Governor Chris Christie had declared 2011, “The Year Of Education Reform” yet his top three bills have yet to be passed. What’s the hold up?

Governor Chris Christie
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During a press conference at Bordentown Regional High School, Christie said his main priorities in terms of education are merit pay, teacher tenure reform and the Opportunity Scholarship Act, which would provide tax credits to entities contributing to scholarships for low-income students.

“These things are always up for negotiation and discussion…but we are talking about it is on a list of things that myself, the Senate President and the Speaker have agreed that we are going to try and move this year” said Christie.

The governor also said he was encouraged by a recent hearing on tenure reform lead by Senator Teresa Ruiz (D-29).

“There were a lot of positive comments and I think there was some really great progress made.”

Christie said he understands the “Trenton lingo” that just because the Legislature has agreed to address education reform bills, doesn’t mean they ultimately will.

“How much we get done is going to be a product of other things we get done like tax cuts and a budget…if we get those things done between now and June that leaves a little space to get education reform done. If not, then we’ll see what happens…but you can be sure that I will be using my gentle persuasion to try and make sure we address this.”

 

 

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