February 24, 2009 - 4:04pm
Press Release

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Tom Kean: Corzine Must Explain Which Schools and Programs Will Lose Education Aid

Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean issued the following statement after reading an Associated Press report that quotes the governor as saying he will unilaterally impose his $75 million cut in education aid in the current school year, even if the Legislature doesn't approve a $75 million deferral in district contributions to employee pensions:

"Republicans have stood firm against the pension deferral gimmick because it will cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars in future years. Democrats have joined us in this bipartisan effort. Now the governor is suggesting he will cut $75 million in aid late in the school year even if the deferral isn't approved.

"The opposition is strong. Despite the governor's tactics, this costly and irresponsible gimmick is facing defeat. Rather than wait until his measure dies in the Legislature, Governor Corzine should say now what education programs he plans to cut. Parents, school boards and administrators have a right to know if he plans to reduce aid to programs such as transportation and special education.

"The Republican position remains that neither pensions nor schools should be deprived of funding unless the governor has eliminated unnecessary patronage hires and reduced spending on pork barrel programs such as the so-called 'Special Municipal Aid.'"

 

 


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ANDREW PRATT can be reached via email at apratt@njleg.org.