GOV. SIGNS DANCER BILL SECURING FUNDS TO EDUCATE CHILDREN OF MILITARY FAMILIES

WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 8, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Legislation Assemblyman Ron Dancer sponsors to secure millions of dollars in federal money for the education of military members’ children was signed into law today by Gov. Christie.

The bill, A-1286/S-2439 allows school districts to establish a special account using federal dollars to offset the loss of property taxes from federal property. At the same time, it prevents the state from reducing education aid because of the federal funds.

“Property taxpayers and communities that host military bases will benefit from this new law,” said Dancer, R-Ocean, Burlington, Middlesex and Monmouth. “ It protects millions in educational funding for the children whose families are fighting to keep us safe. It’s the right thing to do from a moral and economic standpoint. New Jersey will set a national example by committing to use these funds for what they are intended – educating the children of our brave men and women in the armed forces.

“We needed to act quickly and to make sure our schools serving military families don’t lose these federal funds,” said Dancer, adding that the legislation is critical because the federal government is more likely to preserve funding in states that ensure monies are used for educational costs of military families, rather than balancing state budgets.”

According to the Office of Legislative Services, approximately 16 of 21 New Jersey counties have school districts that receive the federal funds.