Senator Anthony M. Bucco said on Apr. 17 that a recent opinion piece about the State of New Jersey’s commitments to Highlands communities underscores why he introduced legislation aimed at helping local school districts affected by development restrictions.
The issue concerns longstanding limits placed on economic growth and community development in areas like Jefferson and West Milford, which were intended to protect important natural resources for the state. According to Bucco, these communities have faced financial strain as a result of those restrictions, with the expectation that state government would offer support in return.
“Jeff Tittel and I have not always seen eye to eye, but his latest op-ed hits the nail on the head,” said Senator Bucco. “For years, Highlands communities like Jefferson and West Milford have done their part to protect one of New Jersey’s most important natural resources. They accepted limits on economic growth and community development for the benefit of the entire state with the understanding that Trenton would be a true partner. Instead, the State has repeatedly fallen short.”
Bucco recently introduced what he calls the ‘Fairness for School Districts in Development Restricted Areas Act.’ The bill is designed to provide additional state aid to school districts within Highlands regions that cannot increase their tax base due to land use restrictions imposed by the state government. “When towns are prevented from expanding their tax base, the financial pressure falls directly on families and local schools. The people of the Highlands should not be penalized for protecting the water that New Jerseyans across the state rely on and it is exactly what our legislation seeks to correct,” Bucco said.
According to the official website, Bucco serves as Senate Republican Leader, chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, serves on both Judiciary and Budget committees, provides constituent services through his district office and email, engages in legislative work such as sponsoring bills and committee discussions, and represents New Jersey’s 25th Legislative District.
The broader impact of this proposed legislation could affect how future preservation efforts are balanced against fiscal needs in restricted areas across New Jersey.
