Makes $19.45 million supplemental appropriation for increased nonpublic school security aid; modifies budget language to increase per pupil amount.
Impact
If enacted, A1289 would significantly raise the total Nonpublic Security Aid from $30.55 million to approximately $50 million, reflecting a growing recognition of the need for enhanced protections in schools that do not receive the same funding as public institutions. The implications of this shift may extend to the operational budgets of various school districts, highlighting the state's commitment to ensuring a secure educational environment for all students, irrespective of their school type. This approach might also ensure that religious-based private schools receive more adequate resources to upgrade their security infrastructures.
Summary
Assembly Bill A1289 proposes a supplemental appropriation of $19.45 million from the New Jersey General Fund specifically targeting increased security aid for nonpublic schools. This funding increase is intended to enhance safety measures within these schools amid rising costs and heightened concerns regarding security due to a growing number of hate crimes and threats against educational institutions. The bill sets a revised per pupil aid amount of $338, up from the previous amount of $205, aiming to better meet the needs of nonpublic school students.
Contention
Controversy surrounding the bill may arise from discussions regarding the allocation of state resources toward nonpublic schools, especially in light of public criticism regarding the equitable distribution of education funding. Advocates for public school funding could express concerns that such appropriations divert essential funds away from public schools, potentially leading to disparities in safety and educational quality. Additionally, the increase in aid could prompt debates regarding the potential need for stricter oversight of how these funds are utilized within nonpublic educational environments, emphasizing accountability in spending aimed at enhancing student security.
Carry Over
Makes $19.45 million supplemental appropriation for increased nonpublic school security aid; modifies budget language to increase per pupil amount.
Makes FY2024 supplemental appropriations of $37,430,000; de-appropriates $24,000,000 in existing FY2024 appropriations; adds and modifies various FY2024 language provisions.
Makes FY2024 supplemental appropriations of $37,430,000; de-appropriates $24,000,000 in existing FY2024 appropriations; adds and modifies various FY2024 language provisions.
To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.