throughout the state, threaten the future of vital programs like arts, music, sports, and even courtesy busing for students and families.

During an FY2025 budget hearing with the Department of Human Services, the Murphy administration acknowledged using more than $200 million in taxpayer funds to provide free medical services, free legal assistance, and one-time cash payments to individuals who reside in New Jersey illegally.

"Democrats mislead New Jerseyans to think that our school funding formula is working, but the reality is that 150 schools are not fully funded," Sen. Holzapfel continued. "These lawsuits are a stark reminder of how the Murphy administration is failing future generations of New Jerseyans."