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Statement on holding Abbott funding flat for FY07 - files brief with Supreme Court, and Governor's Executive Order creating Government Efficiency & Reform Commission (see 'More' below for details). For Attorney General’s statement go to: http://www.edlawcenter.org/ELCPublic/elcnews060410AttorneyGeneralStatement.pdf
The link to the full brief, which breaks new ground in several ways, is at the bottom of the Attorney General’s statement. GSCS is encouraged that in framing the funding issue in the bigger statewide picture, the Governor is taking the opportunity to inform the Court of the context of school funding for all districts; the brief also notes the firm intention of the Governor to develop a new funding formula that is responsive to individual student needs rather than based on resident community wealth. [Of particular note: see pages 11 – 24]. http://www.edlawcenter.org/ELCPublic/elcnews060410AttorneyGeneralStatement.pdf
(see bottom of AG statement for link to Sup Ct brief)
Apr-07-06 Governor's Statement Regarding Education Funding
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Anthony Coley
Brendan Gilfillan – 609-777-2600
Governor's Statement Regarding Education Funding
"I am committed to making sure that the children of the State of
"I am also committed to holding public, local and school officials accountable for their efforts. The Budget that I have recently proposed is fiscally stringent, and necessarily so. I have called upon State officials at all levels to reduce expenditures and to find ways to do more with less. They have been fully responsive to this call. I expect nothing less from local municipal and school officials.
"The provision of an educational program compliant with constitutional strictures in all school districts must be accompanied by appropriate protocols for accountability. Districts must be accountable for the receipt and use of public funds and for the progress of our children in passing assessments, graduating and becoming productive adults of this State. Only through the imposition of accountability protocols can the tools for productivity management and outcome measures be properly utilized. To this end, I am committed to a review of the entire school funding system -- one that will meet the needs of all students, including those in the Abbott districts. Ultimately, a new school funding formula needs to be developed that will ensure that State and local resources are applied not only in an equitable manner, but in such a way to maximize the potential of all students to achieve success.
"Our focus must be to get resources to the children, rather than to the districts. All disadvantaged students, no matter which district they attend, must have the benefit of sufficient fiscal resources to meet their needs. I believe with hard work and knowledgeable debate all of these goals can be met and a funding formula created that will be acceptable to all.
"In the meantime, I have asked the Attorney General to make the appropriate application to the Supreme Court in the Abbott case to restrain the growth in State aid to Abbott districts. This step in no way signals a change in my strong and passionate support for the constitutional right to a thorough and efficient system of public education. Rather, the application is a necessary part of this year's budget process given prior court rulings in the Abbott case."
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Apr-07-06 Corzine Signs Executive Order Creating
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Anthony Coley
Brendan Gilfillan – 609-777-2600
Corzine Signs Executive Order Creating
"As I promised in my budget message, this commission will lead our efforts to re-engineer government to ensure that we provide the best services to the people of our state while minimizing costs," said Governor Corzine. "Experts from all walks of life will join in this effort to make sure
The Commission will initially consist of 13 members who, along with concerned citizens, will evaluate every aspect of state government. They will seek out best practices from other states to increase accountability, find efficiencies and cost-saving measures and determine the efficacy of the current provision of services.
This comprehensive analysis will include a review of independent authorities, local school districts, state agencies and other governmental entities. Among the issues the commission will study are the benefits of regionalization and shared services, the operation of the state's Office of Information Technology, and the structure of
Additionally, the Commission will study the accessibility and efficiency of higher education in
The Commission will provide the Governor with an initial report after three months and will issue reports on an ongoing basis.
