Houghtaling and Downey Draw Assembly Speaker, Budget Chairman to Meet With Local Leaders

OCEAN TWP – With budget hearings and deliberations well underway in the New Jersey State House, Eleventh District Assembly Members Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey recently convened roundtable discussions for local municipal and school leaders to meet and speak with two of the Assembly’s most pivotal leaders, Speaker Vincent Prieto and Budget Committee Chairman Gary Schaer.

“We wanted the officials we advocate for to also have the opportunity to speak directly with the individuals whose decisions drive much of the policy debate in our state,” said Assemblyman Houghtaling. “I’m grateful to both Speaker Prieto and Assemblyman Schaer for accepting our invitation.”

“We wanted the Speaker and Assemblyman Schaer to hear from the officials we interact with on a daily basis, and to hear how things are going in Monmouth County,” said Assemblywoman Downey. “We think it is vital that our leaders hear from local officials across the state on what works, and what doesn’t.”

On Tuesday, April 12, Houghtaling and Downey invited school board presidents and representatives from numerous school districts across the 11th District to meet with Budget Chairman Schaer for a discussion on school funding. Attendees were given an inside look at how school aid fits into the budget process, and were able to direct questions to Schaer. Hosted in Red Bank, the discussion was dominated by the topic of how to make equitable funding for all districts a reality.

“A transparent budget process that takes into account the actual day-to-day realities in our schools is the only way we will be able to achieve fair funding,” said Freehold Borough School Board Member Annette Jordan. “To know that our Assembly members are in the fray and on our side gives me hope that we can get this done.”

During a recent visit to schools in Freehold Borough, which are underfunded and overcrowded due to enrollment spikes, Houghtaling and Downey called the lack of funding a “crisis situation.” The pair will continue to tour underfunded districts in Monmouth County.

“The situation that many of our school districts find themselves in is inexcusable, and it’s because Trenton stopped listening to the local leaders who see the impacts of those policy decisions,” said Downey. “This isn’t about wanting more, it’s about wanting to be treated fairly. And our schools have been left out for too long.”

On Wednesday, April 13, Speaker Prieto joined Houghtaling, Downey and mayors and municipal officials from more than a dozen 11th District towns for a roundtable discussion at Monmouth University. The leaders and officials discussed local issues with Prieto, and provided greater insight on how legislation passed in Trenton affects their individual municipalities.

“I was a Mayor myself not long ago, and I know how even well-meaning laws can have unintended negative consequences for communities and taxpayers,” said Houghtaling, a former Mayor of Neptune Township. “Joann and I believe that our relationship with the elected officials of our district is a partnership -- we want to be able to share resources and knowledge, work together, and get things done.”

“This is the first time since I’ve had the privilege to serve in local office that I’ve the chance to relay my thoughts so directly with not only my legislators, but the people responsible for statewide policy,” said Neptune Deputy Mayor Dr. Michael Brantley. “Under no other circumstances would we be able to speak so candidly with our state’s top legislative leaders. I’m grateful to Eric and Joann for convening this roundtable and allowing all of our communities to come together.”