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NJ SPOTLIGHT - - GOVERNOR’S PLAN OFFERS BARELY MORE AID TO SCHOOLS – BUT IT COULD BE WORSE…Education advocates say 1 percent increase is inadequate but at least better than cuts they feared ‘…At the same time, the administration is also expected this week to release its long-awaited report – the Education Adequacy Report -- on how well the state’s funding formula is meeting school needs. Education advocates expect the report will result in the first adjustments in years to the school-aid formula, determining how aid is distributed…the overall state aid to schools would increase all of 1 percent – or about $94.3 million in a $9.1 billion allocation.
JOHN MOONEY | FEBRUARY 17, 2016
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Asbury Park Press - Christie's budget counts on cutting health benefits…Christie calls for bipartisan cooperation, even while again blasting pension amendment ‘Gov. Chris Christie, in his first public appearance since quitting the race for president, told state lawmakers Tuesday he is counting on $250 million in savings from changes to public workers’ and retirees’ health plans to balance his proposed budget…’
Michael Symons: (609) 984-4336; msymons@gannettnj.com
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NJ SPOTLIGHT - CHRISTIE’S BUDGET ADDRESS: MIXED MESSAGE TO STATE’S DEMOCRATIC LAWMAKERS Governor appears to leave room for bipartisan cooperation, but some caveats and warnings are vintage Christie ‘…More money for education and the public-employee pension system. A continuation of an increased tax credit for the state’s lowest wage earners. And a call for a “reasonable agreement” on renewing New Jersey’s Transportation Trust Fund. …Though the tone of Gov. Chris Christie’s budget message yesterday may have been combative at times, the substance of his proposed $34.8 billion spending plan lines up well with some of the biggest priorities for Democratic legislative leaders. And it also left some room for bipartisan cooperation going forward.
JOHN REITMEYER | FEBRUARY 17, 2016
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Press of Atlantic City - More aid for schools and extra for AC in Christie budget
'School districts will get more state aid under the fiscal 2017 budget proposed by Gov. Chris Christie Tuesday. But just how much more will not be known until the Department of Education releases the district aid numbers, probably on Thursday…The proposed budget includes an extra $548 million in school aid, but $400 million of that goes to teacher pension and post-retirement medical costs. Another $52 million is for debt service on school construction...'
Posted: Wednesday, February 17, 2016 5:00 am
DIANE D'AMICO, Staff writer
