TRENTON, N.J. — Senator Latham Tiver (R-08) announced Thursday he will co-sponsor legislation aimed at fully restoring state education aid to New Jersey school districts that have lost funding since fiscal year 2018, challenging the 6% cap on aid increases imposed under Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration.
The proposed legislation, introduced by Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-13), would remove the current limit on annual aid increases for fiscal year 2026, allowing districts like Evesham to recoup larger shares of lost funding. Tiver said the bill is designed to address what he called an “arbitrary restriction” that has disproportionately impacted many communities.
Key Points
- Sen. Latham Tiver to co-sponsor bill restoring full state aid to districts with net losses from FY 2018–2025
- Legislation would lift 6% cap on aid increases for FY 2026
- Evesham could see an additional $1.3 million in aid if the bill passes
“The 6% cap on school aid increases imposed by the Governor is a misguided policy that unfairly limits the resources our schools need to thrive,” Tiver said.
He pointed to Evesham Township, where under the governor’s proposed FY 2026 budget, aid would rise by $400,000 to $7.2 million—but would grow by $1.7 million to $8.5 million if the cap is lifted.
Districts impacted by the 2018 S-2 school funding formula overhaul have seen repeated reductions in state aid, prompting ongoing backlash from local officials and lawmakers. The new legislation would target districts that experienced net aid losses over the past seven years, offering full restoration without cap constraints.
Evesham is among several municipalities expected to benefit significantly from the bill. While some districts received higher aid under Murphy’s budget proposals, others with long-standing reductions argue that the 6% ceiling undermines equity in public education funding.
The legislation is set to be formally introduced in the State Senate in the coming days, with bipartisan support expected in regions hardest hit by S-2 cuts.
Tiver’s push adds to growing legislative momentum seeking to reverse Murphy-era limitations on state education funding.