Gov. Christie has called a special session of the Legislature beginning July 1. Christie is attempting to strong arm legislators into considering his draconian property tax cap proposal, which would enshrine a 2.5% cap into the state constitution. Earlier this week, the legislature passed its own property tax cap legislation, a statutory 2.9% limit.
On the heels of a $1.3 billion cut in funding for public education, New Jersey’s public schools cannot afford any further cuts, which would happen under either version of a property tax cap. New Jersey’s existing 4% cap has already hindered the ability of schools to provide necessary programs and opportunities, even when state funding was reliable. Tightening that cap as Christie proposes will further starve schools of local resources at a time when state funding is plummeting as a result of his recently adopted budget.
Please contact your legislators and urge them not to give in to Gov. Christie’s pressure to starve our public schools. His budget is already hurting students. It is time to stop the attack on education.
Related links
>> NJEA Report on Education - The Tax Cap Scam - June 24, 2010
>> NJEA testimony
>> Caps Position Paper 
>> Property Tax Cap Wouldn't Improve New Jersey Policies - Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, June 8, 2010