New Jersey Senate Bill S2468

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/9/22
• Refer: 5/9/22

Caption

Establishes New Jersey Community Learning Program in DOE to provide comprehensive extended learning time programs in certain communities; dedicates portion of State cannabis revenue to support program.

Impact

The bill stipulates that all state funds used to support the extended learning programs must be accounted for in a special revenue fund dedicated specifically to this initiative. The implementation of these programs will not be compulsory for districts lacking state financial support, ensuring that the program is structured around equitable access to resources. Furthermore, the establishment of the New Jersey Community Learning Assistance Fund will be pivotal in ensuring consistent funding, as it will receive annual allocations based on cannabis sales tax revenues. However, if cannabis revenue proves insufficient in a given year, the state will need to supplement the fund using measures from the Property Tax Relief Fund.

Summary

Senate Bill 2468, also known as the New Jersey Community Learning Program, is an initiative designed to bolster educational opportunities in communities disproportionately impacted by the criminalization of cannabis. The bill mandates the establishment of comprehensive extended learning time programs within designated impact districts. Each program is expected to provide additional educational services during non-school hours, aiming to mitigate achievement gaps among students by offering academic assistance and community enrichment activities. Support for these programs will be funded primarily through a portion of state revenues generated from the sale of recreational cannabis.

Contention

There may be contentious debates surrounding the feasibility of funding these programs solely through cannabis tax revenues. Opponents may argue that relying on an emerging market for sustainable educational funding is risky and could lead to fluctuations in the quality and availability of educational resources. Additionally, concerns as to whether sufficient community input mechanisms are genuinely established, through mandated public hearings, could arise, especially in light of the significant changes being proposed for impact districts. The success of this bill will heavily depend on how effectively the collaboration between educational institutions and local municipalities occurs as they work together to address specific community needs.