Moving Forward With School Funding Reform

 By Assemblyman Joseph Vas

Six years ago when I ran for the Assembly, one of my objectives was to strengthen our public schools. For years, the Legislature sought a solution to the oft-controversial process of allocating state tax dollars to New Jersey’s 616 school districts. Whereas our State Constitution mandates a “thorough and efficient” education for all public school students, our goal must be to ensure that all students are adequately educated and prepared for the workforce. 

Until recently, New Jersey had systematically allocated state aid to two groupings—the 31 “Abbott” school districts and the 585 “non-Abbott” school districts. The Abbott designation arose from a 1990 State Supreme Court ruling that held certain school districts with high concentrations of poor residents and relatively low property value were entitled to special state aid. Abbott districts received about half of all state aid while educating only one-quarter of all public school students.  

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Answering The Call For Help

by Assemblyman Joseph Vas

In my years of public service, one thing always remains the same: When times are good, the public generally asks government to limit its influence, but when rough economic times hit the public often turns to the government for answers. Today we find ourselves in the midst of a sobering economic recession and many New Jerseyans are turning to their representatives for help. I understand and see first hand the struggles that families are facing and have been honored to answer that call.

As Assemblyman for the 19th Legislative District, I promised to serve as your eyes and ears in Trenton. This past weekend, I brought the best of Trenton to you. We often hear about the wide array of government services available. However, sometimes we run into bureaucratic roadblocks and do not know how to access these services. On Saturday, Feb. 28, I brought those services right here to the 19th Legislative District in an event appropriately named Community Outreach Day.

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Getting Back On Our Feet

By Assemblyman Joseph Vas

With each New Year, we must take stock of past accomplishments and turn our sights to future challenges. There is no doubt that our economy is struggling, and if past history is an indicator for New Jersey, we will emerge stronger. New Jerseyans are all feeling the pinch. The economic turmoil is devastating much more than just our bottom lines—but also it is our jobs, our homes, and our college and retirement savings that are endangered. 

In 2008, New Jersey lost a total of 59,800 jobs—the biggest one-year loss since 1991, leaving New Jersey with a 7.1 percent unemployment rate. In order to spur job growth and create a business friendly environment, I was proud to sponsor InvestNJ, a $120 million incentive-based program, created to encourage New Jersey businesses to grow their operation during these tough economic times. Incentives include offering $3,000 grants to businesses for each new job created and retained for one year and Capital Investment Grants awarding up to one million dollars toward new construction, equipment and renovation.

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Young People Are Becoming More Involved In Politics

By Assemblyman Joseph Vas

On the heels of an election that saw more young people vote than ever before, it has become apparent that people are taking an interest in politics and government at a younger age. In these tough times for our country, it is important for people to have a strong grasp on the issues. This is true for people of all ages. Young people are no longer afraid to voice their opinions, and therefore, it is important to educate them on the issues. They are eager to have a better understanding of their government, and those who are a part of it.

During the last month, I have had the honor of speaking – and listening – to some very bright students, ranging from fourth to twelfth grade. It has been my pleasure to speak to them about our government, and the issues and challenges it faces right now.

The 10th Annual National Legislators-Go-Back-to-School Program has been a huge success this year. The program consists of legislators visiting various schools in their respective districts, and speaking to young people about politics and government. Not only do we review the basics of our government and legislative systems, but we also tackle real-life issues that affect these children’s lives every day. I am very impressed with their understanding of intricate issues such as the economy, the war, this month’s elections, health care, and plenty more.

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Refueling New Jersey’s Economy

By Assemblyman Joseph Vas

Over the past month, economic woes have become the central issue of concern, both locally globally, and of course nationally. With the interconnectivity of today’s global marketplace, this concern is more than justified.  What we do or fail to do, in the case of the rejected federal economic bailout package by Congress, has significant implications on the world economic stage.

Here in New Jersey, we fully understand that we cannot successfully operate as a financial entity unto ourselves.  We also understand that the national economic situation is likely to get worse before it gets better, a prospect that could have a dire impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of Garden State working families.

While New Jersey legislators know that we cannot hope to solve the nation’s economic problems alone, we have been more than just passive observers of the burgeoning economic recession.  Over the past nine months, the legislation has taken action, advancing numerous measures that will help protect our state’s economic engine and shore up New Jersey businesses as the national economic climate continues to sour.

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New Affordable Housing Law Will Have Long-Term Benefits

By Assemblyman Joseph Vas

Next week, the Legislature will return to Trenton to continue tackling many of the important issues facing New Jersey. Like my colleagues, I have no intention of resting on the laurels of our recent accomplishments of cutting state spending by record amounts and creating new law that will provide access to health care to every child in New Jersey.

Our long-term goal is to make life in New Jersey a little more affordable for hard-working middle-class families. In many ways, we are beginning to see the fruits of our labors. But no new law will have as profound an effect on our state than our recent overhaul of New Jersey’s affordable housing rules. With an economy and a housing market left in tatters due to the national economic slump, these changes will go a long way towards preserving the American dream of home ownership.

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Transportation Safety Remains A Concern

By Assemblyman Joseph Vas

With the new school session quickly approaching, and the increase of drivers on the road as a result, the one issue that stands out in my mind is Transportation Safety. While I know there is a slight decrease in drivers on the road due to continuously increasing gas prices, safety is still a concern.

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Economic Stimulus Package Will Fight NJ’s “Bad For Business” Reputation

By Assemblyman Joseph Vas

I would like to take this opportunity to inform you about some new bills which I have introduced these past couple of weeks. I initiated these proposed legislations by the input from the business community, the new package of bills called the Economic Stimulus Package.

The five-bill package is designed to reinvigorate New Jersey’s flagging economy through a combination of tax credits, exemptions, and breaks for corporations that house manufacturing or administrative operations or conduct a majority of their business within the state. My five-bill stimulus package would primarily modify existing New Jersey law to afford better opportunities to businesses based in the state. The bill package has been referred to the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee and is awaiting consideration.

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Difficult Budget Requires Resident Input

By Assemblyman Joseph Vas

The New Jersey FY 2009 Budget process is in full swing and I would like to take the time to bring residents of the 19th Legislative District up to speed on what has been occurring. As a member of the General Assembly Budget Committee, I have to say that this budget like most recent budgets has been a difficult one.

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