In a letter to the editor, Jersey City Councilman-at-Large Danny Rivera explains why Trenton’s budget fails students of the local public schools.
Dear Editor,
Governor Murphy’s proposed budget once again shortchanges Jersey City’s public schools, leaving our students, teachers, and taxpayers to bear the burden of the state’s failure to fund education properly. This is not just a fiscal issue—it’s a moral one.
For years, we’ve watched as Trenton pulled state aid from our district, claiming that Jersey City’s economic growth means we no longer need the support.
But that ignores the reality that many working- and middle-class families in our city are already struggling to stay afloat.
Instead of ensuring that every child has access to a quality education, this budget forces local taxpayers to shoulder an even greater burden—while billions are spent elsewhere.
Jersey City has done its part. We’ve made tough choices, increased local funding, and worked to keep our schools running despite these cuts. But enough is enough. The state cannot continue to balance its books at the expense of our students.
Trenton must do better. If we can afford corporate tax breaks and subsidies, then we can afford to invest in our schools. This is about priorities, and right now, the message from the state is clear: education is not one of them.
I call on every lawmaker in Trenton to step up and do what’s right. Fund our schools fairly, stop these harmful cuts, and give our children the resources they need to succeed.
Anything less is a failure of leadership—and we won’t stand for it.
Danny Rivera
Jersey City councilman-at-large
