Provides Additional State Funding to School Districts with Students Living on Military Installations

Legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio that would provide additional state school aid to districts impacted by the loss of federal impact aid was signed today by the Governor.

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Joe Pennacchio that would provide additional state school aid to districts impacted by the loss of federal impact aid was signed by the Governor. (Pixabay)

For more than 70 years, school districts educating the children of active military parents have received impact aid from the federal government, but recently, the support from Washington has faded.

“This additional funding is much deserved,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “School districts take on the responsibility to educate the children of service members, and they deserve to be funded.”

Under the new law, S-1929, the Rockaway Township and Tinton Falls school districts would receive state money in the form of military impact aid as compensation for federal impact aid they have not received during the current fiscal year.

“I am proud to represent Rockaway Township in my district. They do a great job educating our children, including many whose families reside at the Picatinny Arsenal,” Pennacchio noted. “But the military doesn’t pay property taxes.

“The parents of these children are protecting our nation. They deserve every educational opportunity, and our schools are delivering on that promise,” the Senator continued. “Without the injection of federal funds to ease the burden, however, it is only fair for the state to step in.”

Legislation enacted in November established an additional category of state school aid known as military impact aid.