TRENTON – Legislative District 14 legislators, Senator Linda Greenstein and Assemblymen Wayne P. DeAngelo and Daniel R. Benson, released the following statement highlighting local investments in this year’s budget:
“As we recover from the detrimental economic impact of the pandemic, this year’s budget is a culmination of our collaborative effort to address the current affordability crisis and improve the quality of life for all New Jerseyans, especially our elderly residents.
With over $11 million in local investments, combined with increases to property tax relief programs like ANCHOR, a full pension payment, and the creation of the StayNJ Tax Relief program, the FY24 budget will lower the cost of living for our seniors significantly. We are putting money toward the expansion of local senior recreational centers, while giving elderly residents the property tax relief they deserve.
Alongside increasing access to affordable housing and doubling the child tax credit, this budget will make large investments to support local infrastructure projects and initiatives. These investments in our local community parks and recreational centers will improve community aesthetics, increase tourism, and provide increased access to a holistic educational experiences for our children.”
The FY24 budget appropriations for Mercer and Middlesex counties include:
• $1.3 million for various recreational needs, including updates to aging park infrastructure at Anker Park, Westfield Park, Wiltshire Park, and Woods Road Community Park; and the creation of outdoor recreation amenities at the East Windsor Senior Center;
• $1 million to the Monroe Township School District (Middlesex) for infrastructure improvements at the Applegarth Elementary School;
• $1 million for a new ladder truck at the Hamilton Fire Division;
• $2.5 million to help Monroe Township (Middlesex) acquire a 10-acre parcel in the north-central section of Monroe to preserve as open space or utilize for passive or active recreation;
• $983,000 to the Robbinsville Township School District for the restoration of several teaching positions, curriculum and learning supports, and upgrades to digital infrastructure.
• $750,000 to design and construct a multi-purpose recreational facility in Plainsboro’s Community Park, including basketball hoops, hockey/soccer goals, pickle ball, and more- all ADA and safety compliant;
• $300,000 for the installation of an “inclusive playground” in Cranbury – likely in Village Park;
• $1 million to address regional flooding connected to Wigwam Brook Pond and Dam in Jamesburg Borough.
• $2.5 million to the Monroe Township Police Headquarters for the construction of an addition.
• $200,000 towards the acquisition of a facility to house the headquarters for Robbinsville and Hightstown police departments.
• $150 million in energy tax receipts to be distributed to municipalities around the state.