Middletown, N.J. – The Legislative District 13 team of Senator Declan O’Scanlon, Assemblywoman Victoria Flynn, and Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger responded to the United States Supreme Court’s recent opinion in Mirabelli v. Bonta, stating that the ruling should prompt a reassessment of New Jersey’s litigation posture against local school districts.

Senator Declan O’Scanlon highlighted the constitutional implications of the Court’s decision:

“The Supreme Court’s opinion reinforces that there are constitutional guardrails on government action, particularly in matters involving parental rights and compelled conduct. When the Court signals concern about government overreach, states have an obligation to reevaluate whether their actions are consistent with those constitutional limits.”

Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger, addressed the value of this reassessment in light of recent state aid cuts:

“School districts that are already facing reductions in state aid should not be subjected to additional pressure from the State. Communities like Middletown are working to prioritize students and manage limited resources. The State should be partnering with local districts - not escalating disputes. Parental rights are sacrosanct and should not be threatened by attacks from the state as local school boards struggle more and more with decreased State aid.”

Assemblywoman Victoria Flynn said the moment presents an opportunity for the new Attorney General to change course:

“The former Attorney General chose litigation before dialogue and never altered that approach, using the authority of the office in a way that deepened division rather than resolving it. This Supreme Court decision provides the new Attorney General with an opportunity to refocus the office’s priorities, discontinue the use of state resources for political purposes, and engage local communities in good-faith dialogue instead of courtroom battles. It is time to reset the tone and keep our focus where it belongs - on students and families.”

The LD13 delegation reiterated its commitment to protecting constitutional rights, respecting local governance, and ensuring that state resources are used responsibly.