New Jersey Governor Authorizes $3.9B Spending Bill To Repair Or Rebuild Substandard Schools

Newark, NJ (AHN) - New Jersey's Gov. Jon S. Corzine put his signature on legislation to pour $3.9 billion into improving education for the state's children.

Corzine signed a bill that authorizes funding to replace or to rebuild dozens of substandard schools.

"Today, we fulfill an important obligation to our children by making a down payment on the future of their education," Corzine said in a statement Thursday. "Every student deserves to attend school in a safe and healthy building. This legislation recognizes that there are needs in both the SDA districts and in the suburban and rural districts."

The governor signed the bill at the crowded Oliver Street Elementary School in Newark that was built in 1869. It is an example of one of the schools that will benefit from the funding. Corzine also toured a few other schools Thursday including PS 20 School in Jersey City; Fairview Elementary School in Bloomfield and Fetters School in Camden.

"These funds will meet a critical need for countless New Jersey students who are forced to learn in ancient and often crumbling school buildings," Sen. Shirley Turner, (D-Mercer), was quoted as saying in the statement . "It's our duty to make sure that not a single penny is wasted as we strive to provide a safe and modern educational environment for all students."