Watchung Could Get More State Aid Under Proposed NJ Tax Plan

WATCHUNG, NJ — Watchung could receive more state aid under a new plan from state lawmakers to provide property tax cap relief for districts that are facing cuts.

Watchung could get $592,997 in state aid for the 2019-20 academic year, a nearly $45,000, or 8.2 percent, increase than last year, according to a plan from New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney.

The potential increase could be even greater for the Watchung Hills Regional High School district. It could receive nearly $1.6 million in aid, or $139,000 more than last year, a 9.6 percent increase.

Nearly 200 districts could, potentially, see a decrease in the amount of aid they receive. Read more: Toms River Sends 27 Buses To Support Our Students Rally

Sweeney said this weekend he will introduce legislation to provide property tax cap relief for districts facing cuts due to a 2 percent tax increase cap championed by former Gov. Chris Christie.

Sweeney said elected officials will keep working to consolidate nearly 300 school districts as a cost-saving strategy. Read more: Renewed Push On Plan To Eliminate 275 NJ School Districts

Click here to read Patch's coverage of Sweeney's property tax cap relief plan.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com