Assemblyman Avi Schnall and Senator Bob Singer have successfully secured $7 million in state budget funds for the township. This crucial funding is a direct result of their relentless advocacy and underscoring to legislative leaders the glaring inequities in the current municipal funding formula.

Despite being one of New Jersey’s largest municipalities, Lakewood receives the second-lowest municipal aid per capita in the state. This severe underfunding has left the township struggling to cover essential services, including police, fire, public works, and other critical needs.

Assemblyman Schnall has been vocal about the inequity of the existing funding formula, pointing to Lakewood, the largest municipality in his district, as a prime example of the disparities.”Lakewood’s growth and unique needs have been persistently overlooked by the state’s municipal aid formula,” said Schnall.

“This additional $7 million is a step in the right direction, but it is imperative that we reform the formula to ensure Lakewood and other similarly situated municipalities receive the aid they deserve.”Senator Bob Singer echoed these sentiments, emphasizing theneed for a more equitable distribution of state funds.

“The current system is outdated and unjust. It is our duty to correct this imbalance to provide fair support to all communities, especially those as large as Lakewood,” said Singer.

Lakewood Mayor Ray Coles expressed his gratitude and frustration: “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Assemblyman Schnall and Senator Singer for their tireless efforts in securing this much-needed funding for Lakewood. Their dedication to our community has made a significant difference. However, it is unacceptable that Lakewood has been perpetually underfunded. This $7 million is a necessary relief, but it is high time the state addresses the root cause.”