Senator Beck Puts Party Line Ahead of Our Schools

Over the Fourth of July weekend, New Jerseyans were treated to some behind the scenes looks at how the budget sausage is made. And, man, it was not appealing.

The budget stalemate showed the true character of those in Trenton, from our governor who pondered his future from a beach chair while vacationers were turned away, to those who blindly followed political lines without regards to constituents, to those who actually stood their ground and fought for the voters who sent them to Trenton.

Assembly members Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey fall firmly into that last category. Throughout negotiations leading up to the shutdown and deliberations that followed, they maintained a clear position well articulated to their voters: without a guarantee that the additional school funding for District 11 schools, including for Freehold Boro, Red Bank, and Long Branch, and funding for other critical programs would survive Governor Christie’s veto pen, they could not support the budget.

By standing their ground, they guaranteed additional funding for our schools, and funding for other programs like cancer research, rape and domestic violence crisis centers, and expanded student financial aid for higher education programs.

Someone who did not fall into this honorable category? Senator Jennifer Beck.

Instead of fighting for key funding for Monmouth County families, Senator Beck voted AGAINST the budget. Why you ask? Because of course her blind loyalty to the Republican Party means she would never support a Democratic budget.

By voting against the budget, Senator Beck voted against tens of millions of dollars in school funding, including additional aid for Red Bank, Freehold Boro and Long Branch - districts that are truly struggling.

Our children deserve a great education and that means schools that are getting the funding they need. This is a priority that should go beyond party lines, but Senator Beck put party loyalty ahead of our kids. To say I’m frustrated is to put it mildly.

Beyond just school funding, Senator Beck voted against millions for key healthcare priorities like cancer research, funding for hospitals across the state, support for lower income students trying to afford college,and critical protective services like rape and domestic abuse crisis centers.

When I send someone to Trenton to represent me and my family, that’s what I expect them to do. Our priorities should always come first, not a party’s agenda. Senator Beck clearly has forgotten her responsibility to her constituents, and I know she’s not getting my vote.