Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose

McHOSE SAYS THAT SCC REPORT SHOULD SEND UP RED FLAGS FOR SUBURBAN AND RURAL TAXPAYERS

REPORT FOR GOVERNOR WOULD SLASH FUNDING TO SUBURBAN SCHOOLS WHILE GRABBING BILLIONS FROM SUBURBAN TAXPAYERSSeptember 14, 2006
Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose/973-726-0954
Assembly Republican Office/609-292-5339

McHOSE SAYS THAT SCC REPORT SHOULD SEND UP RED FLAGS FOR SUBURBAN AND RURAL TAXPAYERS

REPORT FOR GOVERNOR WOULD SLASH FUNDING TO SUBURBAN SCHOOLS WHILE GRABBING BILLIONS FROM SUBURBAN TAXPAYERS

Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose said today said she is outraged by a report issued by a study group appointed by Governor Jon Corzine to assess the school construction program which recommends eliminating the 40 percent minimum project funding for suburban school districts while spending $3.25 billion on projects largely in urban areas.

"After seeing hundreds of millions of dollars wasted as part of this program it is inconceivable that anyone would recommend spending another $3.25 billion," McHose said, R-Sussex, Morris, and Hunterdon. "Once again suburban and rural taxpayers will be paying for a program that disproportionately goes to support school construction in the 31 Abbott Districts."

According to news reports the Governor's study group has concluded that the school construction program needs a new infusion of $3.25 billion to begin work on a backlog of projects that has built up over the past two years during an overhaul of the program.

Additionally the group recommended eliminating a provision of the school funding program creating a minimum state contribution of 40 percent to cover school building costs in suburban, non-Abbott Districts. The 31 Abbott Districts receive 100 percent project funding.

"As if suburban school districts have not already been shortchanged by five years of state aid freezes, now the Democrats are looking to eliminate our share of school construction funding," McHose said. "Given the reckless manner in which the first $8.6 billion of this program was wasted, I can see no excuse moving forward with an expansion of the program until we have overhauled our school funding formula."

McHose was appointed to the School Construction Review Commission -- a task force charged with studying the management and funding of the program -- on September 29, 2005. Almost a year later, that commission has yet to meet and discuss any changes.

"The School Construction Corporation (SCC) appears to have been grossly mismanaged," McHose added. "In order to prevent further damage, the Commission should immediately meet and begin a thorough investigation of the SCC. Until that takes place, I can see no justification for spending another $3.25 billion."

McHose added that suggestions to scuttle the 40 percent minimum funding for suburban school districts will not fly as long as Abbott Districts continue to get 100 percent funding.

"If suburban school districts are no longer guaranteed any funding under this program, I cannot see the Legislature agreeing to pay 100 percent in the Abbotts," McHose said. "Maybe those districts should start preparing to raise some money on their own."

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