New Jersey has a huge deficit coming up in the next budget (July 1, 2025) on the order of $3.8 billion, which is projected to increase to over $4 billion, and realistically, the State Legislature cannot and should not raise income or property taxes because New Jersey is already unaffordable in terms of housing, utility costs (which are also going up 20% on June 1, 2025), food, and other major expenses. That means services will have to be pared back so that will undoubtedly be the most pressing challenge facing us. There is a surplus now, but surpluses are for true disastrous "rainy days." We have to have a sustainable budget, and we have to keep the buses and trains running.

I would support mandatory civics training in high schools and middle schools, including personal finance (savings, investing, taxes, etc.) and participation in local government (internships, mock elections, etc.) so that students and graduates understand basics like property, wage and income taxes, and how to recognize and promote efficiency in government, asset financing, etc. Our many school districts and towns should combine and that wil not occur without more understanding of how to do it, how other States do it, and how individual town cultures will not really change. These good government basics (including running for election) should not be "Greek" to any of our citizens; the youth will be taking over very soon. If they can't pay off college debt and buy a house, which is the biggest welaht builder, we wil have failed. In NJ we are lucky to have good checks and balances, fairly good representation across gender, culture etc (it can always improve) and an independent judiciary.

While NJ has strong national and multi-national corporations and business centers, most people are employed in NJ by small to medium sized businesses. We have to support them with capital, operating loans where appropriate, and permit and other support so that starting a business is easier, quicker and clearer in terms of regulations and red tape. As well, I would invest more in our technical and vocational schools because technology and related industry is where our future lies. Finally I would encourage corporations to start internship programs at our county colleges and state colleges and universities to strengthen the NJ study-work bond and keep our graduates and most talented HS seniors from leaving the State.

We've come a long way since Abbot. v. Burke and Robinson v. Cahill. Non-operating school districts have to be eliminated and schools which are only K-3 or K-6 should be combined where possible to reduce the tax burden of multiple administrative positions etc which will create the savings to allow the current funding formula to be implemented in a fair and equitable manner. It's tough medicine but that is why property taxes are lower in states that have county-run school systems like Maryland.

I support the Immigrant Trust Act although I think the criticisms of it are reasonable. I think it is beyond debate that Congress needs to pass legislation to give the undocumented a realistic pathway to citizenship in a reasonable period of time. However, people coming here also have to come into the country at a legal entry point, and apply for citizenship and make all of their appointments and hearings, and stay crime-free. Immigration and Nationality Act allows the US to grant up to 675,000 permanent visas each year and there is no limit on the annual admission of U.S. citizens’ spouses, parents, and children under the age of 21. And there are other ways to enter the country legally. People forget that President Obama deported more aliens than any president so far. But I also support a secure border; the unsecure border made a political mess of everything and has caused the current situation including deportations of children born here, and family separations, etc.

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Property tax relief - Full funding for the Stay New Jersey program Affordable housing - doubling production of housing, expanding homeownership, cracking down on corporate landlords, eliminating bad rent-setting algorithms and holding wealthy towns accountable for blocking development. Affordable healthcare for the middle-class- expansion of New Jersey family cares program Women's reproductive rights - push for a constitutional amendment to protect women’s reproductive rights. Other important issues and solutions- expand universal pre-K into suburban areas. Second, change how Trenton compensates day care providers to improve parent options. Third adjust the school funding formula to lower property costs around special education that should be paid for by Trenton and not local property taxes.

Support continued use of open ballots in primary elections Eliminate newly enacted restrictions on requesting OPRA ....these restrictions are a barrier to open government

Property tax relief - Full funding for the Stay New Jersey program Affordable housing - doubling production of housing, expanding homeownership Expand New Jersey child tax credit

Ensure that New Jersey state funding formula provides adequate equitable education for all

I will fight President Trump’s attempts to stoke fear and chaos. Federal ICE agents will be expected to follow the laws. I will protect schools and houses of worship from raids. I will introduce legislation to invest in legal assistance and services. I do not support investment of resources in cooperating with ICE raids. If the Immigrant Trust Act is not law, I will make it a priority.