$500 million school bond request will go before New Jersey voters in November

Governor supports more modest proposal after vetoing a proposed $1 billion ballot question.

New Jersey voters will decide in November whether to approve a bond proposal that will provide $500 million for school security improvements, vocational schools expansion and lead remediation.

NJ.com reports that state lawmakers approved the plan after Gov. Phil Murphy vetoed legislation that called for  a larger, $1 billion bond request.

Murphy says he cut the bond amount in half because the state carries huge debt burdens already.

"While I certainly endorse the priorities established in this bill, I also believe that their long-term fiscal implications must be carefully considered," he wrote in his veto message.

If voters approve the bond request on Nov. 6, the money would go toward improving security at K-12 schools, upgrading water infrastructure to protect students from lead, and expanding vocational and county college programs.

About the Author

Mike Kennedy

Senior Editor

Mike Kennedy has been writing about education for American School & University since 1999. He also has reported on schools and other topics for The Chicago Tribune, The Kansas City Star, The Kansas City Times and City News Bureau of Chicago. He is a graduate of Michigan State University.

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