Senator Jim Holzapfel criticized New Jersey democrats for earmarking $100 million in the state budget for a Rutgers University basketball arena and football practice facility while simultaneously slashing school aid to Brick and Toms River.

Sen. Jim Holzapfel criticized New Jersey democrats for earmarking $100 million in the state budget for Rutgers athletics while simultaneously slashing school aid to Brick and Toms River. (Pixabay)

“It’s outrageous that the democrats are cutting funding to nearly 200 school districts while giving a huge gift to Rutgers athletics,” said Holzapfel (R-10). “Our public K-12 schools need to be funded first, period. Spending $100 million on something like this shouldn’t even be considered while our school children’s programs are being cut and teachers are being laid off. This is some of the most egregious fiscal behavior I’ve seen in years.”

Nearly 200 school districts, including Brick and Toms River, would lose more than $185 million of funding under the democrat’s school aid plan.

The 12 schools and 8,500 students in Brick Township public schools will have their state aid slashed by approximately $4.7 million, down to $17.2 million.

The Toms River Regional School District—comprising 18 schools that serve about 15,000 students, the largest suburban school district in the state—will have its state aid slashed by $4.3 million, down to $45.4 million.

“The taxpayer giveaway to Rutgers athletics is, unfortunately, just one of many examples of excessive pork in the democrat’s budget,” added Holzapfel. “Permitting such reckless financial behavior is an extreme disservice to all New Jerseyans, especially for the K-12 students and teachers in my district who have to deal with cuts in state aid year after year.”

In total, over the last three budget cycles, more than $32 million in state aid to Brick and Toms River has been cut.