Mike Pappas for State Senate

Pappas Supports O’Scanlon Amendment to Restore Full Funding for School, Districts, Zwicker “Abstains” on Important Vote

March 20, 2023

Branchburg – Mike Pappas, candidate for New Jersey State Senate, today expressed his strong support for an amendment offered today by State Senator Declan O’Scanlon in the NJ State Senate that would restore full funding for school districts.

“Numerous school districts in the 16th Legislative District have experienced severe losses of State aid over the last few years. Once again, Andrew Zwicker did not stand up for the people of central New Jersey. He claims to be a supporter of education, but it seems that this does not translate into providing crucial financial support for the communities he represents. The State has a $10 billion surplus, yet Sen. Zwicker cannot gather the courage to stand up for his constituents. No, once again, he takes a back seat to the detriment of the 16th District,” stated Pappas.

“Since 2018 Zwicker has presided over a record amount of cuts in state education aid. South Brunswick cut $7.9 million, Hillsborough slashed by over $4.4 million, Hunterdon Central lost over $1.1 million and the list goes on and on and includes Flemington-Raritan Regional,” said Pappas.

“Today Zwicker had the chance to vote for legislation that would eliminate any cuts in state education aid in this year’s budget and ensure our schools are fully funded. He didn’t even bother to cast a vote,” said Pappas.

“This decision has far-reaching impacts on local education and property tax payers and is a prime example of the disconnect between Andrew Zwicker and the citizens of central New Jersey,” concluded Pappas.

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Paid for by Mike Pappas for State Senate – James Weideli, Treasurer, 23 Forest Ave., Bridgewater, NJ 08807