In his proclamation for this year’s Catholic Schools’ Week (January 28-February 3, 2018), Governor Murphy gratefully acknowledged that “Catholic schools in the State of New Jersey have educated millions of New Jerseyans throughout the years in preparation for their responsibilities as residents of this State and as members of society.”  

He also noted that “Catholic schools in the State currently provide students with an education that emphasizes the formation of moral values and a commitment to community service.”  The Governor recognized that “the prosperity of the State requires that this and future generations of school-age children be assured ample opportunity to develop their intellectual capacities to the fullest.”  

We are grateful for the Governor’s proclamation.

In the FY2018 New Jersey State Budget, the allocation for non-public school transportation was raised, for the first time in seven years, from its long-standing $884 per pupil limit to $1,000. Unfortunately, the proposed FY 2019 New Jersey State Budget reduces that allocation back to $884.

Overall, more funding is needed in the FY2019 State budget for other important resources for our Catholic school children, including technology and nursing services.

Parents and supporters of Catholic school children – indeed, of all non-public school children – need to contact their legislators to ask that this allocation be restored for FY2019 and beyond.  This funding is particularly critical to our Catholic schools’ ability to transport our children – many of whom are not Catholic – to and from their Catholic schools.

PLEASE CONSIDER CONTACTING YOUR LEGISLATOR TO PETITION FOR THE RESTORATION OF NON-PUBLIC SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION FUNDING LEVELS AND OTHER AREAS OF NON-PUBLIC SCHOOL NEED IN THE FY2019 NEW JERSEY STATE BUDGET.

To contact your legislators through the New Jersey Catholic Conference, go to votervoice.net/NJCC/campaigns/58391/respond.

Let’s help Governor Murphy’s words become a reality for our Catholic schools!