Gov. Phil Murphy was thrilled that the Trump administration released $140 million in education funding for the state of New Jersey on Friday.
He just wasn’t thrilled by the process.
Murphy said the funding — part of $6 billion released nationwide — is too important to be withheld, saying it should have been released nearly a month ago.
“School districts in New Jersey utilize these funds to provide critical supports to uplift our students, including summer, after-school, and literacy programming, tutoring services, counseling, and teacher training,” he said.
“While we are thankful that the Trump administration has made the appropriate decision to release this education funding, the untenable delay in obligating the funding and the departure from past practice is cause for serious concern.
“New Jersey school districts depend on predictable funding to ensure students receive the services they need and to plan for the upcoming school year.”
Murphy thanked others in New Jersey for their efforts.
“We applaud Attorney General Platkin and the members of the New Jersey Congressional Delegation who put pressure on the Trump administration and advocated for the swift release of federal education funding,” he said. “New Jersey will continue to be a staunch advocate for our school communities in the face of continued uncertainty.”
