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Bill

A 1189

"Fully Funding Schools and Cutting Property Taxes Act"; repeals certain sections of law; requires additional aid to lower property taxes commensurate with residents' ability to support schools; appropriates $2.9 billion.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Bob Auth and 20 co-sponsors

New Jersey bill increases state school aid by $2.9 billion to reduce property tax burdens based on residents' financial capacity, restructuring education funding equity.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 1189

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 1189 proposes to increase state aid to schools by $2.9 billion while reducing property tax burdens, with the goal of making school funding more equitable based on residents' ability to pay. The bill repeals certain existing statutory sections, suggesting it fundamentally restructures how New Jersey funds public education. The mechanism links property tax relief directly to school funding adequacy.

Why is this important

Property taxes are a major burden for New Jersey residents, with the state having among the highest property tax rates nationally. School funding heavily dependent on local property taxes creates significant disparities between wealthy and poor districts. This bill attempts to address both concerns simultaneously—a substantial fiscal commitment that would reshape state-local education finance relationships.

Potential points of contention

  • State budget impact: A $2.9 billion appropriation requires identifying funding sources, which may involve tax increases, spending cuts elsewhere, or debt financing—each politically contentious
  • Definition of "ability to support": The bill's effectiveness depends on how accurately it measures residential ability to pay, which could advantage some communities over others
  • Repealed sections unknown: Without knowing which existing laws are repealed, it's unclear whether this eliminates existing protections, funding formulas, or accountability measures that stakeholders may depend on
  • Property tax reduction certainty: The bill doesn't specify guaranteed property tax decreases, only that aid be "commensurate with" ability to pay, leaving implementation details unclear

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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