(27th LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT) – Assembly Democrats John F. McKeon and Mila M. Jasey on Monday noted a nonpartisan analysis shows Gov. Chris Christie’s vetoes will cost 27th Legislative district $22.7 million, a 36.5 percent cut from the Democratic plan.
The Democratic budget supported by McKeon and Jasey would have delivered $62.1 million in aid to schools in the 27th District, but Christie sliced that to about $39.5 million via his line-item vetoes.
McKeon sponsored the legislation that would have provided increased funding for suburban schools through a two-year surcharge imposed upon 16,000 millionaires. Christie vetoed that legislation, marking the second time he has protected tax cuts for millionaires.
“Our budget plan revolved around ensuring fairness for suburban and rural taxpayers, but Gov. Christie showed once again that he does not value suburban education and property tax relief,” McKeon said. “It’s a shame that the governor cut school aid for districts compared to the Democratic budget. Taxpayers and schools throughout the state, no matter their locale, deserve fair and adequate funding support.”
“Our responsible budget plan was based on the simple concept of treating everyone the same way, whether they live in a city or a suburb,” Jasey said. “We provided the means for full funding to schools throughout the district, but the governor has different priorities, to the detriment of children and taxpayers. It’s very unfortunate that his decision is costing this district so much sorely needed school funding.”
