WASHINGTON, D.C. – (RealEstateRama) — Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli (R-Somerset) issued a statement today defending state taxpayers against having to subsidize amenities for some municipalities they can’t afford themselves:
“He’s at it again. Mayor Steve Fulop exploits taxpayers from across the state, and even his own constituents, by continually failing to be transparent regarding his Jersey City schools. This time it is his announcement about new school openings.
“Certainly, on the surface, the opening of any structure dedicated to education and learning is to be celebrated. What’s different about these new structures is, unlike new school construction in most New Jersey towns, they weren’t paid for by the local community. These new schools were paid for 100 percent by the state.
“As terribly flawed and blatantly unfair the distribution of K-12 state aid, the distribution of new school construction aid is even worse. Completely unknown by many is the fact that the state bears 100 percent of the costs for school construction and renovation in several districts around state. Jersey City is one of them.
“In his announcement, Mayor Fulop states, ‘Ensuring that our city’s children have the best schools imaginable is at the heart of our efforts to make Jersey City great.’
“What makes any community especially great, given the property tax crisis in most communities, is paying its own way. It’s time for Jersey City to start doing just that. Jersey City residents, if they knew the truth, would agree, I’m sure. In the meantime, Mayor Fulop should give a little credit where credit is due – to New Jersey taxpayers statewide who pay for his schools.
“We all want our kids to have the best schools. But a community that proclaims itself to be in an economic boom, as Mayor Fulop recently did, should not have its schools so heavily subsidized.
“Mayor Fulop boasts, ‘The brand new three-story school will include a technology lab, a media center, and a STEM lab.’ Hard-working communities without such amenities in their own schools are paying for Mayor Fulop’s amenities. How is this fair, right or justifiable?
“Reform is long overdue. I will continue to advocate and work on legislation to support funding reforms that more fairly distribute state aid and require all communities to make a minimal contribution to their schools.”
