(38th LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT) – Assemblywoman Connie Wagner (D-Bergen) released the following statement on Wednesday on the governor’s lack of leadership and failed school funding policies:
“The court’s order was further evidence of what New Jersey taxpayers and parents already knew – this governor’s policies have done nothing to improve New Jersey’s education and property tax systems.
“But the decision failed to address suburban and rural school districts located throughout New Jersey. Don’t forget that when the governor failed to follow state law, it was the suburban and rural school districts that paid the highest price.
“Most of the additional school funding denied by the governor would have gone to suburban and rural districts. More than 70 percent of additional funding, actually, would have been delivered to suburban and rural schools, providing education help and property tax relief throughout the state.
“The governor failed on Tuesday to show leadership and take responsibility for fixing his failed policies.
“But I’m confident the Democratic Legislature – with or without leadership from the governor – will do the right thing and take every step it can to meet the needs of working class families and their children.”