NJ Spotlight--Budget Basics: How New Jersey Spends Your Money
A series that details the fundamentals of New Jersey's budget, as well as its current budget woes
This is the second in a 10-part series outlining New Jersey’s fiscal fundamentals. The goal is to demystify some of the state’s financial challenges, and put them in context of the broader issues New Jersey faces. This series is also intended as a way to underscore the importance of state government in a year that will see a new governor and a new Legislature chosen by voters.
Where does the state spend its money?
The $34.7 billion state budget for fiscal year 2018 (the part supported by state revenue and taxes) is divided into four major parts: state aid, grants-in-aid, capital construction and debt service, and direct state services.
http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/17/09/14/budget-basics-where-does-the-state-spends-its-money/
Richard F. Keevey | September 15, 2017
Star Ledger--'States cannot run school districts': 10 reactions to historic Newark moment
NEWARK — For Newark residents, Wednesday was a day 22 years in the making. The state board's vote to begin the transition of power over the city's school district from the state to a local school board was a triumph for the hundreds of activists and politicians who have spent the last several years calling for an end to state oversight.
After the vote, city Mayor Ras Baraka held a celebration at City Hall featuring performances from student bands and a dance team. Much like the state board meeting, the celebration was packed with city stakeholders, rejoicing over the vote, and discussing what comes next.
In light of the vote, everyone from Gov. Chris Christie to state-appointed Superintendent of School Chris Cerf issued statements on what the power shift means for Newark, and the rest of the state.
Here's a rundown of what everybody had to say.
Jessica Mazzola and Karen Yi | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com| Posted September 14, 2017 at 09:38 AM | Updated September 14, 2017 at 09:39 AM