New Jersey Senate Bill S3388

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/15/22
• Refer: 12/15/22

Caption

Redirects $300 million in certain federal funds under FY 2023 appropriations act to create competitive capital project grant program in Office of Secretary of Higher Education.

Impact

The proposed grant program is designed to ensure that funds are allocated fairly and efficiently among all institutions of higher education in New Jersey, rather than favoring a single university. By creating this competitive grant program, the bill seeks to promote regional equity by allocating funds equally among northern, central, and southern regions of the state. This shift is intended to address the current criticisms regarding preferential funding towards Rutgers University, which has been highlighted as an inappropriate allocation in the context of wider infrastructure needs across other educational entities.

Summary

Bill S3388 aims to redirect $300 million from federal funds allocated to Rutgers University under the fiscal year 2023 appropriations act towards the establishment of a competitive capital project grant program managed by the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education. The bill proposes that these funds would be available to public and independent institutions of higher education, as well as proprietary schools licensed to offer academic degrees. The program's main goal is to address capital needs across eligible institutions, emphasizing projects that enhance student safety and support preparation for careers in high-growth sectors.

Contention

The redirection of funds has been contested, as some legislators argue that it could undermine the financial support previously designated for Rutgers and attempt to level the playing field among all institutions. Opponents express concerns that the competitive nature of the grants may disadvantage institutions with fewer resources to prepare successful applications. Furthermore, the bill has faced scrutiny regarding whether this funding strategy will effectively meet the specific needs of each institution, as the criteria for capital project selection could disproportionately affect smaller or underfunded colleges.