Testa, Simonsen & McClellan Oppose Gov. Murphy’s School Funding Cuts

The District 1 legislative team of Senator Michael Testa, Assemblyman Erik Simonsen, and Assemblyman Antwan McClellan criticized Governor Murphy’s proposed school funding cuts, highlighting the need for additional funds during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Governor Murphy should not target South Jersey schools for big funding cuts while we are grappling with virtual education, technology costs, and planning for a safe return to our classrooms,” said Testa. “This absurd budget proposal put forth by the Governor would leave several of our schools facing a 20-30 percent reduction in aid. These proposed cuts are downright insulting to every student and parent in South Jersey.”

Under Governor Murphy’s budget proposal for FY 2022, nearly 65% of District 1 schools would experience significant cuts in funding, which would amount to approximately $7.3 million in total aid reduction.

School Districts that would face the largest percentage of cuts include: Weymouth Township, Dennis Township, Lower Township, and Lower Cape May Regional.

“Cape May County may be the bottom of the State, however Governor Murphy should not treat us like we are at the bottom of the barrel. That is exactly how the Governor is treating Cape May County districts with his announcement of school funding,” stated Simonsen. “No school district should be looking at a loss of funding after we’ve been navigating online learning and increasing expenses on technology to close the digital divide.”

“Our community has already suffered through an overbearing state shutdown that has left kids struggling with a year’s worth of learning loss. Now, to add salt to the wound, Governor Murphy is slashing millions from our local school funding,” added McClellan. “As a former school board member, I understand our children are in desperate need of adequate funding to ensure we can overcome learning loss and lack of in-person learning.”