Diocese produces PSA about nonpublic school transportation funding

The Diocese of Trenton’s Department of Multimedia Production, in conjunction with the Department of Catholic Schools and New Jersey Catholic Conference, recently produced a 30-second public service announcement regarding proposed transportation funding for the state’s nonpublic schools.

The video, set to be distributed across the state’s five dioceses, was created to encourage action, not only from the Catholic community, but the community at large to ensure the right of safe transport to school is available to every New Jersey child.

The fiscal year 2018 budget proposed by Gov. Chris Christie restricts key funding to nonpublic schools, including freezing funds for nonpublic school transportation at 2007-08 levels. This could result in bus companies cancelling routes and students transferring to public schools, creating millions of dollars in increased costs for taxpayers. According to the New Jersey Constitution, a balanced Budget must be approved as an Appropriations Act and signed by the Governor before July 1.

Gov. Christie’s proposed budget also includes the elimination of the Nonpublic School Security Program, as well as cuts to nonpublic school nursing services and technology aid. 

You can learn more about the proposed budget and how to contact your legislators at dioceseoftrenton.org/action.