Mercer Times

Governor Phil Murphy and Acting Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer have announced a record-breaking proposed budget plan for Fiscal Year 2025 that includes $11.7 billion in funding to support education in New Jersey. The plan aims to fully fund the state's school funding formula for the first time in history. Governor Murphy emphasized the importance of this budget proposal in empowering students and providing them with the necessary resources for success, stating, "Since day one of my Administration, I have remained committed to bolstering New Jersey’s school communities and working toward fully funding our best-in-the-nation public education system."

Acting Commissioner Kevin Dehmer expressed his honor in being part of this historic budget, highlighting Governor Murphy's unwavering support for schools and ensuring that students and educators have the resources they need. The Governor's proposal to add $908 million in K-12 formula aid represents the largest investment in the budget plan and a significant step towards fully funding the state's school funding formula.

Senate President Nick Scutari praised the budget plan, stating, "For the first time in history we can fully fund the school aid formula." Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of investing in children for future payoffs. Assembly Majority Leader Louis D. Greenwald highlighted the significance of fully funding schools in keeping promises to families and equipping students for success.

The budget proposal has garnered support from various organizations and stakeholders in the education sector. NJEA President Sean M. Spiller commended Governor Murphy for his responsible budgeting and prioritizing the needs of students and working people. Other organizations, such as AFT New Jersey, the Garden State Coalition of Schools, and the New Jersey Association of School Administrators, expressed their appreciation for the historic investment in public education.

The proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025 represents a monumental step towards fully funding New Jersey's school funding formula and providing the necessary resources for students and educators. The collective belief in the transformative power of education is evident in this budget proposal, which aims to plant the seeds for a brighter, more prosperous future for all students in New Jersey.