Senator Parker Space issued the following statement after casting his vote in opposition to the State Budget Bill, S-2027:

“Democrats just passed the largest State Budget in our history and residents in this state will be digging deeper into their pockets to pay for it. You just can’t make the argument that this Budget makes New Jersey more affordable when you don’t adequately fund schools, cut property tax relief programs, continue to raise taxes and fees, and go hog wild funneling pork spending into Democrat districts.”

“Schools across my legislative district have been reeling for years as a result of S-2 which established the current flawed school funding formula. Schools in Highlands communities have been particularly hard hit because they’re constrained in how they can grow their local tax base. This Budget fails to address this putting increased pressure on local property taxpayers.”

“Affordability woes are only compounded when you consider what else was passed in this Budget. The Stay NJ program which helps seniors afford their property tax bill has been scaled back meaning less of our seniors will qualify for the tax relief. More tax and fees on businesses hurt our economic climate and impact jobs. And the urge never seems to be satisfied as Democrats continue to funnel hundreds of millions in funding to their districts for favored projects. And all of this is done while also directing an extra $12 million to defend illegal immigrants.”

“I’m left with the conclusion that affordability is a mere afterthought among Trenton Democrats. So I cast my vote in opposition to this year’s State Budget not only to defend the interests of my constituents in District 24, but for residents throughout New Jersey who continue to struggle with the cost-of-living.”