Houghtaling & Downey: Trump Budget Cut of Federal Impact Aid Would Devastate Monmouth County Towns

Monmouth County Assembly Members Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey have come out in strong opposition to a proposal in President Trump’s federal budget that would slash Impact Aid Payments for Federal Property. Under the proposed federal budget, Colts Neck and Tinton Falls, the two towns that host United States Navy base Naval Weapons Station Earle, would see their current Federal Impact Aid payments eliminated.

Because NWS Earle is tax-exempt Federal property, Colts Neck and Tinton Falls currently receive Federal Impact Aid to offset the lost property tax revenue and assist local school districts. Trump’s proposed budget, which slashes the budget of the federal Department of Education by 13.5 percent, also eliminates or reduces programs that “do not address national needs,” including Impact Aid Support Payments. Houghtaling and Downey have called on New Jersey’s Congressional delegation to fight against this provision, which would devastate local municipalities that rely on Federal Impact Aid.

“Without this aid, our towns would have to either raise property taxes or make dramatic cuts to their municipal budgets. It’s an impossible choice, and one they shouldn’t be forced to make,” said Houghtaling (D-Monmouth), “New Jersey is home to several military installations, which is why we’re calling on our Senators and members of Congress to do right by local taxpayers and fight this provision.”

“In a budget with so many other disturbing and drastic cuts, this provision stands out because it would almost certainly lead to immediate hikes in property taxes for local residents,” said Downey (D-Monmouth), “To pull out the rug from under municipalities and slash support for towns that host federal property is unconscionable.”