I do believe that funds must be made available to schools in underperforming school districts to purchase the latest equipment such as books and computers. These monies can be found by the careful scrutiny of all state expenditures and the elimination of any that are not absolutely necessary. The Mt. Laurel decision provides an incentive for municipalities to provide affordable housing. The State Legislature must create both incentives and penalties to inspire suburban municipalities to comply with the intent of Mt. Laurel decision. In addition, we must fight vigorously against any legislative attempts to weaken the Mt. Laurel requirements.
Property Taxes continue to place a strangle hold on taxpayers in New Jersey.
While I support exploring alternative funding for our schools, providing a globally competitive education for all of the children of our State must be our first priority. There remains no more basic need for individuals than affordable, accessible and quality health care. I will continue to fight to ensure that the people of our state have access to increase the number of people in our state who have access to primary and preventive care. Of the 80,000 affordable units studies say are needed in the NJ market, only 21,000 have been built. We must develop policies and better monetary incentives for builders and municipalities to meet their affordable housing obligations.