Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

Senator Buono is dedicated to improving educational opportunities for every student at every level -- from pre-school to college and beyond. In the state legislature, she's played a major role in reshaping New Jersey's educational funding formula so every child -- regardless of socio-economic status or where he or she lives -- is given the tools and support needed to learn and develop to their full potential.

As a prime sponsor of the School Funding Reform Act in 2008, Senator Buono helped reform how our education dollars are spent. By rewriting the education spending formula, Buono helped ensure that tax dollars are being spent effectively and efficiently throughout New Jersey to educate our children. She also sponsored the bill requiring criminal background checks for childcare workers and established the Commission on Bullying In Schools. Senator Buono strengthened the state's anti-bullying laws to keep parents better informed of the protections their children are entitled to and imposing penalties for non-enforcement. She is also responsible for writing the law establishing a School Violence Prevention Week in every New Jersey school, as well as legislation prohibiting schools from posting personal student information on their websites.

Senator Buono is fighting to make our schools more accountable, while giving our teachers and educational institutions the support they need so our children get the attention they deserve. As Senate Majority Leader, she will continue the push for more funding for schools, as well as providing school meals. Senator Buono knows that a first-class education is important to creating the best possible work force for New Jersey's future.

As a graduate of Montclair State University and Rutgers University School of Law -- Senator Buono knows first-hand how effective our public universities are here in New Jersey. Giving our high school students access to college, and increasing access to community colleges is integral to creating an educated work force. In order for New Jersey to stay competitive with surrounding areas, Senator Buono believes we need to invest in our state's colleges and institutions of higher learning.

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