From Education Funding to Tax Cap, Assemblyman Bramnick Addresses Host of Hot-Button Issues

Assemblyman Jon Bramnick (R-Westfield) delivered a sobering talk – leavened with occasional humor – at the Fanwood-Scotch Plains Rotary Club's weekly luncheon at  last Wednesday afternoon. One of the most powerful legislators in the state – and the owner of a law firm that has an office in downtown Scotch Plains – Bramnick addressed a wide range of issues, including budget cuts, education funding and the overall financial future of New Jersey. 

“When you’re in Trenton now, the fun is over,” said Bramnick, who represents the state's 21st Legislative District. “Politicians have a very difficult time saying no. Why? Because we’re all former presidents of the student council, mayors, council people, freeholders, et cetera, and we normally try to make people happy. So when you think about an environment where there is no money, there’s only bad news that we can deliver, it makes it extremely difficult and stressful to be an elected official when you can’t say yes. The days of saying yes are over.”

Bramnick, a close ally of Gov. Chris Christie, argued that the governor has proven more willing than his predecessors to rein-in spending. “Some may not like my governor; I like him," Bramnick said. "He has the uncanny ability of saying no. You may not like that, but I can tell you this; Chris Christie has had the ability, whether you like it or not, to say no. That is so counter-intuitive to everybody I’ve ever grown up with in the political environment.”

Bramnick also discussed education issues at length, particularly how the state designates of "Abbott" schools – public schools in low-income, often urban communities that receive high levels of state aid. 

“A significant portion of all moneys that come into Trenton for education go into those old Abbot districts,” he said. “I’m convinced that the governor wants a different school budget formula because he believes that that formula fails when a district like Hoboken is still deemed to be an Abbott district. That is the war that exists in Trenton. I guarantee there’s going to be changes, because the state simply can’t afford to put that much money into Abbott districts.”

In addition, Bramnick addressed the 2-percent property tax cap. He acknowledged that the measure presents significant challenges to municipal governments, but argued that it is needed to stabilize taxes. "Some of our suburban districts have severely suffered, and what we’re trying to do is equalize that distribution of wealth,” he said. “These are not easy issues, even though they are necessary changes."

Ultimately, Bramnick expressed optimism for the coming year, despite the hurdles. "We have the ability to adapt; that’s what this system is," he said. "This system gives us enough freedom, energy, and creativity as Americans and New Jerseyans to solve these problems. It’s not fun, it’s not enjoyable, it’s very difficult. But I will guarantee you, without a doubt, watching all of the people with humanitarian spirit, we will come out of this and we will do well. We made mistakes, both Republicans and Democrats, but I honestly believe that we’re on the mend because we’ve recognized the problem.”