Leone, formerly Governor Corzine's transition chairman, currently heads the Century Foundation. Previously, Leone served as State Treasurer and as Commissioner and Chairman of the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey. He earned a Ph.D. from
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EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 9
WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey is confronting a multi-billion dollar structural budget deficit; and
WHEREAS, all levels of government play a vital role in the economic life of New Jersey; and
WHEREAS, it is imperative that services and programs throughout government be reevaluated and re-engineered in order to marshal and conserve all available resources, achieve the greatest measure of effectiveness, efficiency and cost-savings, and deliver the highest quality of governmental services; and
WHEREAS, cost-effective and functionally efficient government will benefit and enhance the State's economy, restore public confidence and allow for the continued delivery of vital programs; and
WHEREAS, as Governor, I have the responsibility and the authority to ensure that State government and its various agencies and instrumentalities operate as efficiently and as effectively as possible; and
WHEREAS, numerous State executive branch agencies and independent authorities administer aid and grant programs that provide billions of dollars in funding to county and local governments and school districts; and
WHEREAS, as Governor I have the obligation to ensure that the county and local governments and school districts that receive these State funds operate as efficiently and as effectively as possible; and
WHEREAS, it is essential that all government operations in New Jersey, including executive branch agencies, state and local independent authorities, local and county governments, and school districts, be subjected to a comprehensive, unsparing and searching examination; and
WHEREAS, such a review can ably be conducted by individuals drawn from a wide variety of walks of life, who possess the expertise, experience and skills to evaluate how government can most effectively meet the numerous demands placed on it;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JON S. CORZINE, Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:
1. There is hereby established the New Jersey Commission on Government Efficiency and Reform pursuant to Art. V, Sec. IV, par. 1 of the
2. The Commission shall evaluate the budget, structure and organization of government in New Jersey, including State agencies, instrumentalities and independent authorities, local and county government and school districts, and advise the Governor on governmental restructuring, effectiveness, best practices, efficiencies, cost-saving measures, and how best to achieve economies of scale in the delivery of services and programs, at the lowest possible cost, consistent with mission and quality.
3. In its evaluation and examination of any aspect of government in New Jersey or its current structure, the Commission shall identify any measures that will bring enhanced economy, efficiency and accountability to government operations, including, but not limited to:
a. the organization, operation and performance of State agencies, instrumentalities and authorities;
b. the organization and delivery of effective and efficient services across all levels of governments;
c. the need for and benefits of regionalization or consolidation of local and county governments, publicly funded school programs and school districts and the services they provide;
d. the organization and administration of New Jersey's public workforce;
e. the operations of the Office of Information Technology and the procurement, provision, maintenance, and supervision of information technology by State government;
f. the accessibility, design and efficiency of higher education in New Jersey;
g. the organization of the Department of Human Services, in light of its complex roles, functions and emerging responsibilities; and
h. any other matter related to the organization, structure and administration of government that is likely to deliver better and higher levels of service at the lowest possible cost.
4. The Commission shall be composed of 13 individuals with expertise in government, business, labor and education who will be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Governor. The Chair of the Commission shall be designated by the Governor and shall serve as Chair at his pleasure. The Governor shall also appoint, in the same manner, additional members with expertise and experience in government, higher education, labor and the private sector, as needed, to sub-groups, which will focus in depth on any of the above-listed items or related matters, as requested by the Commission, and will report back to the Commission as required.
5. The Commission is authorized to call upon any department, office, division or agency of this State to supply it with data and any other information, personnel or other assistance available to such agency as the Commission deems necessary to discharge its duties under this Order. Each department, office, division or agency of this State is hereby required, to the extent not inconsistent with law, to cooperate fully with the Commission within the limits of its statutory authority and to furnish it with such assistance on as timely a basis as is necessary to accomplish the purpose of this Order. The Commission may consult with experts or other knowledgeable individuals in the public or private sector on any aspect of its mission.
6. The Commission shall deliver an initial report to the Governor within three months of its first meeting. Additional reports shall be delivered on an ongoing basis in the course of the Commission's work.
7. This Order shall take effect immediately.
GIVEN, under my hand and seal this day of , Two Thousand and Six, and of the
Jon
Governor
Attest:
Stuart Rabner
Chief Counsel to the Governor
